Weapon concept models

The creation of weapon concept models is important so that people get an imnpression of the "depth" of a weapon (many weapon models appear very flat, which isn't all to beautiful in a game - even though most weapons are pretty "flat" in reality) as well as to be able to check the operation of the weapon. Experienced weapon users will immediately feel that the buttstock is too short to operate the weapon comfortably. Modellers that don't have this experience can create a concept model and have a character rig do basic operations with the model to see if it can be held comfortably by the characters. Many mods create weapons for good looks, but if you take a look at them, you'll wonder how in hell a human can hold or operate that thing. The laser weapons in futurewar are based on real weapons and prototypes transformed into kinda retro-futuristic laser weapons similar to the famous Star-Wars blasters (which were based on old world-war-2 weapons like a Mauser-pistol), having a patchworked, vulnerable technical look with lots of cables and instruments and without soft, closed shapes of modern weapon systems.

This is the rifle of the Scout class character. A light laser rifle with a big zoom optics strapped on it. It has a pretty big "magnetic field stabilizer" at the front of the weapon, signalizing that it is a precision weapon. (Pseudo-scientific explanation: The laser weapons of Futurewar have magnetic stabilizers of various forms and sizes at the end of their barrels to stabilize the magnetic field containing the fired energy so that it doesn't dissolve so fast. It's primarily thought to be a common design element rule.) The cables lead from the stabilizer over the detachable front grip to the energy cell container. Guess why the Scout char is wearing a piece of cloth wrapped around her left arm in the concept drawings? Because that grip is in front of the energy cell, which might explode or spill acid on the arm of the operator if the weapon is hit or overloading (don't worry, this isn't a game feature, just an example of weapon and character design affecting eachother).

This compact rifle is the concept for a weapon of the soldier. Again, note common elements to the weapons like a larger "stabilizer" at the front of the weapon, cables running from the energy cell container, and a power switch above the weapon grip. Common design elements like these, used throughout the creation of the weapons and items, will help making the Futurewar universe more credible and immersive.