Morbid Metal developer explains why he ditched an origami art direction in favor of gritty sci-fi 'It worked, but it didn't really feel like me'

Date:
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Description:
Morbid Metal developer Felix Schade on the art direction of his new action game.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member
features. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Morbid Metal developer Felix Schade has discussed the inspirations behind his game's art direction He originally intended to make an origami-themed game, but pivoted to gritty sci-fi He was also greatly encouraged by Bright Memory: Infinite Morbid Metal developer Felix Schade has discussed the art direction of the recently launched action game and revealed one of his biggest inspirations.

Schade developed Morbid Metal over the course of nine years, initially
working from his bedroom and posting clips of his early efforts online. The resulting flurry of social media attention eventually caught the attention of gaming giant Ubisoft, with the company agreeing to publish his title. This gave him the funds to create a now 11-person game studio. The game was recently released in early access and is available via Steam , with a largely positive reception from players so far. In addition to a unique shapeshifting mechanic, it stands out thanks to its gritty sci-fi art direction that looks almost like a cross between Warframe and the Shadow Warrior series. Article continues below You may like This Ubisoft-published action game began as an origami-themed university project The Mortuary Assistant director says the game's developer was enormously supportive The Mortuary Assistant director on turning the horror game into a movie

Morbid Metal didn't always look this way, however, and, in an interview with TechRadar Gaming, Schade revealed how its art direction has evolved over its lengthy development time. He said his original vision for the game was something origami-themed, "where you can fold your piece of paper into different origami figurines, each with their own unique skills" in a bright and colorful world.

"At the beginning, I was just trying to figure out what I could do on my own. This origami setting, it worked, but it didn't really feel like me," he
added. The big change in direction came when he started working on Morbid Metal full-time in 2020: "When I really took it more seriously, it was really important for me that [the game] was something that I could be fully passionate about." Bright Memory (pictured) released in 2020. (Image credit: FYQD-Studio, PLAYISM) From a setting and visual perspective, it needed to be something that I really resonate with personally," he continued. "Otherwise,
I don't think I would have the perseverance to do this for nine years!"

He also pinpointed one particular indie game that was a huge source of encouragement. "At around that time, there was a game called Bright Memory: Infinite , also made by a solo dev," he recalled. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

"The game really gave me so much inspiration, and the confidence that something visually striking can be done by a very small or solo dev team. He proved it, and I was like, 'okay, I can do this too.'"

Asked why the direction that he settled on appealed, Schade simply said, "I love it. It's just cool." Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/gaming-industry/morbid-metal-developer-explai ns-why-he-ditched-an-origami-art-direction-in-favor-of-gritty-sci-fi-it-worked -but-it-didnt-really-feel-like-me


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)