Smilegate

During my time at Virtuos, I worked closely with the talented teams in the Xi’an and Shanghai studios on two major projects: Crossfire and Crossfire X for Smilegate. These games are part of a globally recognized franchise known for its fast-paced tactical shooter gameplay, with Crossfire enjoying massive popularity, particularly in Asian markets. My work with Virtuos focused on creating high-quality assets, refining visuals, and ensuring that Crossfire X met the expectations of fans worldwide.

With Crossfire X, our goal was to bring the intensity and visual appeal of the franchise to a broader audience. Working alongside Smilegate, we aimed to create an engaging single-player campaign with strong graphics and a polished aesthetic. The project demanded close attention to detail, from the realistic environments to the intricate character animations that would bring the game to life. Ultimately, we were able to deliver a visually impressive game that looked great and showcased the best of what Virtuos can bring to high-stakes projects.

However, while Crossfire X excelled visually, the AI performance ultimately fell short of what the project needed to compete in Western markets, which affected the game’s reception. Despite the strong production values and engaging design work, the game was unable to meet its full potential, and Smilegate made the difficult decision to withdraw Crossfire X from the Western market.

My experience with Virtuos on these projects was an invaluable lesson in balancing visual excellence with core gameplay needs. It underscored the importance of seamless integration between graphics, AI, and player experience. Working with Virtuos on Crossfire and Crossfire X was a rewarding challenge, showcasing the studio’s technical prowess and dedication to high-quality game development, even in the face of industry challenges.