Originally released for the SNES, Donkey Kong Country 3 was later lovingly adapted for the Game Boy Advance. I created the box art, cartridge labels, full-colour manual and a range of supporting materials.
Production followed a familiar process. I was given a folder containing renders from the original release and asked to get on with it. Many of the assets had not aged particularly well, so I spent much of my time reworking and polishing them to bring everything up to the required standard.
I wanted to move the presentation forward while remaining tonally consistent with the game’s heritage. I introduced a crate-inspired visual treatment that suited its character and carried this throughout the packaging and manual.
Although most of my work has been digital, I have always enjoyed the challenge of designing physical packaging. Working within the shape and constraints of a box is a satisfying little puzzle, and there is something particularly rewarding about receiving and holding the finished product.
I also enjoyed adding small details beyond the original brief. When someone bought a boxed game, I felt the packaging should reward that purchase and give them something a little special. It was a fun project and a welcome opportunity to revisit one of Rare’s most iconic titles.
Production followed a familiar process. I was given a folder containing renders from the original release and asked to get on with it. Many of the assets had not aged particularly well, so I spent much of my time reworking and polishing them to bring everything up to the required standard.
I wanted to move the presentation forward while remaining tonally consistent with the game’s heritage. I introduced a crate-inspired visual treatment that suited its character and carried this throughout the packaging and manual.
Although most of my work has been digital, I have always enjoyed the challenge of designing physical packaging. Working within the shape and constraints of a box is a satisfying little puzzle, and there is something particularly rewarding about receiving and holding the finished product.
I also enjoyed adding small details beyond the original brief. When someone bought a boxed game, I felt the packaging should reward that purchase and give them something a little special. It was a fun project and a welcome opportunity to revisit one of Rare’s most iconic titles.
