Civilisation is on its last legs as a deadly fungus spreads across the globe, turning humans into highly hostile and deadly cannibalistic creatures known as ‘the Infected. Survivors who have been spared from the fungus’ mutations are left to fend for themselves, cloistered in all manner of totalitarian quarantine zones and settlements to protect themselves against the blighted that live beyond the walls of safety.
Welcome to the world of the award-winning hit gaming franchise, The Last of Us.
M’sian VFX artist envisions what Kuala Lumpur would look like in The Last of Us
Launched all the way back in 2013, the action-packed video game series has been a runaway hit with audiences, spawning three games, a number of comic books and even a 2023 HBO television series that stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
With that said, it’s hard to envision what the greater Last of Us universe would look like beyond American shores, as the franchise has always been set in the United States. What would a post-apocalyptic Malaysia look like, with vacant and long-abandoned edifices teetering on the edge of collapse as nature reclaims our cities?
Well wonder no more, as you can take a brief glimpse into that spine-chilling world of gritty survival through a masterfully rendered VFX sequence that was recently created by Malaysian VFX artist @harzachvfx, otherwise known as Mr Azhar Zakeriah.
Introducing viewers to a decrepit Kuala Lumpur, the video opens up with a shot of the KLCC Twin Towers in a state of decay, completely overgrown with vegetation. At the very base of the iconic landmark, vegetation has completely consumed the ground, resulting in cracked and raised roads as well as wild shrubs aplenty.
We are then transported to another popular Kuala Lumpur destination, Pavilion shopping centre and its boulevard of luxury boutiques. Completely vacant, they are a far cry from the hustle and bustle that the area typically plays host to. And as we step up to Pavilion’s main entrance, eagle-eyed viewers can even spot an eerie Infected human taking shambling steps ahead.
Azhar’s clip has been viewed 1.1 million times since it was uploaded, with many netizens commending him for his skill in creating a truly believable world using footage of Kuala Lumpur.
The path to becoming a VFX artist
In speaking with WauPost, he shares that he has been working in the visual effects and animation field for over 12 years, and that it took him 12 days to create the short clip from scratch. A subsequent video uploaded to his TikTok account documents his process in turning his raw video footage into the final product.
As for those who are hoping to pick up the same skillset, he advises them to first start by learning the basics of VFX, such as compositing, 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and animation. Referring to free YouTube tutorials and free online VFX courses could also be a huge boon for beginners as well.
What’s more, they should also make a point of familiarising themselves with industry software, including Adobe After Effects, Blender 3D, and Unreal Engine. And as one can expect, practice is key where picking up a new skill is concerned.
“Hands-on experience is the best way to learn VFX. Find tutorials and projects to work on, and keep trying new techniques.” he said.
Depending on one’s level of dedication, it can take anywhere from months to years to be competent in the field of VFX. If you wish to view more of Azhar’s work, you may do so by browsing his official TikTok account here!
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