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Are we truly going to pretend we don't see another low-budget, limited-runtime elephant in this room, aren't we?

When defenders of Bestiale blame its problems on a modest budget, it's worth recalling Tomm Moore's "The Secret of Kells" and "Song of the Sea", or the works of Genndy Tartakovsky – "Samurai Jack" and "Dexter's Laboratory". These projects also had limited resources, but do they look so lackluster? No. Because their creators invested not in expensive rendering, but in expressive style, thoughtful silhouettes, and character charisma.

The problem with Bestiale isn't the backgrounds or the overall animation – they are executed well. The issue lies in the character design, especially that of the main heroine, Yrehn. Her appearance isn't just minimalist, as some claim – it contradicts the intended concept. The character, conceived as an adult, experienced woman who has lived in complete isolation on an island with wild animals since childhood (which gives the series its name "Bestiale") and serves as the protector of the last surviving member of a mythical species, looks like an androgynous adolescent in ridiculous shorts and a tank top.

Character design is the foundation of animation. Budget constraints are no excuse for weak artistic choices. Yrehn could have been made stylish even within minimalism, preserving her charisma and alignment with her character. Instead, we have a design that fails on both aesthetic and narrative levels.

Recall the early "Wakfu": Ankama was a small studio back then, but their first episodes looked cohesive and stylish. It was a project that impressed despite limited resources. They bet on distinctive design and atmosphere.

What's changed now? Ankama has four seasons of "Wakfu", two feature films, and vast experience behind it. Is Bestiale's budget really lower than their first OVA about Goultard? More likely, the problem lies in priorities: money might have been misallocated, or the studio didn't want to adapt its style to modern standards.

Fans shouldn't excuse Ankama by citing the budget. Simplifying details is one thing, but anatomical flaws, inconsistency with the concept, and lack of expressiveness are entirely different. The signature style could have been maintained even with limited resources, but the result is disappointing.

One hopes Ankama can still regain its former level. But for now, announcements of new projects evoke not excitement, but anxiety.

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When defenders of Bestiale blame its problems on a modest budget, it's worth recalling Tomm Moore's "The Secret of Kells" and "Song of the Sea", or the works of Genndy Tartakovsky – "Samurai Jack" and "Dexter's Laboratory". These projects also had limited resources, but do they look so lackluster? No. Because their creators invested not in expensive rendering, but in expressive style, thoughtful silhouettes, and character charisma.

The problem with Bestiale isn't the backgrounds or the overall animation – they are executed well. The issue lies in the character design, especially that of the main heroine, Yrehn. Her appearance isn't just minimalist, as some claim – it contradicts the intended concept. The character, conceived as an adult, experienced woman who has lived in complete isolation on an island with wild animals since childhood (which gives the series its name "Bestiale") and serves as the protector of the last surviving member of a mythical species, looks like an androgynous adolescent in ridiculous shorts and a tank top.

Character design is the foundation of animation. Budget constraints are no excuse for weak artistic choices. Yrehn could have been made stylish even within minimalism, preserving her charisma and alignment with her character. Instead, we have a design that fails on both aesthetic and narrative levels.

Recall the early "Wakfu": Ankama was a small studio back then, but their first episodes looked cohesive and stylish. It was a project that impressed despite limited resources. They bet on distinctive design and atmosphere.

What's changed now? Ankama has four seasons of "Wakfu", two feature films, and vast experience behind it. Is Bestiale's budget really lower than their first OVA about Goultard? More likely, the problem lies in priorities: money might have been misallocated, or the studio didn't want to adapt its style to modern standards.

Fans shouldn't excuse Ankama by citing the budget. Simplifying details is one thing, but anatomical flaws, inconsistency with the concept, and lack of expressiveness are entirely different. The signature style could have been maintained even with limited resources, but the result is disappointing.

One hopes Ankama can still regain its former level. But for now, announcements of new projects evoke not excitement, but anxiety.

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Concept art from Ankama's Twitch stream

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If they don't come back in season 5 as Sadida nobility alongside the other clan leaders, I am going to go feral, and not the good kind.

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Savara ending illustrations

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https://www.artstation.com/artwork/qQV4DL

https://twitter.com/Jaguare19 https://www.instagram.com/jaguare19/ https://www.artstation.com/jaguare19

A litte draw of forgelance copcet female from dofus

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A bunch of concept art from the last game I worked on at Doryah Games!

Savara is a colorful action roguelite game in which you participate in the festivities organized for the pleasure of the warrior god. Equip your best weapons, prove your valor against powerful monsters, and permanently engrave your name in history!

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Savara environment concept art

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That video from Twitter that they demanded to be taken down. Most likely, it’s a release shown at the festival.

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The god Xelor got the apocalypse date wrong again.

OMG

spoilerssssss wakfu season 5 and welsh and shedaar on x omg!

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On me souffle dans l'oreillette que les précommandes avec un shikishi sont parties en moins de 4 minutes. Vous êtes incroyables ! ;-*

I've heard that pre-orders with a shikishi sold out in less than 4 minutes. You are unbelievable ;-*

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Dofus Background

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Here is a selection of research made back in 2010  where I had the opportunity to work as a Visual development artist for Ankama’s first Feature film “ Dofus Book 1, Julith “. The movie is now released in French Theaters.  It was great working on this project right after graduating from Gobelins, learned a lot from the Directors Anthony Roux and Jean-Jacques Denis. Si vous êtes en France, je vous encourage vraiment à aller voir le film et supporter une production 100% Française.

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From the new 15 years  Krosmoz  Anniversary ArtBook

illustration by: Dan Qualizza

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Sketches for Wakfu: Les Gardiens by Veronique Guannel.

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Xavier's Yugo concept arts.

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