We will remember them

Modernist warfare The stories of World War One feature in 11-11: Memories Retold, a new video game with heartfelt design by Aardman and Atomhawk

World War I games are usually split into two camps: those that capture the military aspects of war, and those that look at the human angle of the conflict. “11-11: Memories Retold definitely falls into the latter category,” says Atomhawk’s principal artist, Charlie Bowater. “It’s a character-led story that focuses on humanity in the face of absolute adversity.”

Brought to life with a painterly art style inspired by a film Aardman Animations created for the Imperial War Museum, the game is essentially a giant, living painting created in an Impressionist style. Aardman chose to work with Atomhawk because the concept art studio was able to match its specific style. “The art style presented the unique problem of definition within an impressionistic world,” says Aardman art director Bram Ttwheam. “We had to define aspects of the world players would interact with, and such a loose art style made it a difficult line to walk.”

To solve this conundrum, controls for size, orientation and brush type were developed. “We also had to resist the urge to clean things up too much as that would mean moving too far away from the style,” says Charlie.

“I think the art style reflects a different take on the conflict,” she adds. “I hope that the suggestive, sometimes dreamy style enables the viewer to immerse themselves in the story and the game.”

11-11: Memories Retold is available to play on PS4, Xbox One and PC now. More details at https://ifxm.ag/11-11.

Bram Ttwheam chose a softer art approach because it suited the narrative: “It’s essentially the story of two peaceful men who have to react to events beyond their control.”

Charlie Bowater hopes the art style enables the viewer to find a window into the conflict, one where “they can both have their own perspective within it and also connect with the characters of the game.”