When we set out to create Emberlings, we knew the artwork had to do more than just support the gameplay — it had to bring the world of magical dragons to life in a way that captured the hearts of every player. Each piece of art — from the cute dragons to the immersive landscapes — was carefully crafted to create a game world that feels vibrant, magical, and full of character. But the process of developing Emberlings’ art was more than just assigning artists to tasks. It involved collaboration, personal inspiration, and a dedication to every major and minor detail.
The dragons of Emberlings are undoubtedly the stars of the show. These adorable creatures are more than just a pawn on a board — they charm players and make an emotional impact.
From the very beginning, the dragons had to earn one special person’s seal of approval: our founder’s 11 year-old daughter, whose passion for dragons inspired the entire game. Every dragon design went through her for the ultimate thumbs up or down. We knew that if she loved them, so would our players.
While we worked with multiple talented artists, one artist’s particular style stood out for the dragons themselves, giving them their playful and whimsical look. The dragons underwent the most revisions during the process because we wanted to ensure that every player would have a real connection with them. Over time, the dragons evolved into the wide-eyed, lovable creatures they are today, with big personalities that shine through their designs.
A fun addition we made during the design process was the decision to add the illustration of 3D bases under the dragons’ feet, giving them a tabletop miniatures feel. This small touch added depth to their presence on the board, making each dragon feel more tangible and special to the players who control them.
While the dragons are at the center of Emberlings, the world they inhabit had to be equally captivating. We turned to another team of artists to bring the game’s floating islands and landscapes to life. Each magic island needed to feel like a place worth fighting for — a unique realm filled with treasures, mysteries, and adventure.
The world map, tile frames, and environmental elements all had their own dedicated artists who specialized in these aspects. The result is a game board that feels alive, with rich details like glowing runes, enchanted forests, and hidden treasures that add layers of immersion. As players move their dragons across the board, they’re not just playing a game — they’re exploring a magical world full of surprises.
A key part of Emberlings is its innovative mechanics, adapted from our partnership with ZU Studios. Incorporating elements like mystic squares and elemental compatibility symbols, we needed the artwork to make these mechanics clear and engaging without detracting from the overall visual appeal.
The elemental symbols on the tiles had to be distinct enough for players to quickly understand, yet integrated smoothly into the design. These mechanics not only influence the strategy of the game but also tie back into the artwork, with dragons and islands sharing these elemental traits.
Developing the art for Emberlings was a true collaborative effort. We worked with multiple artists, each excelling in different areas of the game’s design. Having already partnered with some of these artists on other projects through Kraken Sales Funnels, we knew they had the experience and talent to bring this world to life.
Our network includes artists with impressive backgrounds, including experience with White Dwarf and Cool Mini or Not, which helped us maintain high artistic standards throughout the development process. By drawing on the expertise of these artists, we were able to refine each piece of artwork through multiple iterations, ensuring that everything from the dragons to the tile frames aligned with our vision for Emberlings.
One of our key goals with Emberlings was to create an emotional connection between players and the game. We wanted to make sure that every time a player flipped over a dragon egg, they’d feel that “aww” moment as they discovered their new dragon with its big eyes and adorable design. It’s not just about the strategy of the game — it’s about the joy of uncovering these little creatures and watching them take flight.
As players engage in dragon battles, explore magic islands, and grow their treasure hoards, we believe they’ll form attachments to their favorite dragons. Each dragon has its own name and unique traits, and we can easily imagine players developing favorites that they root for game after game. It’s these small, personal touches that we hope will create lasting memories for players.
At Kraken Games Lab, we believe that art is an essential part of the gaming experience. With Emberlings, we’ve designed every detail to not only look beautiful but to also enhance the gameplay. From the moment you hatch your first dragon to the final tile placed on the board, the artwork is meant to draw you into the world and keep you coming back for more.
We can’t wait to see how players interact with the art of Emberlings — the excitement, the joy, and the connection they’ll feel with their dragons. After all, it’s these experiences that make the game truly magical.
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