ABOUT

Viva Pinata was unlike almost anything else on Xbox at the time. Developed by Rare and published by Microsoft Game Studios, it combined gardening and creature breeding in a colourful world inhabited by living, sweet-filled pinatas.

Despite its child-friendly tone, the game also encouraged players to destroy lovable creatures and engage in some questionable breeding practices.

During production, I created and managed a range of supporting materials, including the flyers and exhibition panel shown here. I also worked on a card-based concept that allowed players to use a camera to unlock special characters in the game.

Ryan Stevenson created the concept work behind the game's distinctive visual identity. He was a hugely talented artist and a pleasure to work with, so it was no surprise when he later became Rare's Art Director.

It was a lovely project with an art style that contrasted sharply with other Xbox titles of the period. It received solid reviews, although I have always felt it might have found greater success on a Nintendo platform.