In preparation for the world launch of the mobile only iteration of Electronic Art’s beloved Command & Conquer franchise, EA produced an internal event, pitting developers vs developers. Known for our ability to turn around assets quickly, and efficiently, while maintaining a high level of quality, Number29 was contracted to bring the event to life with branding and broadcast assets. With only 24 hours to execute the design & animations, including all team and player photos, we jumped in feet first and knocked this out of the park.
In March 2015, I was approached by the VGL (vaingloryleague.com) to take over creative control of their organization in order to help legitimize their presence within the Vainglory community, and it’s burgeoning esport scene. The success of this initial push helped lead them to be picked up by Super Evil Megacorp as the premier regional provider for Vainglory competitive play.
In August 2015, with the initial success of my efforts on the VGL branding, we embarked on the Season 2 refresh. This refresh saw the development of a brand new website (designed and built by Number29), and all new assets and brand identifiers.
Vainglory Ingame Ad – Europe
Vainglory Ingame Ad – North America
VGL-Main Event Social Schedule Poster
Vainglory League – Europe Exhibition Matches
Vainglory League • Regional Logo – Spring Treatment
Number29 was hired by grassroots esports organization, Gankstars to complete a full 360° brand development project.
The joint goal of this project was to reposition the Gankstars brand as a more playful, esports/ lifestyle brand. Our process was to approach it as a sort of repackaging attempt, to allow Gankstars visual language to communicate their new positioning, and allow them to stand out in the effects-heavy, esports market. Some additional consideration was to lighten the brand to feel brighter, happier and more appealing to a mainstream audience. Gankstars as an organization is focused on being the best in their category, but remaining humble and being able to not take themselves too seriously. As the brand receives a more global roll-out, emphasis on photography and language will play an increasingly important role in their communications.
Part of the brief was to maintain the existing logo, but we felt it was necessary to address some existing issues with the previous iteration.
A large part of most esports organizations is content within social channels. We developed a series of templates within the new brand identity to act as a living guideline for Gankstars staff designers.
While Number29 was not hired to execute a full content strategy process, we did discuss content ideas, and provided concepts for the brand repositioning.
Explored a series of promotional assets, and how they may appear in the real-world.
We explored a variety of merchandise options, and how the reimagined identity could work across different implementations.
