Kinga Rudzka

Synopsis

This project explores the contrast of beauty and horror within the portrayal of women in Polish mythology, combining it into one character and presenting it in the form of a 3D model ready for game implementation. Inspired by the tales of Rusalkas; strikingly beautiful or disgustingly grotesque water nymphs that lure men into their grasps with their beauty and playfulness, only to take their life. Incorporating traditional Polish attire and culture into the design, the project also explores how Dead By Daylight specifically handles its killer characters, looking at both visual design and technical optimisation.

Project info

Developer Kinga Rudzka
Showcase year 2025
Programme Computer Arts

What has been a highlight of your time at Abertay?

The best thing about Abertay so far has been meeting likeminded people that I got to befriend and work on some amazing projects with. I have made friends from various different disciplines and we get to make amazing games together for the various game jams or competitions that Abertay organises. I really enjoy showcasing those projects too, as it allows us to get valuable feedback from the public that come to visit Abertay during events, or from fellow game designers, sparks many interesting conversations.

What motivated you to develop/create this project?

I really wanted to explore and learn about the mythology and folklore of the place I was born and raised in, and I thought creating a creative project would be a fun and engaging way to tackle the subject, as I had my own lived experiences, stories from friends and family, as well as reading resources in another language that helped broaden my research. I am a big fan of horror and fantasy, and combining the two seemed like a natural progression. I decided to create my character for the wolrd of Dead By Daylight, as I really enjoy how open and free that universe is; anything can exist within it, so my project felt like a perfect fit for that game. The models for the game can also be found online, and having a reference point to base my technical aspects of the project on was a great help, as this is an area of the pipeline I can struggle with at times.

What are your hopes and future ambitions for after graduation?

I hope to find a job in the industry, preferably as a character artist, concept or 3D modeler. A dream come true would be working on a horror or fantasy title within the industry, designing and creating characters with fellow creatives.