Have you ever wondered how the cars of Asphalt 9 are created?

Could you introduce yourself, explain who you are, and what you do?

My name is Damiano, the Lead 3D Vehicle Artist for both projects being created by Gameloft Barcelona, Asphalt 9: Legends and Disney Speedstorm. We are a team of seven people, and we are responsible for the vehicles you can use in the game. As soon as they tell us to produce a car, we immediately take care of it, and we continue doing so until the end of the process when the car is incorporated into the game and appears in the garage.

How do you choose which cars are added into the game?

The game design team selects the cars that will be added to the game. They have a greater vision of what car would be a perfect fit for the game and the player’s needs. We do actively participate in suggesting new cars, as we are all passionate about them and are constantly updating ourselves about the car market and current news. We really want to be informed about anything that happens within the car world. I am really interested in anything that has wheels and an engine.

What happens after the decision to add to the game a car is taken?

Once the game designers tell us which car needs to be produced, we will then sync with the licensing team, who oversee dealing with the manufacturers. They will contact the car company and ask them for the car CAD file.

The CAD file is a 3D model used by the manufacturers for the real car production, to create molds and anything for the final car’s bodywork, interiors, seats…
We specifically use this CAD file because it is the most accurate way to recreate the car in the game, however it cannot be used “as is”. The 3D model is very complex and “unusable” for real time. We need to “translate” it into something that we can use, so that the real time engine of Asphalt 9 can digest it and render it out efficiently.

We use a technique called “retopology” that consists in placing 3D vertices on the CAD model to exactly copy its shapes and volumes. We do this to ensure the best quality for each car model.

How long does the process usually take?

Overall, the entire process for a car takes around 3 months. Usually, the first glance of a completed model is visible after 3 to 4 weeks. As we require the best quality possible. We started a validation process with the manufacturer. From their side, the manufacturer has to approve the model, as we want the 3D model to be as close to the real thing as possible, to offer our players a realistic car to play with and be satisfied with how it appears. After a round of feedback to improve quality, there are still some technical things to do before we can consider a car model to be ready. LODs, special effects, damages, behavior and much more are needed for the perfect functioning in the game.

What happens to the car when the 3D model is done?

Once the 3D model is done, we make sure it respects all technical requirements to work flawlessly in the game. We also add animations for active dynamic wings or foldable roofs in case the car has it. This is a very enjoyable process ????

Then we create the LOD (level of details) that consists of taking models with a higher polygon count (higher resolution) and then reduce them to create “simpler” versions of the same car. Think about real life: if an object is 100mt away, you won’t see as many details as having it 1mt away. We use these different models to recreate this effect and increase game performance (when the car is closed the higher resolution version is used and, as the car gets further away, a simpler model is used).

After this process, we create all the “extra” things a car needs: roof, wings and animations, if the model has them. We created the driver animation too, as all cars have different seats, shape, cockpit space, and different driving positions. 

Special FX like nitro pick up and glow effect are then added and tested in the game.

We also create all the colors, which the player can choose between and prep special models for car customization (carbon parts, rims, and car paint)

Was there anything special about working on the Lamborghini Revuelto?

Working on this car was something different for us. We knew the project was extremely secretive as we were working on the 3D model of the car before its release. Automobili Lamborghini trusted us in sending extremely delicate and sensitive information and we wanted to honor their trust. We treated every file they sent us with extreme care to be as safe and secure as possible. 

It was great working with Lamborghini while they were finalizing the car for the reveal, we received a lot of feedback, including them asking us to change some parts, colors to exactly match the real model. We truly felt like part of the Lamborghini team. Working together to present one of the finest supercars the world will ever see to the public.  

It was also fun to see all the renders that car enthusiasts created while speculating what the next Lamborghini would look like. We had a lot of fun casting our votes on the renders that resembled the real car the most. I must say that some of them were pretty accurate! 

Any advice for the people who, after reading this might be thinking about pursuing this as a career?

Vehicle artistry is a very technical job, and super niche and specific. You need to be passionate about cars, or it will soon be uninteresting for those who lack passion and drive. 

The most important thing is to take some modeling classes and ask a sector professional for mentorship as they can share and teach specific tips and tricks that were learned during many years of experience. Do not be afraid to ask, we do not bite. Create a good portfolio with a few but worthy works, because as we say it quality over quantity.