Shumka x Buffalo Buffalo: Birdseed

Shumka x Buffalo Buffalo: Birdseed is an industry research project led by Daniel Wildberger and Cemre Demiralp in collaboration with Vancouver-based independent games studio Buffalo Buffalo that explores how design can enhance the sense of presence in virtual reality environments, with direct application in the studio’s latest VR birdwatching game, Birdseed.

Between June to October 2025, student research assistants (RAs) worked in phased production sprints reflecting previsualization, modelling, animation, and refinement cycles; creating a library of optimized 3D stylized assets and animated bird behaviours using a provided rig. RAs worked collaboratively with the studio’s project team and faculty leads to solve creative and technical challenges contributing directly to the design, animation, and VR development of Birdseed.

As interest grows in immersive, nature-focused, and non-combat experiences, demand is increasing for content that is both visually engaging and optimized for lightweight performance. The project’s outcomes—including reusable models, animation methods, and performance-informed design strategies—will contribute directly to this emerging space.

 

Project Objectives

  • Investigate different stylistic options to help define a cohesive art direction that will guide the creation of 3D assets for a nature-focused VR birdwatching experience. 
  • Explore and implement efficient modelling, texturing, and animation techniques for creating 3D creature models that maintain high performance in VR. 
  • Investigate how animations of bird behaviours (e.g., feeding, flying, perching) can convey a sense of presence and aliveness in the VR space. 
  • Through an iterative process of creative research, collaboration, making, and evaluation, derive best practices and techniques for developing nature-focused VR experiences featuring stylized animated birds. 
  • Facilitate meaningful collaboration between students and industry partners, providing students with real-world experience in applied XR design through the co-development of assets and workflows for a VR game.

Project Team

Daniel Wildberger – Faculty Lead, Emily Carr University (ECU)
Cemre Demiralp – Co-Lead, ECU
Siddhant Singh – Sessional Faculty, ECU
Victoria Korina – Research Assistant, ECU
Harry Zhang – Research Assistant, ECU
Daeun Kim – Research Assistant, ECU
Priyanka Poulose – Project Coordinator, ECU
Patrick Owens – Creative Director, Buffalo Buffalo
Ken Ha – Art Director, Buffalo Buffalo
Charlotte Guan – Producer / Project Manager, Buffalo Buffalo 

This project is generously supported by a Mobilize Grant from the NSERC College and Community Innovation Program and facilitated by ECU’s Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship.

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