Kang Tao L-69 Zhuo

Kang Tao L-69 Zhuo

Working on this project was an incredibly rewarding experience. I drew a lot of inspiration from Csaba Szilagyi's work on the Cyberpunk 2077 shotgun. My main focus was the high poly modelling process in Fusion360, which gave me the opportunity to dive deep into the software's many tools. My goal was to push my limits and create a detailed, complex model that truly tested my skills and abilities.

Within Fusion360, I leveraged the boxy nature of the original model by dividing it into three distinct sections, allowing me to methodically progress through each part. I began by blocking out the model, concentrating on the primary shapes that define the L-69. As I advanced, I gradually added finer details, meticulously refining the model until it accurately captured the intricacy of the original design. This structured approach enabled me to achieve a high level of detail and fidelity.

The low poly model was developed in 3dsMax following the export of the high poly version from Fusion360. To ensure the mesh was suitable for game use, I maintained a minimal triangle count, achieving a total of approximately 35,000. One area of improvement that I will definitely carry into future projects, is my decision not to bake all the screws onto the low poly as this is clearly evident in the final renders and a waste of valuable tris. 

I rendered the model in Unreal Engine 5, utilizing ray tracing for the first time. While I recognize there is still much to learn about this technique, I am pleased with the quality of the final images. To enhance the Cyberpunk theme of the weapon, I incorporated neon pink, purple, and blue colours into the renders, which I believe effectively unified the overall aesthetic that the weapon deserves.