During my time on Need for Speed: Most Wanted, I had the privilege of working on the Rosewood Borough, specifically focusing on the "College" area. My primary responsibilities included designing key environments and layout elements that created exciting opportunities for players during high-speed pursuits. One of the standout areas I worked on was an old entertainment district featuring a decaying waterpark and a horse racetrack, surrounded by an industrial zone that added gritty, urban vibes to the environment.
In addition to the level design, I was hands-on with modeling, texturing, and UV mapping various buildings, props, and assets throughout the area. While some assets were created by other artists, I had a significant role in crafting many of the environments and objects, contributing directly to the overall aesthetic and gameplay. These assets ranged from large architectural structures to smaller props, all designed to maintain consistency with the game's visual style.
I also had the chance to create two Pursuit Breakers—dynamic objects that players could interact with to aid their escape from police. These were: a giant donut sign from a donut shop and a large tire from a tire store, both of which became memorable moments in the game. Additionally, I worked on designing a college baseball stadium that players could drive through during pursuits, adding more interaction to the environment. Another fun point of interest (POI) I helped design was a split shortcut through the college campus, where players could jump through a glass railing for a one-way shortcut during intense pursuits.
My work in this area was heavily influenced by several concept images, which guided the creation of layouts and design elements, ensuring that the final in-game environments balanced gameplay needs with visual storytelling. Overall, I was responsible for much of the level design and layout for these areas, aiming to create environments that were both exciting and challenging for players to navigate during the game's action-packed chases.