Beatstar was a hit mobile rhythm game where players tap to the beat of popular songs. It amassed nearly 100 million downloads and had a player base of over 60 million users globally. As Art Lead, I was responsible for creating key visual assets that supported player progression, monetisation, and long-term engagement.
Deluxe Mode Visual Identity
Challenge
Deluxe Mode introduced a new, high-stakes gameplay experience with tougher challenges and premium rewards. It needed a distinct visual identity that communicated exclusivity while fitting seamlessly into the wider game.
Solution
I created the Deluxe Mode icon, alongside supporting 3D models and static sprites that would be shown while playing Beatstar. The design language emphasised a premium, energetic feel to mirror the elevated challenge.
Deluxe Icon
Deluxe Box
Deluxe Cards
Deluxe Mode Medals
Rank Badge System Redesign
Challenge
The original rank badges had become visually inconsistent and repetitive, with little to differentiate higher levels. This reduced the sense of achievement for players and made future expansions difficult.
Solution
I reworked the entire badge system with a modular and systemic approach, establishing rules for shape, material, and colour. This created a scalable framework where each badge remained unique but clearly part of the same family.
Old rank badges
Badge model
Updated badge system
Merch Box Design
Challenge
A new feature called 'Merch' was being introduced to Beatstar which consisted of a number of different cosmetic items. Merch needed to feel different to current in-game rewards and get players excited and engaged.
Solution
I created a unique box design so Merch could stand out from everything else. By giving each group of items their own boxes, an identity was created while making them feel part of the same visual family.
Initial box concept illustration
Box 3D model
Icons required for the box variants
Final rendered box variants
