This case study explores our collaborative efforts with Frontier to develop the F1 Manager game, a management simulation based on the prestigious Formula 1 intellectual property (IP). After acquiring the rights in 2019, Frontier aimed to create a game that closely mirrors the real-world racing experience, emphasizing the artwork that brings the circuits and environments to life. Our role was crucial in supplementing Frontier’s limited in-house capacity and expertise, significantly contributing to the game’s artistic direction and production.
Develop a racetrack that provides an authentic Formula 1 experience.
The mission for this project was clear: to develop a high-quality racetrack surrounding an environment that faithfully represents the Formula 1 experience. The game's overall aesthetic extends from the racetracks. With development starting in 2020 and a target release date set for 2022, the brief required not only the creation of a vast array of assets but also the integration of these assets into a fully functioning game environment. Our objective was to ensure that Frontier could achieve their vision despite their limited experience with racing games and the small size of their internal team.
Frontier’s limited capacity on their art team and the requirement to ramp up in a short span were two of the most significant challenges. The project demanded the creation of artwork that closely resembled real-world racetracks and other racing elements, requiring a level of expertise and capacity to support Frontier. Additionally, the timeline was tight, with development beginning in 2020 and a planned release in 2022. Structuring production to allow for maximum outsourcing was essential, and Lakshya was brought on board to fill these gaps.
To address these challenges, we deployed a team of skilled artists from our UK and US studios, alongside a full-time Art Director dedicated to the project. Our approach involved taking full responsibility for key aspects of the art production process, including scoping, gathering references, specification creation, and integration into the client’s engine. By assuming these roles, we were able to provide Frontier not only with the capacity they needed but also with valuable game development expertise that extended beyond simple 3D asset creation.
Our team utilized 3D modeling and texturing techniques to support the F1 Manager project. We employed software like Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine for asset creation. Additionally, we gathered reference materials and scoped assets for integration within the client’s Perforce Depot, facilitating collaboration across multiple studios while ensuring the assets fit within the game environment.
We used advanced 3D modeling, texturing, and environment design techniques to integrate assets for the F1 Manager project. We managed the integration within the client’s Perforce Depot, facilitating collaboration across studios. Our process included scoping necessary assets, gathering references, creating technical briefs, and conducting reviews to ensure quality and seamless incorporation into the game environment.
Our team developed a series of tailored solutions to meet the project’s specific needs. We identified and scoped the necessary assets for each track, sourced and compiled detailed reference materials, and created precise technical briefs for execution by artists in our India studio. Additionally, we managed all aspects of asset integration and conducted thorough reviews at every phase to ensure the highest quality. This structured approach allowed us to contribute beyond mere asset creation, adding significant value to the overall project.
The process involved a carefully coordinated workflow, starting with the ramp-up of a team that eventually grew to over 100 artists at its peak. We played a pivotal role in defining the specifications and budgets for each track and designing modular and material systems to optimize texture use. Over the course of the project, we contributed approximately 9,000 man-days of work, creating over 3,000 assets, including buildings, props, and track dressings for 25 circuits. Our structured process ensured that each asset met the highest standards, seamlessly integrating into the game environment and contributing to the final product’s success.
Initiated with over 100 artists to ensure project scalability.
Defined specifications and budgets for each project track.
Developed systems to optimize texture usage and enhance efficiency.
Provided approximately 9,000 man-days of dedicated work.
Produced over 3,000 diverse assets, including buildings and props.
Created assets for a total of 25 distinct circuits.
The Comprehensive Development Process Behind High-Octane Games Proven Costly, Often Requiring More Supervision.
