The Razer Barracuda X, a lightweight 4-in-1 wireless gaming headset designed to deliver high-end audio performance across 4 platforms; the Nintendo Switch, the Playstation, PC and Android devices. To showcase this new product, Razer engaged us to craft a new video to accompany its launch.
Behind-The-Scenes
Concept Paint-over!
To highlight the Barracuda X’s unique connectivity, we placed the product in 4 unique worlds to symbolise the different platforms it can connect to. Each environment would thus need to encapsulate the aesthetic of each platform for any viewer to immediately and unmistakably recognize the platform depicted. This would require trial and error.
However, testing different iterations of each world in fully rendered 3D would be an arduous process. We needed a way to visualise our scenes without resorting to a full 3D render. To do this, we thus decided to paint over early renders to brainstorm and enhance the scene directly – expediting the creative process and producing more effective results.
For example, in the Switch world, we tried multiple iterations before deciding to capture the essence of Nintendo’s unique visual style through the colors and shapes chosen. Lush green fields with simplified fauna surrounding medieval castles built atop floating islands resemble the imaginative, playful art style that Nintendo is known for. The red-blue color scheme of the switch was implemented on the castles to include an actual depiction of the Nintendo Switch without explicitly showing it. Doing so helps to elevate the video creatively without the need for usage rights clearance.
Base, Paint-Over, Final!
Text in Motion
Have you observed how we tailored the text style to match the atmosphere of each world? We make sure to incorporate these details to ensure that our audience receives the message both consciously and subconsciously.
Creative Agility
We were originally tasked to highlight the sophisticated hardware of the Barracuda X in an elegant, lifestyle-esque video. However, we later learnt that the marketing team wanted to switch tracks to focus more on Razer’s gaming identity. We quickly adjusted our approach to deliver a video that showcased the headphone’s unique selling points in a way that resonates with Razer’s gaming aesthetic.
In the creative and marketing sphere, it is not uncommon for a project’s specs to change after the initial brief. With these changes, it is important to realign the expectations and creative goals of all stakeholders involved. We at Masonry Studios understand the dynamic nature of the creative process. It is important to be able to let go of ideas in favor of better ones. To facilitate this, we encourage our partners to discuss internally and align on their creative vision as early as they can. Ultimately, our goals to create the best video for the product are one and the same – and reaching a consensus on creative vision is the first step towards success.
Original direction VS final direction. Oh, how our concept has changed!
Director’s Message
It’s always a joy to share the process behind our work, and this recent project was a particularly rewarding challenge. Tasked with representing the headphone’s seamless connection across four different platforms, we knew we had to go beyond simply showcasing functionality—we had to build four distinct worlds, each with its own tone and logic.
Despite tight timelines, the team at Masonry Studios rose to the occasion. What would normally be a two-world brief became four, without an extension to schedule. Yet, through careful planning and sheer commitment, we not only met the brief—we surprised ourselves with how much we accomplished.
This kind of work demands more than time—it requires trust, skill, and a shared belief in the value of creative craft. I’m thankful to our partners for recognising this, and for supporting the pursuit of quality.
Every project like this reaffirms what’s possible when the right people come together. Grateful to the team, and proud of what we’ve built.
Credits
Director: Ronald Fong & Gina See
Animators: Deemei Ong
Additional Title Design: Shakira
Sound Designer: Nicholas Chia