This week, we're releasing Iron Forge, the latest addition to our Fantasy Collection. Enter a realm steeped in ancient craftsmanship and dwarven ingenuity. Navigate the fiery chambers of molten metal and brimstone, surrounded by intricately carved stone molds and enduring mortar. Tailored for creators crafting epic narratives of heroism and mythology, this Kit is the crucible where tales of legend are birthed.
To learn more about our latest Kit, read on for our interview with the KitBash3D team of modelers, texture artists, graphic designers, and more who built it!
What was your favorite part about working on Iron Forge?
“My favorite part about working on Iron Forge was working with the team to come up with the lore of the Kit. There were tons of influences from movies and video games and we wanted to have our own spin on this type of world. Making sure we invoked the sounds of metal being bent, fire and smoke filling the caverns, and a deep feeling of grandeur and elegance was a huge challenge all around” - Mike Reese, Head of Kits
“My favorite part of working on this project was of course the complete immersion in the world of the dwarves. Much of the spirit of the Kit was inspired by the works of Tolkien. It was also exciting to imagine what fantasy tools (hammers, anvils, molds for pouring metal) might look like in a dwarven forge. It was fascinating to find the origins of the architecture we associate with dwarven architecture in the real world and combine the techniques of Slavic, Byzantine and Nordic architecture, mixing it all into whimsical buildings.” - Vladislav Shlenov, Concept Artist
“I loved that the modeling team had the opportunity to step in and assist the texturing team with material application. It was such a cool experience to learn the process and see our models come to life with the textures Anderson created.” - Lienny Ruiz, 3D Modeler
“My favorite part about working on Iron Forge was just seeing the beautiful style that the Kits team developed for the architecture and storytelling. Iron Forge is such a versatile Kit for the fantasy genre, and there are so many epic moments throughout. I really loved designing the iconography for the various buildings and props and one of my favorite moments was seeing those etched into the stone or sewn into fabric via the amazing texturing team.” - Emily Amick, Graphic Designer
“My favorite part was that I could work with something inspired by Lord of the Rings, my favorite series of movies and books. Plus, the models look amazing, it was a pleasure to bring them to life.” - Anderson Araujo, Texture Artist
“My favorite part of working on the Kit was the interesting architecture. It was really fun to get to work on something that was more fantastical than other Kits and quite enjoyable to try something different out.” - Timo Fahrbach, 3D Modeler
Do you have a favorite model from the Kit?
“My favorite model from the Kit is the Council. I really love the bridges and platforms that cross one another. Whenever I think of a civilization living in the mountains, I think of a maze of interconnected bridges and walkways and that building has it. I really love it.” - Mike Reese, Head of Kits
“I guess my favorite structure is Molding because it combines elements that are both purely aesthetic and largely functional. The way the coal supply system is built, the location of the furnaces, the rails for transporting carts with coal and metal, and the heating and pouring of metal into molds convey the industrial nature of this structure and its main essence. And, of course, I like how the silhouette works, characteristic of dwarven architecture.” - Vladislav Shlenov, Concept Artist
“This entire Kit is exceptional! As always I have a couple of favorites. As simple as it may be, one of my favorite models has to be the gold coins and gemstones. The inclusion of coin/gem barrels and chests not only adds detail but also enriches the narrative of the Iron Forge world! Another favorite is the City Hall structure which has many interesting shapes and spaces within it. I can already imagine someone getting lost in all the nooks and crannies of this building.” - Lienny Ruiz, 3D Modeler
“Yes! The Crypt! It is amazing and by itself - could be the star of an epic environment. The columns, the rocky mountain in which it's situated, the gold filigree and the overall ominous ambiance it gives off is just intense. There's lots of opportunities to build out your interior as well. You could use just this one model to shoot an entire scene and it would be absolutely stunning.” - Emily Amick, Graphic Designer
“It’s really hard to choose a favorite for this one. I can easily imagine all those buildings creating an amazing dwarven city. But to choose just a few, I really love the Border House, Melting Shop, Water Mill, Palace, Hall of the Glorious Craftsman, and the City Hall.” - Anderson Arajo, Texture Artist
“My favorite model from the Kit is probably the Crypt. I like this model because of how well the rocks and the building worked together at the end. It really meshes exceptionally well together.” - Timo Fahrbach, 3D Modeler
Is there anything about Iron Forge you'd like to highlight or shout out?
“Huge shout-out to the whole production team for really working together on this one to bring the deep lore to life. From concepts to textures, it all came through in an amazing way.” - Mike Reese, Head of Kits
“The entire team contributed greatly to making this Kit so unique. Lienny and Timo significantly improved the props and paid attention to the smallest details in the architecture. Emily, as always, made unique designs for flags, books, and I especially like her design of a drawing with a gem on a scroll in one of the structures. I would like to note the enormous contribution of the texture artist - Anderson, who made the textures to emphasize the image of dwarven architecture. The raw surfaces of the stones, the veins of gold in the rocks, and such attention to detail deserve a special shout out.” - Vladislav Shlenov, Concept Artist
“Shout out to the whole team who worked on this Kit, it turned out incredible, with lots of detail all around. The designs and textures are top notch. Also shout out to Timo for the unique rocks he sculpted. I am thrilled to see what worlds our users build with this one!” - Lienny Ruiz, 3D Modeler
“I'd love to shout out the Kits team for another Kit that has reached the top of my favorites list. From concepts to texturing this is an absolute beast of a Kit and the intricacies of the modeling and texturing is just unparalleled - from the giant structures to the stone tables adorned with books, scrolls and forging tools. The environment elements in this Kit make it so easy to build a dwarven fortress in just a few minutes. I'm blown away by the work here and can't wait to see everyone enjoying and creating with it.” - Emily Amick, Graphic Designer
“Shout out to Anderson. He showed us how to do texturing throughout the creation of this Kit. It was a really great way for Lienny and I to learn new and exciting parts of working at KitBash3D.” - Timo Fahrbach, 3D Modeler.
Thanks for tuning into our latest in our Behind the Kit series! Make sure to pick up Iron Forge, or get it included with your upgrade to Cargo Pro. Happy KitBashing!
