The visual identity of each clan has been displayed in countless vivid images, and it was crucial for us to capture this in the clan outfits. At a glance, each outfit should convey the essence of its clan – whether it’s the refined opulence of the Ventrue or the sinister threat of the Banu Haqim. We worked meticulously to compartmentalise and distill these visual styles to their purest form, ensuring players truly feel they are embodying their chosen role.
– Associate Art Director Ben Matthews
Character renders of the 4 base clans.
Concept Art’s Inspirations
While coming up with ideas for each clan’s costumes, we had so much flavour to draw from. Making sure to incorporate their history, subcultures and preferred activities gave us opportunities to explore different shapes and details that fit the clan style.
Brujah are rough and ready. They need hard-wearing materials that reflect their rebellious nature. Denim, leather and band T-shirts blend into Punk and rock bars. We added details like rips, anarchic logos and badges to show the Brujah’s anti-establishment streak.
Tremere’s history as mortal mages, and their use of arcane powers, inspired us a lot when designing this clan. The outfits reflect a more antiquated time, while also incorporating modern elements. We considered how practical they were to wear while using powerful ranged attacks, so the arms are less restricted for those large, magical gestures. Red was, of course, the first choice for accent colours in clothing and jewels, as the Tremere can control blood.
We wanted Banu Haqim to be a modern take on stealth-style clothes. Sticking to the shadows, finding ways to conceal your identity. Being able to move freely and silently through the environment unencumbered by jingling jewelry or heavy armour. They can also use Celerity, so we used accessories such as scarves, hoods, and pieces that add a sense of movement to their actions while hiding their face.
Ventrue are defined by their wealth and status so each version reflects a different kind of upper social class and culture. They wear fashion that is more about showing who they are to people rather than pieces ready for combat. To this end we used colours and styles that are opulent, almost regal. Every detail is there to show they’re ready for business or to show off their expensive jewelry.
– Senior Concept Artist, Jordan Grimmer and Lead Concept Artist, Michele Nucera
Sculpting the Fashion
Creating the outfits for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is more than just a matter of fashion – you have to think about the character’s usability, animation and so on. We started with setting a benchmark costume; in our case, this was “Tremere 03,” which served as the initial guide for clothing fit and design direction before even having the masculine Phyre model ready. This outfit became the foundation for future costumes, helping our team understand how different clothing types would fit and move.
From long coats to tight, sleek outfits, our goal is to offer players a variety of styles to suit their tastes. Concept art is just the beginning; we evolve these designs into something that not only looks good in cutscenes and fighting but also considers animation and practicality. Textures are given an “uplift” as they transition from 2D concept to 3D model, adding depth and realism.
Each clan has its own unique flair – for instance, “Ventrue 04” stands out as a favourite, while “Banu Haqim 02” features this great hood. Many of the costumes feature dramatic elements, like big collars or materials that add visual complexity – leather, fur, denim, silk, and cashmere. We think all these through with great importance. For instance, these outfits need to be functional for vampires running up buildings! And even though vampires rarely feel cold, we don’t want them breaking the Masquerade.
– Principal Character Artist Tim Turner
Soundset differences for different outfits
For the different outfits for our Protagonist, we took into account the different reactions from players and the effect the player might have on the passers-by.
Each outfit is curated not only to the clothing they are wearing but the foley (clothes and shoes) are mixed for the clan that said outfit is attributed to. Creating a more stealth-like feeling or the aggressive presence that one might expect between Banu Haqim vs Brujah.
– Lead Audio Designer Tessa Verplancke
