This is the blockout for the Tunnels and Mineshaft POIs I created for We the People, a post-apocalyptic, realistic extraction shooter currently in development at Small Indie Company.

For these locations, I focused on creating tight, linear, high-tension spaces that emphasize risk, reward, and close-quarters decision-making. Instead of building outward from large open terrain, I approached this blockout from the inside out, starting with the tunnel and mineshaft architecture to establish the core rhythm of traversal, line-of-sight control, and player flow.

The tunnels were designed with branching maintenance corridors, allowing players to peel off the main route to loot, flank, or search for hidden stashes. Each corridor and chamber was shaped to create contrast between the narrow choke points and slightly more open pockets for ambushes or safe looting opportunities.

For the mineshaft, I pushed beyond the initial scope by adding a hidden entrance to an underground facility. This additional layer was created to give players a sense of mystery and discovery, rewarding those who explore deeper with high-tier loot routes and optional narrative breadcrumbs that make the POI feel more meaningful within the world.

Once the major shapes and paths were defined, I refined the spaces with modular blockout pieces: structural supports, mining equipment, platforms, rail sections, and industrial props. These allowed for fast iteration while maintaining consistency across the entire underground network.

My favorite part of this project was designing the interplay between tension and reward. Using lighting, elevation changes, and layout sequencing to guide players toward choices that feel dangerous but enticing. Adding the secret facility entrance transformed the Mineshaft POI from a simple traversal space into a memorable destination with depth and replay value.