Holly Hudson Portfolio  

Morgan: Metal Detective



Morgan: Metal Detective is a cozy, first-person metal detecting adventure set on the picturesque, fictional Cornish island of Glasden. 

Players embark on a heartwarming journey, helping the island’s residents recover lost items while unraveling a deeper mystery with the help of their late Grandpa. The game is designed to evoke feelings of exploration, discovery, and nostalgia, blending charming rural traditions with a sprinkle of magic.
Platforms:
Steam,  Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S

Release : 
Jan 2025

Publisher: 
SubSilico
Since January 2023, I’ve been leading the artistic direction of Morgan: Metal Detective, working alongside my co-creator, Harvey Hayman. Together, we envisioned an open-world adventure inspired by games like Firewatch and Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, with visual influences drawn from Ooblets and Untitled Goose Game. 

My roles in this project have included art direction, 3D asset creation, level design, UI art, environment art, VO direction, and optimisation for porting to multiple platforms.


Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2637220/Morgan_Metal_Detective/?beta=1



The process of creating Morgan: Metal Detective involved a deep focus on blending 2D and 3D visual styles to create a cohesive and engaging world. 

Early on, I developed an art direction document to guide the project, which outlined how we would combine 2D character sprites with 3D environments. By using flat shading, gradients, and patterns, we ensured that the different art styles felt unified and natural. This document, along with a detailed asset breakdown, was shared with our collaborators and continually referenced throughout development to maintain consistency.
For 3D assets, I took charge of creating key "hero" items such as a fishing boat, lighthouse, church, and quest treasures like metal detectors and polaroids. I also created all the island’s foliage—grass, trees, plants, and bushes—using alpha billboards combined with a custom wind shader to give the environment life and movement. Collaborating closely with a 3D artist who handled smaller modular assets, I ensured all creations aligned with the asset breakdown I designed early in the project.





The island of Glasden itself is a fictional yet richly detailed environment inspired by real Cornish landscapes. We meticulously researched Cornwall's unique features, such as its coastal streets, stone walls, and vibrant colors, which led to over 20 iterations of the island's design. 

We ultimately divided the island into distinct biomes—farmland, harbor, town—each with its own character, soundscapes, and landmarks to guide players naturally. Our goal was to create a relaxing yet deeply engaging world that evokes the joy of childhood exploration, inviting players to immerse themselves in the beauty and magic of Glasden.


By drawing inspiration from British rural life and the show Detectorists, as well as personal experiences of childhood holidays in Cornwall, we aimed to create an atmosphere of calm, curiosity, and nostalgia. 

We’ve also worked closely with Double Slice, a graphic design company, to design diverse characters who reflect modern British culture, further grounding the game’s world in authentic, contemporary storytelling. Each element—art, story, and gameplay—came together to celebrate the simple, often overlooked beauty of the British countryside.
A brief look at my behind-the-scenes process: