3D Modeling Project Ideas for Mobile Games

Pavel Konstantinov
By Pavel Konstantinov

CEO & Founder at RetroStyle Games |

Ask a Question

If we omit hyper-casual gaming, AAA-like mobile gaming is on the rise. Players are expecting mobile games to be as realistic and immersive as PC and console ones. Some of the most popular mobile games, like PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Roblox adapted 3D multi-platform titles.

When searching for mobile game design ideas, never ignore the possibilities of 3D technologies. Even if your game is 2D, you can add more complexity to it using pre-rendered 3D models as sprites. It not only adds in-depth space but gives you more flexibility when making changes.

3D Modeling Project Unique Game Ideas for Mobile Device

Overview of 3D Modeling Basics

We know how easy it can be to fall into the rabbit hole, polishing every extra detail of your model. The basics are the things you should be aware of in the first place. Throughout our experience in 3d modeling outsourcing, we picked out these key principles that make a good 3D model:

  • 1

    Silhouette

    Make your character or prop recognizable at the first glance.

  • 2

    Readability

    A mobile device has a smaller screen. Make sure players understand all the shapes they see.

  • 3

    Recognition

    Players need to read the difference between ally and enemy.

  • 4

    Style

    Choose an art style depending on the game genre and target audience. Thus, some mobile game art ideas will appeal to casual gamers, others to hardcore ones.

These fundamentals work best for 3D characters and props. However, a game itself is not a bunch of objects scattered around. It is a whole picture made of story, characters, worldbuilding, game design, and level design. Making a game concept, and brainstorming game level design ideas that will catch players’ interest.

3D modeling studio

From 3D concept development to complex 3D production, we offer a full range of custom 3D art services.

Trends in Mobile Game Graphics and Technology

When coming up with mobile game concept ideas, it is crucial to understand the latest trends in the mobile gaming industry. When it comes to style, the US market is almost evenly split between realistic and cartoon game art styles.

Cartoon art style dominates in casual and hyper-casual games, and the realistic 3D art style is a top choice when it comes to mid-core mobile games. 2D manga art styles are more popular in the Japanese and Chinese markets, where they occupy almost half of the market. On the contrary, US and European users prefer 3D graphics.

Top 3D mobile game design ideas

Top 3D Modeling Project Ideas for Mobile Games

The mobile gaming market is the most rapidly growing niche of the game industry. It occupies more than 60% of the market and is larger than console and PC gaming combined. The growing adoption of innovative technologies and increasing smartphone usage are contributing to the growth of 3D modeling in the gaming industry.

To stand out among a multitude of competitors, you should come up with catchy and unique game ideas for mobile platforms. Also, don’t forget about video game logo ideas to build a unique brand identity for your project. A memorable logo should fit with the aesthetic and theme of a game.

PS: If you already have some ideas for video games, learn about how to pitch your game idea in this article.

Idea #1: 3D Modeling a Character

Character design is one of the most fun parts of game world-building. If your creative well is running a little dry, try to search for some inspiration. Think about what type of character will fit in the world you’re creating. Real-life references of humans and animals are an easy way to find key elements like body shapes, poses, hair, and fur textures.

Look at artworks of your favorite artists or search for mobile game art ideas on Pinterest, ArtStation, DeviantArt, or simply on Google Images. If you don’t have a 3d character designer with strong drawing skills, creativity, and a wide knowledge of animation, you can use 3d character modeling services.

mobile game concept ideas for 3d modeling character sculpt draft

Idea #2: 3D Modeling a Game Environment

If you are creating a game environment on your own, rather than using the services of a game environment studio, look for these types of references:

Architectural references are the architectural style direction. They include the design and construction of buildings, and interior and exterior design. Environmental references include locations of streets, squares, and cityscapes; terrain, landscapes, skies, mountains, vegetation, and much more. Use lighting references to create the mood and the atmosphere of the game environment. Collect images of the lighting scenario you want your environment to take place in.

By doing this research and combining all the interesting components, you’ll find the theme of your mobile game design ideas. Once you’ve picked a setting, location, and theme, the idea is set. Then you can speed up game development using background concept art services. Thus, you will get outstanding stylized backgrounds, while having time to work on other important aspects of your game.

unique game ideas for mobile game environment

Idea #3: 3D Modeling Props and Object

After you come up with the setting of your game, it’s time to think about props references. Props are the individual game assets that make up your environment: furniture, set dressing, scene detail, etc. Collect visual references of props you’d like to place in the scene and references of the placement ideas as well.

Let’s imagine you’ve chosen a cyberpunk art style for your next project. It’s a subgenre of sci-fi used in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Deus Ex, or Death Stranding. To create a sci-fi atmosphere of a dystopian future, you will probably use cyberpunk props like city decorations with neon signs, high-tech but rusty and dirty surroundings, and robotic elements implemented in daily objects.

3D Modeling Props and Object for mobile game design ideas

Idea #4: 3D Modeling Pack for a 3D Tower Defense Game

In the world of mobile gaming, tower defense games have found their own niche, capturing the excitement of strategy fans. These games challenge players to defend their territory against waves of oncoming foes by strategically placing defensive structures, or “towers,” on the map. For a 3D tower defense game, a modeling pack can provide a rich and immersive experience. Here’s how to create a versatile 3D modeling pack that can be the backbone of any tower defense game:

Variety of Towers

Begin with designing a wide range of towers with different forms of attack—archery, magic, cannon, ice, fire, and lightning, among others. Each tower type should have a distinct visual style that reflects its abilities and power, scaling from basic to advanced levels

Tower defense kit 3D Models in Cartoon Roblox Style, king character, treasure, Low Poly 3D Art

Interactive Environments

Develop 3D models for the game’s interactive environments that can affect the game play. This can include trees that sway or fall, walls that crumble under attack, and terrain that changes over the course of the game, offering players an engaging visual experience that also impacts strategy.

Interactive Environments tower defense game art, isometric design

Adaptive Props

Craft props that adapt to the game’s progression. For instance, as players advance, the props could evolve to show wear and tear or upgrades. Props could include barriers, traps, and decorative elements that complement the environment’s aesthetic.

Medieval gates, game art, AAA Game Props Making For Beginners

Animated Characters and Foes

Create a library of animated characters and foes with varying degrees of complexity. Start with simple models for basic enemies and advance to intricate designs for bosses. Ensure these models are scalable in terms of detail, so they can be easily adjusted for different device capabilities.

Customizable Elements

Offer customizable elements within the modeling pack. This could include skins for towers and enemies, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a way for players to personalize their gaming experience. Lastly, include destructible models for towers and enemy units.

Resource and Power-Ups

Include 3D models for resources (like crystals or gold) and power-ups that players can collect. These should be visually distinct and enticing, encouraging players to gather them throughout the game.

Remember, for a tower defense game, the key lies in the details. The more interactive and visually rich your models are, the more engaging the game becomes. Your 3D modeling pack should not only be a feast for the eyes but should also serve as a functional toolkit that developers can use to bring their strategic visions to life.

Tips for 3D Modeling Mobile Games

Games are time-consuming projects, and we know it better than anyone. Modeling characters and assets can be ten times harder than searching for mobile game concept ideas. Therefore, you should pick a smart way and try to optimize everything as much as possible. Game developers and, especially, 3D artists are masters of trickery.

We recommend you use these techniques that will make your models look good even with the simplest geometry:

  • Use weighted normals
  • Bake lighting into textures
  • Pre-render sprites
  • Use color grading
Tips for 3D modeling mobile game concept ideas

Conclusion

3D technology became so popular in video game development that players no longer need to utilize their imagination to fill in the empty blanks. With realistic graphics, 3D games provide players with a better immersive experience. In addition to this, technologies have enhanced so much, developers now have more freedom in what they can create.

Average rating 4.7 / 5. Vote count: 23

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?