Imperium bundle: Elegant Skin power unleashed through next-level design
Valorant's ever-evolving universe is set to be enriched once again with the launch of the highly anticipated Imperium bundle in Episode 7, Act II. This remarkable skin bundle takes players on a journey steeped in East Asian culture, seamlessly blending the allure of dragons, enchanting jewels, and mythical motifs.
Developed by the creative minds at Riot Games, this skin bundle introduces a plethora of intricately designed weapons and accessories, offering players a chance to wield elegance and power on the battlefield like never before.
Origins and evolution of the Imperium bundle
Remembered by Closed Beta participants from 2020, the Imperium Skinline was initially inspired by East Asian weaponry and armor, with the dragon as its central emblem. However, the creative team believed that the concept possessed untapped potential. Jean Luc Tin Sive, the Senior Game Producer, explained how they decided to revolutionize the skin design once again:
"We felt the fantasy was strong and that it deserved to be pushed further to bring out its full potential. Instead of releasing the simple skinline just like it was, we went back to the drawing board and redesigned it to what you see today." - Jean Luc Tin Sive
Imperium Finisher First variant (credits: Riot Games)Cultural inspiration and design philosophy
The Imperium Skinline draws inspiration from the majesty of East Asian dragons and the opulence of jewel materials. This time, the team worked closely with Riot's China team and explored authentic artifacts from China, integrating intricate gold ornaments into the design.
Kerwin Atienza, the Art Direction Senior Manager, highlighted the objective of crafting weapons that transcend mere tools of destruction:
"Our goal was to make the weapons feel like they were treasures imbued with magic. The variants were inspired by Chinese mythology, with each weapon variant representing different dragon kings and their respective colors." - Kerwin Atienza
Imperium bundle variants (credits: Riot)Overcoming design hurdles and pioneering creativity
Imperium's journey wasn't without its challenges. The most captivating aspect of the skinline, the colossal dragon finisher, faced a significant transformation.
Initially intended to be smaller for gameplay and environmental compatibility, the dragon didn't evoke the awe-inspiring feel the designers aimed for.
To rectify this, the team pivoted, resulting in a magnificent, larger-than-life dragon that encapsulates the fantasy's grandeur. This Finisher now promises to be a climactic moment for players to cherish as they secure victories for their team.
Anson Tan, the Concept Art Manager, and Bastien Ramisse, the Character Art Manager, played pivotal roles in overcoming technical hurdles.
In spaces where the dragon's grandeur might have clashed with the environment, their meticulous efforts ensured that the dragon's magnificence would be visible in most scenarios, enhancing the overall player experience.
Look at the size of all those dragons! (credits: Riot)The Imperium skin bundle: A deep dive
In summary, the Imperium Skin Bundle is an embodiment of elegance fused with potency. Key features include:
- One of the most expansive Finishers in Valorant's history, featuring different dragon variants.
- Immersive custom firing audio and mesmerizing visual effects.
- Intricate color variants, each representing a distinct dragon king.
- The introduction of dual-handed blade melee weaponry, the Blades of Imperium.
- A curated selection of weapons, including the Vandal, Judge, Operator, and Sheriff.
- A host of accessories like the Imperium card, spray, and gun buddy, adding an extra layer of personalization.
Imperium's tiered evolution
The Imperium Skinline's progression across levels is a testament to Riot Games' commitment to delivering exceptional gameplay experiences. The evolution encompasses both weapons and melee:
- Guns: Ranging from custom models to bespoke audio and visual effects, the guns evolve through four levels. Variants boast designs of red (ruby), white (pearl), and black (obsidian), each adorned with a unique dragon that magnifies the skinline's thematic prowess.
- Melee: The melee weapons, the Blades of Imperium, are a highlight on their own. Evolving through levels and variants, these dual-handed blades embrace intricate design and animations, accompanied by variations in red, white, and black.
One of the four Imperium Melee variants (credits: RIOT)Conclusion
As Valorant's universe continues to expand, the Imperium Skinline stands as a remarkable testament to Riot Games' creativity, attention to detail, and passion for offering players experiences that resonate deeply.
With its roots in East Asian culture, a mesmerizing fusion of dragon mythology and jewel elegance, and a dedication to overcoming design obstacles, the Imperium Skinline emerges as a true masterpiece.
On August 29, 2023, players will undoubtedly wield the elegance and power of Imperium, channeling the might of dragons and immersing themselves in the stunning fantasy it brings to life.