The Heir of Thunder (Student Project)
Timeline: 3 weeks - November to December 2025
The Heir of Thunder is a short exploration-and-combat experience inspired by Scandinavian mythology. Players enter an ancient mountain temple to retrieve fragments of Mjölnir, eventually reclaiming the legendary weapon and facing the temple's guardian.
The project explores earning the power to become a worthy wielder of Mjölnir, with the environment designed to support the player's progression from exploration to combat. The original project concept frames the journey around protection, righteousness, and becoming a guardian.
1. About:
2. ROLE: Level Designer
Meeting with the team to align on our shared vision for the game.
Brainstorm ideas for the main plot and the overall feel of the game.
Do research on Norse Mythology ideas.
Initially chose Mjolnir as the central symbol of the game → the shape of Mjolnir is simple and limits my possibilities.
We then chose Triquetra as an alternative visual motif → unity, eternity, power of three, and fate fit with the overall theme and level layout.
Phase 1 - From theme to Symbol
3. Design Process:
Phase 2 - Symbol into Level
Mapping the layout on paper.
I used the three interconnected forms of the Triquetra as inspiration for the dungeon’s spatial strucutre.
Create three exploration areas that converge toward the central Thor Altar.
Phase 3 - Design Environment
Rather than creating a conventional temple, I imagined a forgotten sacred space built into a mountainside, where Mjölnir had been abandoned.
I wanted the environment to feel ancient and isolated, using stone architecture, torches, large structures, and environmental details to create a sense of mystery.
4. What i learns:
Developed my level and environment design skills
Learned to use visual storytelling to communicate ideas
Improved my understanding of lighting and player guidance