Ethan Hay

Hiya, I’m Ethan, a Games Art graduate, and this is the piece I’ve been working on during my third year at UCA.

A Father’s Determination is a scene inspired by The Last of Us franchise, set in a post-apocalyptic world. It captures a poignant moment in a father’s desperate search for his missing child.

The environment is crafted with story-rich detail, centered around a weathered desk turned workbench. It’s filled with blood-stained tools, amateur radio setups, and a weapon maintenance area—each element designed to hint at the character’s emotional state and the challenges he’s faced.

Every asset has been carefully modelled and textured with realistic wear and use in mind. I placed special focus on grime, dust, blood, and general disarray to show the passage of time and the mental toll of the journey. It’s a space that feels lived-in—cluttered, chaotic, and urgent.

Ultimately, A Father’s Determination tells its story without a single word. It evokes a powerful blend of mystery, sorrow, and desperation, pulling you into the narrative through detailed, emotionally driven environmental storytelling.