Evolving the Visuals of Xyzzya

The Need for Change

For quite some time now, I've felt that Xyzzya's graphics, especially the background images and the graphical user interface (GUI), needed a serious revamp. The current visuals, while functional, give off a rather rough and unpolished appearance, unbefitting the untapped vein of awesomeness that the core of Xyzzya delivers. The existing frontend should be ashamed of itself... And that's why, after much contemplation and creative exploration and consultations with the committee, we have decided to focus the end of Q4 on an overhaul the graphics of Xyzzya.

Introducing the Newfangled Login Page

To start, I turned my creative focus towards enhancing the user's first point of interaction with the game - the Login Page. Here's a peek at the newly-redesigned (and implemented) Login Page for Xyzzya:

Screenshot: Xyzzya Login Page

This new design isn't just a visual upgrade.

It's a complete reimagining of the user experience from the very first moment. A rebirth, if you will. An opportunity for atonement. A nod to the darker side of ourselves. I should probably digress… We’ll get there.

Rethinking the Game's UI/UX: A Journey of Exploration

The time has finally come that I couldn't put off a UI/UX overhaul for Xyzzya any longer. Xyzzya hitherto has been unremarkable in the aesthetic sense, and I’m putting that lightly. When I look at it, I see the beautifully-crafted intricacies of the innerworkings of the beast, but I’m the only one...

So, while it’s not my favorite thing to do, a graphics redesign is what is needed most. I want others to see what I do.

So, after dedicating considerable time to researching and rethinking the game's user interface and user experience, I've arrived at a fresh and exciting concept that I believe will elevate the entire gaming experience. Here's a sneak peek at the concept art for the desktop (top) and mobile versions of Xyzzya.

GUI Concept Art - Widescreen

GUI Concept Art - Mobile

These images capture the essence of what I envision for the game's future. You'll notice the GUI elements now have a paper-like texture, adding an old-school charm that complements the game's core. As for the backgrounds, they've been designed to be immersive yet retain a distinct video game vibe, ensuring that players are completely absorbed in the world of Xyzzya.

This redesign is about aligning the game's visuals with its identity. Over the coming week, I'll be working to implement these changes, bringing the game so much closer to delivering the experience that I have envisioned.

I'm super excited about this fresh look and can't wait to share the final result with you all. Stay tuned as I continue to blend art and technology to enhance every aspect of Xyzzya, ensuring that each element of the game is not just functional, but a joy to behold.

— Timothy Kanski

Chief Pixel Paladin of Xyzzya