Hey everyone,
Today, I’d love to share a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most essential and atmospheric spaces in our game world — the Palace Room. This environment has been a major focus in recent weeks, not just in terms of layout and visual storytelling, but also in how we’ve been enhancing its lighting to bring it fully to life.
A Safe Haven in the Shadows
If you’re a fan of classic survival horror, you might recall the comforting eeriness of the safe rooms in Resident Evil — those rare moments of safety and introspection amid chaos. The Palace Room is our spiritual nod to that idea: a place detached from the immediate danger and mystery of the game’s larger world.
But this room isn’t just a safe zone — it’s the first space the protagonist finds themselves in after the accident that begins the story. In many ways, it’s a transition point between reality and something far more surreal. A place suspended off the grid of space and time.
A Touch of Neoclassical Grandeur
Visually, the Palace Room draws heavy inspiration from the Neoclassical era, infused with the ornate elegance of Baroque and Rococo styles. Expect grand arches, gilded ornaments, detailed paneling, and decadent textures — all aimed at immersing the player in a space that feels regal yet strangely dreamlike.
I’ve put a lot of effort into creating an environment that feels both ethereal and grounded, like a memory from a forgotten century. It’s not meant to feel like just another room, but rather a place with a presence — a character of its own.
Lighting the Mood
One of the biggest recent improvements has been in the lighting. Subtle but powerful tweaks have been made to create a more emotional atmosphere — using soft volumetrics, bounce lighting, and warm tones to contrast the cold, surreal nature of the outside world.
The goal was to enhance the feeling of safety and mystery simultaneously. This is not just a visually impressive room — it’s a space that should make players feel something the moment they step inside.
Why It Matters
The Palace Room is more than an environment — it’s a narrative milestone. It sets the tone for the emotional journey ahead and provides a quiet space for reflection. In the broader design of the game, it’s a visual and emotional anchor, hinting at the themes of memory, trauma, and beauty within isolation.
Building it has been both a technical and artistic challenge — but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. And I can’t wait for you to experience it in the context of the full game.
Thanks for reading and following the journey. More dev logs and sneak peeks will be coming soon — stay tuned, and as always, feel free to reach out with thoughts or questions.
Until next time,
Mohamed Fawzy
Founder & Developer – Rare Castle
