Goodbye Kansas creates a rags-to-riches story for Ubisoft's “Skull & Bones”
The cinematic trailer for Ubisoft's latest AAA game title Skull and Bones Released on July 7, it tells the story of destitute character Sam, who finds his way from the streets of Boston, overcomes adversity and makes his way to become a pirate lord in the Indian Ocean.
“After a great collaboration with DDB Paris and Ubisoft on Assassin's Creed: Valhalla in 2021 we were given the opportunity to present the release trailer of Skull and BonesShared Jan Cafourek, executive producer of Stockholm-based Goodbye Kansas Studios. "We understood from the start that DDB and Ubisoft were looking for something exceptional and we enthusiastically accepted the challenge."
Skull and BonesTo tell the story, which spans oceans, continents and time, Goodbye Kansas worked closely with DDB and Ubisoft Singapore to find the correct context, tone and rhythm of the narrative, as well as to embody and develop the protagonist: Sam. The challenge was to show the hero's journey, the story from stables to riches, as well as suggesting the wider scope of the game world and the possibilities it offers.
“We have a great team here in Goodbye Kansas and are constantly striving to improve and create beautiful and engaging images,” said Henrik Eklundh, VFX Supervisor. "Our digital human characters are some of the best in the business and we feel we have pushed the boundaries with Sam, but we have also expanded our capabilities within Houdini's FX simulation and integration."
Skull and BonesThe team was particularly keen to work on the visual effects of the different environments of the story: from marine locations, water, storms and naval battles, each scene required an understanding of the craft of the craft itself. “My favorite thing about this project was the combat shooting simulations. Our main ship's flamethrower fired about 120 meters from the opposite boat. It looked incredible, ”added Eklundh.
For director Emnet Mulugeta, working with the lead actor, David Nzinga, was thrilling. “It was a real pleasure to work with an actor like David, who was able to bring out the character through the subtlety he suited the part. He helped us convey the character's emotional journey naturally and truthfully. "
Skull and Bones will be released on November 8th
Famous Swedish actor David Nzinga provided the performance for the main character of the “Skull and Bones” trailer.
Goodbye Kansas Studios offers award-winning, uniquely integrated real-time visual effects, animation, design, performance capture, scanning and production services for feature films, TV series, commercials, games and game trailers. The company with over 250 employees is part of Goodbye Kansas Group AB, which has studios and offices in Stockholm, London, Helsinki, Vilnius, Belgrade, Beijing, Los Angeles and Manila.
