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Bringing Childhood Memories to Life

This project was a special experience for me, as it allowed me to recreate a piece of my childhood in the real world. My task was to model and surface an arcade machine at real-world scale, working alongside my teammates to set up a fully immersive arcade room environment.

I chose to recreate the King of Fighters arcade machine, a game that holds a deep nostalgic connection for me. Growing up, this was one of the most iconic and beloved arcade games, and bringing it to life in 3D was an incredible experience that blended both technical skills and personal passion.

Process Breakdown

Using Maya, I carefully modeled the arcade cabinet with accurate real-world proportions, ensuring authenticity in every detail.

I designed and applied custom decals, buttons, and game screens in Photoshop, replicating the original King of Fighters branding. Using Photoshop, I applied realistic plastic, metal, and glass textures, ensuring the arcade machine had the correct worn and reflective properties.

I also added glowing screen and button lights, mimicking the classic vibrant arcade ambiance.

Stool Asset Modeling & Surfacing

Designed a stool to fit naturally within the arcade environment, paying attention to materials, height, and proportions for player comfort.

Applied textured plastic and metallic finishes to match the look and feel of classic arcade seating.

Ensured proper wear details and lighting reflections for added realism.

Arcade Room Setup

Worked with my team to position arcade machines and additional assets in a cohesive, nostalgic setting.

Created neon reflections, atmospheric glows, and proper depth of field to capture the energy of a real arcade.

This project was more than just a technical challenge—it was a chance to reconnect with my childhood memories and bring them to life through 3D art. Being able to model and surface not only an arcade machine but also a supporting environment with carefully crafted props made the scene feel complete, immersive, and true to the original arcade experience.
Credits – 

Vito Yang

Rowan Duxbury

Samantha Turpault

Sarah Kwon

Sergio Ambriz

Yaochen Zheng