Jungle Island (Riven, 2024)
Jungle Island – Riven (2024 Remake)
Jungle Island is the largest and most complex environment in Riven, and as such, it required extensive planning, iteration, and collaboration. I was one of the two primary artists leading the initial massing and graybox phase, helping to define the foundational layout and scale of the space early in development.
One of my key contributions was resolving spatial inconsistencies from the original game. For example, the mine cart route from the Clear Cut to Boiler Island originally passed through terrain that wasn’t viable in real-world terms. I redesigned the pathing to work organically with the island's updated topography, ensuring it felt both believable and immersive while avoiding overlap with other major areas.
The dense Dark Jungle zone required special care to manage both aesthetics and technical considerations. I hand-placed many of the large grass-blade plants to naturally guide player sightlines while avoiding visual clutter and mesh clipping. This balance of naturalism and intentionality was essential in preserving the atmosphere of the original while elevating it visually.
I also developed the modular walkway kit used throughout the Clear Cut and Dark Jungle paths. This spline-based system allowed us to efficiently place walkways with a handcrafted feel. Handling branching paths proved especially challenging with this toolset, so I implemented manual adjustments to maintain clean, seamless transitions where needed.
Another standout area I worked on was the newly expanded Sub Dock Cave. I led R&D and early ideation for this space, creating multiple prototypes before arriving at the final design. Updating such a memorable location from the original Riven was a rewarding challenge—one that required a balance of respectful homage and modern visual storytelling.
Given the scale of Jungle Island, this environment was a deeply collaborative effort. I’m proud of the problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork that went into bringing it to life for modern players.
Jungle Island Maglev ride approach.
As with all docks I did all the cement/brick works. I also worked on the initial massing and layout of this area.
Maglev Dock birds eye view.
Welcome to the jungle, we have fun an games.
Gehn's Throne overlooking the village.
I worked on the throne building. The cliff modules were made by another artist.
Gehn's Throne Approach.
in additional to make the throne building, I made the spike rock arrangement, and initial massing of this area. The Wahrk skull was made by another artist.
Throne in the open position. I handled the throne building and the elevator lift and controls.
Village fishing dock. All assets were created by other artists, but I assembled this section of the village to serve as environmental storytelling.
Village. For assets I created the large wooden bowl in the center, and import story beat for watchful players. I also placed all of the hanging fish in the village.
The Dark Jungle Path.
For this area I did most of the massing and initial graybox pass of most/all assets. I took the walkway path to final and the large dagger to final.
Dark Jungle walkway path going through an old tree stump, with a PMD above. I did the initial massing and graybox of the area. I took the walkway and tree tunnel portions to final.
What Warhk Effigy. I did the initial massing of the area. I implemented many rocks forms in this area to get the right vibe, and placed the tall leaf grassy plants in the area.
Large Dagger from up eye. I hid an important symbol from the original game in the dagger.
Large Dagger from down bellow.
Although this is a metal piece, I wanted to make it look like it has been in the jungle for decades, with bio growth and grunge.
Upper catwalk path to the PMD. the Pneumatic Tubes were my creation, and for the Jungle areas I wanted to give them bio growth.
I made the PMDs as well for each island.
Clear Cut. I handled the initial massing of the area and most of the initial placements of each element. I took the walkway to final.
Clear Cut and Dark Jungle walkway modules.
Wood Cart Path heat rings, through Jungle Island.
I modeled and did a material pass on the heat rings.
Wood Cart Path heat rings, going through the ocean.