Modeling the Jetpack

Designing the Jetpack was a challenge because it is an object that has a stereotypical look. Most of the images associated with the jetpack have cylinders that expel a jet (this is how real jetpacks work). As the context of the game means that the jetpack doesn’t work with jets, but a material that can manipulate gravity, the conventions associated with the jetpack could go out the window.

Like a lot of good design work, even fantastical ideas are in some way grounded in reality. Therefore existing rucksacks and backpacks were studied to see how they could be fitted ergonomically to a person. If the jetpack looked comfortable it would be believable, therefore ergonomic design was paramount.

Modeling the Jetpack was Difficult as it would be a fairly complicated design. Here are some preliminary sketches using Alchemy.

Despite the preliminary sketches, the design of the jetpack was limited to my ability to use Maya and Mudbox effectively. It would be difficult to create what looked like an ergonomically designed object in a short amount of time.

The jetpack was modeled by extruding faces of a cube and smoothing them, making them appear as vents, deformers were then used to bend the model, making it look ergonomically designed.

The jetpack did not fit the character in Mudbox exactly, but the grab tool help put it into position as well as further making it look like it wrapped around the back.

Finally to paint the jetpack, a dull grey was used as a base coat, then the stamp tool in Mudbox was used to give the impression of paint wearing off. This aged the jetpack and made it look used.

If the jetpack didn’t have to be transported into Mudbox for rendering, a more intricate design, glowing vents and lights could have been made.