November 26, 2018
5 Questions With…Petri Räsänen
5 Questions with Petri Räsänen
1. Where were you/what did you do before working at Seriously?
Previously, I worked as a senior game artist at a company called Rocket Pack. We made various HTML5 based browser and mobile games. After the company was acquired by Disney, I got to work on projects with some of their iconic characters! In addition to working for various game companies, I did some graphic design and illustration for print during the early part of my career.
2. What is your current role at Seriously?
I’m a Lead Artist. I started at Seriously when Best Fiends was still in early development and we did not have any original game art besides the character illustrations. My job included making the early puzzle, UI graphics, as well as finding good ways to animate all the characters. Most notably, I made the art for the innovative rolling world map and developed the 3D world you travel through when defeating the Slugs. Both features were quite unique for Best Fiends when it launched back in 2014 as most puzzle games presented their world as static, flat images.
After moving from Best Fiends, I was responsible for making the visuals for Best Fiends Forever and worked on an unreleased Best Fiends project. I’ve also done multiple smaller game prototypes (including AR and VR!) where I got the opportunity to try my hand at coding and design. Even though art is my primary craft, I’m interested in all aspects of game development.
3. What’s your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is developing unique ways you can push the visual presentation in games. Most mobile devices can’t efficiently render fancy 3D lighting and materials, but that gives you an opportunity to find other creative ways to create a standout look. One example is mixing 3D and 2D elements to combine the aesthetic qualities of a painted picture with the feeling of movement afforded by 3D.
Currently I’m part of a very small team starting a new project. It’s great thinking of ways we can let the player experience the world in a more immersive fashion while still keeping the interaction simple and intuitive.
4. Who is your favorite Fiend or Slug and why?
Kwincy. His simple, readable design makes him a character that fits in many roles and settings.
5. When you are not working at Seriously or playing Best Fiends, what do you enjoy doing?
I love games in general and try to keep up with all standout titles on consoles, PC, mobile, and even VR. Occasionally I like playing with gadgets like drones, cameras, and personal electric vehicles. And of course I like to make art, too.