Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

Houdini  ·  VFX / Procedural FX  ·  Game Cinematic

Software

Houdini  · Arnold

Electricity | Smoke FX System

• Designed and built the procedural electricity beam system used by the witches in the reveal moment, combining procedural geometry and particle systems in Houdini
• Developed branching electrical beam structures using procedural geometry curves with dynamic behavior and art-directable controls
• Integrated particle systems to enhance the electrical discharge with secondary sparks, energy scatter, and ambient glow effects
• Controlled the spread, intensity, and directionality of the beams to match the cinematic timing and performance of the witch characters
• Added volumetric smoke simulation to enhance the atmospheric environment surrounding the electricity — creating a sense of dark energy and cinematic tension around the witches

Technical Approach

• Combined procedural geometry and particle simulation to create layered, believable electrical FX with both structural form and chaotic energy
• Built artist-friendly controls for timing, spread angle, intensity, and branching behavior to support art direction and shot iteration
• Collaborated with compositing team to ensure FX integrated naturally with the cinematic lighting and environment
• Delivered under tight production deadlines while maintaining the visual quality standard expected for a major game franchise reveal