Developer Diary #1

Hey everyone,

Today I’m sharing something I’ve been looking forward to for a while — a new set of screenshots featuring Gregory Blackwood, one of the major characters in I of the Storm. Gregory has been part of the story since the very beginning, and getting him closer to his final look has been a long process. This update goes a little deeper into who he is, how he fits into the game, and what went into bringing him to life visually.

Who Gregory Is

Gregory served as a security officer at Saint Thomas Psychiatric Hospital, and his time there left a heavy mark on him. He’s not written as a stereotypical tough guy or a one-note authority figure. He’s a man who tried to do his job the right way, even while witnessing things no one should ever have to see.

A lot of his personality comes from that conflict — wanting to protect people but being stuck in situations where he wasn’t able to. He carries that weight everywhere he goes, and it influences how he talks, how he moves, and how he interacts with the player. His guilt and fear aren’t over-the-top; they’re human, internal, and simmering just below the surface.

The gameplay side of Gregory comes through his mechanic, Guard’s Instinct, which lets players use security systems like cameras, doors, and control panels. But it isn’t just a utility — it’s tied to Gregory’s memories and the things he’s avoided thinking about for years. Sometimes using his ability helps you progress; sometimes it forces him to confront something he’d rather leave buried.

Developing His Look

The new screenshots you’ll see show the latest updates to his model. Gregory has gone through more revisions than most of the cast, mainly because he has to feel believable. His uniform, posture, and expressions all needed to reflect someone who’s been trying to keep things under control for far too long.

Instead of giving him exaggerated features or big visual cues, I focused on smaller details — tired eyes, subtle tension in his shoulders, the way he holds himself like he’s always expecting something to go wrong. These are the things that tell his story before he ever says a word.

Lighting and materials were another big part of this update. Saint Thomas has a cold, unsettling atmosphere, and Gregory needed to fit into that world naturally. The new renders show him in lighting setups closer to the in-game environment, and it really helps establish the tone I’ve been aiming for.

Why These Screenshots Matter

These aren’t just standalone character shots. They’re meant to give you an early sense of how Gregory appears inside the game — in the halls, in dimly lit rooms, and in the kinds of scenes where his story becomes more personal.

Gregory represents a lot of what I of the Storm is about: regret, responsibility, and the way people carry their past with them. Showing him visually is one of the first steps in letting players connect with him before they eventually meet him in the game.

What’s Next

There’s still more work to do — animations, refinements, and polishing — but this is the first major step toward finalizing Gregory’s look. I’ll also be sharing updates for the other characters soon, including a few who haven’t been introduced yet.

For now, I hope you enjoy this closer look at Gregory Blackwood. He’s been an important part of this project from day one, and it feels great to finally show more of him.

Thanks for reading, and as always — more updates are on the way.
— Steven