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Today, we’re lifting the curtain on the chaotic and deadly fleet of the pirate minor faction in Sins of a Solar Empire II pirate faction. From the smallest frigates to the looming Pirate Base, every ship tells a story of rebellion, ruthlessness, and survival. In this dev diary, we’re excited to share insights into the design process for four key units: the Rogue Frigate, Corsair Cruiser, Pillager Siege Frigate, and the domineering Pirate Base. We’ll also hear from our Art Director, Craig Fraser, on the vision behind these intimidating and distinctive creations. Included with each entry is one of the initial thumbnails for the unit and the finished concept.
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To better understand the art and inspiration behind the pirate fleet, here’s a word from Craig Fraser, Art Director for Sins II:
"For the pirate faction, we designed a bold, chaotic aesthetic that exudes rebellion and terror. I imagined the ships as having a scrappy, hobbled-together look with aggressive silhouettes meant to intimidate at first sight. Operating in trader space, the pirates repurpose stolen TEC vessels, transforming them into grotesque symbols of defiance.
I envisioned their modifications to evoke both fear and pride, arming the vessels with intimidating weaponry, glowing war paint, and their signature hologram 'flags.' Spikes, studs, and reinforced armor plating completed the design, showcasing the pirates’ ruthless ingenuity and anarchic individualism while maintaining cohesion through shared stylistic elements.
We retained about 40-50% of the original TEC ship counterparts' design, but overhauled the rest, drawing inspiration from scrap metals, aged signage, and post-apocalyptic vehicles. The original game’s ghastly green emissives, combined with rust-orange and purple metals, created a harmonious color palette. I really enjoyed this part of the process because we didn’t need to worry about accommodating player-chosen color conflicts."
The concept art for these stunning designs, crafted by the talented Mike Doscher, perfectly captures the raw energy and menace of the pirate fleet. His work brings Craig’s vision to life, showcasing the chaotic brilliance of the pirates.
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