The Strong Museum of Play has preserved a unique Saints Row test NPC known as Skinballs, essential for video game historical study. Elizabeth Zelle, a former Volition developer, alongside preservationists Andrew Borman and Phil Salvadore, emphasized its significance.
Role and Preservation
Skinballs, composed of four differently textured flesh-tone spheres, served as a lighting test asset in the game Saints Row to ensure proper appearance for all character skin colors. According to Andrew Borman, director of digital preservation at the Strong, this asset has gained meme-like status in mod communities.
Community and Museum Involvement
The preservation effort was bolstered by a donation from former Volition staff, which included game builds, source material, and documentation. The Strong Museum holds this in high regard, adding the Skinballs to its collection, although public display plans are presently not set.
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