5-Star Assets

Recreates Hong Kong service buildings, sports grounds, and apartments in Cities: Skylines.

In this project, I recreated a selection of service buildings, sports grounds, and apartments in Hong Kong as game assets for Cities: Skylines. Players can subscribe to these assets on the Steam Workshop and integrate them into their city simulations. This was also my first foray into 3D modeling learned entirely through online resources. Along the way, I refined skills in product presentation, publishing each asset with engaging descriptions and curated galleries to showcase and market the work.

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See how YouTubers use my Airport ATC asset to build functioning airports in Cities: Skylines. The video demonstrates how my assets enhance realism and fit seamlessly into complex, large‑scale builds.

How did I achieve consistent five-star ratings?

Identifying gaps

To consistently achieve five‑star ratings, I focused on identifying gaps in the workshop and creating useful assets to fill them. For example, I noticed a shortage of high‑capacity schools: most available options were low‑rise, space‑hungry, and visually rural. Hong Kong schools, by contrast, are typically multi‑storey, compact, and visually compatible with highrises while serving thousands of students, making them ideal for highly urbanized cities.

Storytelling

Compelling presentation further amplified results. Curated galleries show how assets fit into a city, while thoughtful descriptions add cultural context and practical guidance. For instance, the basketball court asset demonstrates how to activate space beneath an overpass and contribute to city identity.

How were the assets created end to end?

I used SketchUp and Blender for 3D modeling, Autodesk 3ds Max and Blender for UV mapping, and Photoshop alongside Photopea for texturing. Each asset typically took around five to seven days of full‑time work from concept to polished release.

What assets did I release?

I released a portfolio of assets that includes three schools, four sports grounds, one fire station, one library, two public housing developments, and one airport air traffic control tower.

What recognition and reach did the assets gain?

The assets were widely subscribed to by players from Hong Kong, featured on the Most Popular Items reel with an average five‑star rating, and commended by renowned asset creators and players internationally. I also collaborated with creators worldwide to localize project descriptions into multiple languages, broadening reach and accessibility.

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