Nuketown Zombies

“Mass-energy equivalence, secret tests, crash-landing perks. Survive in the iconic Nuketown, where the past and the future come together.”

Complete remaster of the iconic Nuketown Zombies map from Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. This ambitious project represents much more than a simple port: it’s a faithful recreation that brings revolutionary new features to the Zombies mode, including support for up to 8 players and the integration of intelligent bots.

Creative Vision

After the success of FARM, I chose to tackle Nuketown Zombies because it was a map I particularly enjoyed on Black Ops 2, despite the unfortunate absence of a quest or secrets even though its place in Zombies mode history offered narrative potential.

The initial goal was to create a remake rather than a simple remaster, preserving the fundamental gameplay while greatly extending the map’s potential with additional areas and a quest consistent with the game’s universe.

Advanced Technical Development

First In-Depth Programming Experience

This project marked my true initiation into the world of programming. Nuketown featured complex gameplay elements that required a technical approach.

Script Conversion and Adaptation

• Export of original Black Ops 2 scripts via community tools
• In-depth analysis of all files to understand the logic
• Manual conversion of code for Black Ops 3 compatibility
• Adaptation to differences between game engines
• Correction and optimization

Innovation: Zombies Experience

Revolution of Zombies Mode

This project introduced revolutionary features that would later become the foundation of the Zombies Experience project:

8-Player Support

• World’s first in custom zombies at the time
• Unlocking the initial 4-player limitation
• Performance optimization for extended matches
• Gameplay balancing for large teams

Intelligent Bot System

• Programming of bot AI
• Behaviors adapted to Zombies mode
• Solo play capability with AI

Advanced Customization

• Game feel choice: Black Ops 2 or Black Ops 3 (reproduction of mechanics from the previous game)
• HUD customization according to preferences between different Black Ops games (1, 2, and 3)
• Customizable weapon kits for each playstyle (each player could choose the weapons they wanted to use during their game, an unprecedented feature)
• Fully configurable match settings such as difficulty

Creation Process

Analysis and Design Phase

• In-depth study of the original architecture
• Use of developers’ standard scale documents for doors, stairs, etc.
• Import of assets from the original map for reference

Blockout and Technical Foundation

• Creation of an accurate blockout faithful to the original
• Respect for proportions and gameplay flow
• Adaptation to Black Ops 3 technical standards
• Optimization from the design phase

Level Design and Construction

Faithful Recreation of Nuketown

• Visual reproduction of buildings
• Adaptation to the game’s standard scale
• Preservation of original gameplay
• Improvement of geometry for performance

Technical Construction

• Precise modeling of buildings and terrain
• Collision optimization for fluid gameplay

Content and Features

Graphical Improvements

• High-quality retexturing: New textures for PBR materials adapted to the Black Ops 3 engine
• Modernized models: 3D assets updated to graphics standards
• Enhanced visual effects: Particles and lighting
• Aesthetic consistency: Harmonization with the Black Ops 3 universe

Advanced Programming

• Gameplay scripts entirely rewritten and optimized
• Integration of Nuketown-specific mechanics
• Compatibility with external mod systems

Visual and Audio Effects

• Custom FX system for post-apocalyptic atmosphere
• Immersive sound design
• Dynamic lighting to enhance atmosphere
• Post-processing for final aesthetics

Impact and Legacy

Community Success

With over 600,000 downloads and a place in the top 10 of the Black Ops 3 Workshop, Nuketown Zombies marked the community with its ambition and execution quality. Positive feedback from players and content creators confirmed the relevance of technical and artistic choices.

Technical Revolution

This project introduced for the first time 8-player support and an intelligent bot system in Zombies modding, innovations that inspired many creators and established new standards for the community.

Foundational Learning

Nuketown marked a turning point in my journey as a developer:

• Introduction to programming: First in-depth experience with complex scripts
• Technical mastery: Understanding of game engines and development tools
• Methodology: Structured approach to video game development
• Professional vision: Transformation of a passion into a career