Parallel Trading Card Game
Technical Art I Unity3D I PC & Mobile
Role:
Technical Artist / Vfx Artist
Focus:
Live Operations, Mobile Optimization, Vfx, UI Animations, Lighting, Shaders
Project Overview
Parallel TCG began as an NFT-based project before evolving into a fully developed online trading card game where players could compete and earn PRIME tokens through gameplay. I joined the team as a Technical Artist, initially supporting the transition from PC to mobile while maintaining visual quality and performance. My responsibilities also included supporting live operations through monthly event implementation, integrating artwork and VFX for new cards, and overhauling the game’s 2D UI animations.
As development progressed, the team made a significant shift toward transforming the predominantly 2D experience into a fully realized 3D game. This transition expanded my responsibilities to include implementing lighting and VFX for the new 3D playing field, as well as optimizing existing 3D characters for mobile hardware. Throughout the project’s evolution, I worked closely with artists and developers to address technical challenges, support ongoing content updates, and help maintain a consistent visual experience across platforms.
From 2D to 3D - Challenges & Goals
Parallel TCG was originally designed as a predominantly 2D experience, but as the game evolved, the team recognized an opportunity to bring its visual presentation closer to the immersive 3D environments established by other games in the genre. The decision was made to transition the existing game into a fully realized 3D experience within an ambitious nine-month development window.
One of the earliest challenges was adapting a game originally built around an orthographic camera to a perspective-based 3D environment. This shift introduced significant technical considerations, particularly around gameplay interactions, positioning, and the integration of existing 2D UI elements. I developed an initial prototype of the 3D playing field, providing the engineering team with a foundation for implementing and testing gameplay interactions. I also worked closely with an Environment Artist to iteratively refine and optimize the playing field, balancing visual fidelity with the performance requirements of mobile hardware.
Another major challenge was bringing the Art Director’s visual direction to life within Unity. Using aspirational animation sequences as a reference, I was responsible for translating the intended camera movements, lighting, and visual effects into a functional, optimized real-time experience. This involved combining DOTween animations, particle systems, and Unity’s Playable Director to coordinate 2D UI animations with the new 3D environment, creating a cohesive and cinematic introduction to the playing field.
The result was a polished, performant 3D playing field that established the visual and technical foundation for the game’s new direction. This initial implementation also served as a template for expanding the experience across Parallel’s existing factions, providing a consistent framework for future environment development.
Card VFX & Gameplay Feedback
Visual effects play an important role in Parallel TCG, helping communicate card abilities, gameplay mechanics, and the impact of player actions. Many cards feature unique effects that represent their special attributes, such as Shielded, which absorbs an instance of incoming damage, or Wanted, a distinctive mechanic introduced with one of the game’s card sets. Other abilities, such as Bombardment, require larger, screen-wide effects that emphasize their impact across the battlefield.
During my time on Parallel TCG, I was responsible for developing and implementing a variety of these effects, translating the Art Director’s aspirational animation concepts into functional, real-time visuals. Using a combination of Unity Canvas animations and particle systems, I created effects ranging from subtle, card-specific indicators to more elaborate sequences spanning the entire playing field. The goal was to preserve the intended artistic direction while ensuring that each effect clearly communicated its gameplay purpose and integrated naturally into the game’s existing presentation.
Project Outcome
Parallel TCG was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on, and I’m proud to have contributed to its evolution. It was also the most successful NFT-related project I’ve been involved with, offering a firsthand perspective on how blockchain technology and cryptocurrency can be integrated into a fully realized gaming experience. Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of its player community, particularly during major tournaments and competitive events, made the experience especially meaningful.
Throughout development, I balanced a wide range of responsibilities, from creating new card VFX and supporting the transition from 2D to 3D, to maintaining live operations through monthly events and the implementation of hundreds of new cards. Managing these overlapping priorities within an evolving production environment was demanding, but ultimately helped me grow as a Technical Artist and reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Parallel TCG continues to build on the universe established by its original release, with the game available on Steam and the Epic Games Store and the studio expanding into new experiences such as Parallel Colony. Being part of that journey, and helping shape a game with such a passionate community, remains a highlight of my career.