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Drawing inspiration from relatively unknown mythologies and folklores, one such captivating
character is Skadi, the Norse Goddess of Winter, whose name means “shadow” or “the shadowy
one.” Her character, deeply rooted in Norse mythology, is reimagined in a modern setting that
promises an immersive gaming experience filled with mystery and intrigue.
Skadi is a formidable and enigmatic goddess in Norse mythology, known for her fierce,
independent spirit and unyeilding drive. She is associated with winter, mountains, skiing, and
hunting, making her a symbol of strength and resilience. In the modernized take on her
legend, Skadi is depicted as a cunning and stealthy warrior with expertise in all weapons of war.
Additionally, she possesses extremely powerful telekinetic abilities that manifest when she is
angered, adding an intriguing supernatural element to her character.
Futuristic, but with a heavy nod to her Norse myth origin, her look is very recognizeable... with a dash of war paint.
The Striking Look of Skadi, steeped in History, Yet Futuristic, Skadi’s design is a mix of ancient
Norse patterns and modern aesthetics. While her character is rooted in Norse folklore, her outfit
and appearance have a futuristic feel to them. The materials of her suit are modern, offering
both protection from the harsh winter elements and ease of movement. Skadi’s ensemble almost
looks like it belongs to a warrior from another planet, with sleek lines and advanced technology
woven into the fabric.
To blend seamlessly into the winter landscape, Skadi’s skin and hair are very light in color. This
helps her camouflage herself in the snow-covered terrain, making her a formidable force to reckon with. Her pale complexion serves a practical purpose in the game, allowing players to strategically navigate the winter environment with ease.
Full contact branding
When developing a Norse brand for the English speaking market, it’s essential to strike a balance between staying true to Norse elements while ensuring accessibility to the target audi-
ence. For example, using the name “Skaði” might be too alien and “weak” sounding for many
English speakers, so anglicizing it can make it more approachable for them:
SKADE has a sharper sound in English that lends itself well to this audience, regardless of pronunciation – “SKA-DUH” or “SKAY-D” have equal weight for the name. However, incorporating
an Overring to maintain its Scandinavian roots adds a unique touch, resulting in “SKÅDE,” both
accessible in English, yet retaining its Scandinavian origin.
Additionally, incorporating hard edges in the logo design can effectively convey the main character’s toughness and resilience, appealing to the desired brand image. To round out the design, including a Norse Knot inlay adds a touch of authenticity and visual interest. By carefully
incorporating these elements, the brand can successfully resonate with the English speaking
market while maintaining its Scandinavian identity.
Designing Skåde Packaging and Marketing Materials
Packaging is often the first point of contact between a potential player and a game. In the
case of Skåde, the packaging should reflect the game’s theme and setting. The logo, with
its bold and accessible design, should be front and center, immediately piquing the interest of potential players. The use of Norse-inspired imagery and colors can help create
a sense of immersion and intrigue, setting the stage for the epic adventure that awaits
inside the box.
Building Buzz with Teasers
Building buzz around a game often starts long before its release. For Skåde, a guerilla marketing
approach inspired by street artist Banksy could be particularly effective. Initial teasers could be
strategically placed in unexpected locations, sparking curiosity and conversation among players. These teasers could hint at the game’s theme and setting, creating a sense of anticipation
and excitement leading up to the official release.
Full Blown Ads and Ad Specialties
As the release date approaches, full-blown ads can help generate further buzz and excitement
around Skåde. These ads could be featured on social media, gaming websites, and in-store
displays, reaching a wide audience of potential players. Ad specialties such as branded merchandise, collectibles, and limited edition items can also help create a sense of exclusivity and
value, enticing players to purchase the game and join the adventure.
Creating Collectibles
Collectibles are an important part of any game’s marketing strategy, creating a sense of nostalgia and value for players. For Skåde, collectibles could range from art prints and figurines
to themed merchandise, accessories, and special editions of the game itself. By offering these
items as incentives for pre-orders or special promotions, the game’s creators can further engage players and create a sense of community around the game. Building buzz through teasers, ads, ad specialties, and collectibles, the creators of Skåde can
attract players, build excitement, and create a lasting connection with fans.