Gekko and his Companions Sculpture, Valorant
2024 started off with a big project here at Volpin Props! The Valorant North America team from Riot Games wanted a few new faces to greet the fans at their esports arena in Los Angeles, and asked us to bring to life their in-game LA resident Gekko along with his menagerie of creatures. This sculpture is designed to be semi-permanent, mounted on retractable wheels for the times when Riot wants to showcase the statue outside it’s own halls.
Gekko himself is 6′ tall and stands on a replica of the steps of his house as seen in his reveal trailer. Plastic tiles were combined with stucco and grout to emulate the look of a California home, while underneath a welded steel frame provides strength and support to the statue above. Small scenic elements like his discarded boba tea cup and brightly colored house planter were added to complete the scenic base. At Gekko’s feet is his largest companion, Thrash, who is nearly 3′ long and bristling with rocky armor. Dizzy naps in Gekko’s right arm, nuzzled into his vibrant sweater vest.
Depending on your internal narrative, Wingman is either leading the way or about to start some shenanigans perched on top of Gekko’s shoulder and pointing out to the world. For ease of transportation and to reduce weight at this upper extremity, both Wingman and Gekko’s head are removable! Another benefit of this is it allows access to the internal electronics that animate Mosh Pit – the small green guy living in Gekko’s messenger bag. There, we embedded a clear lens over a 5″ round 1080p screen, playing a loop animation of Mosh Pit swimming and spiraling around inside his pet carrier. Gekko has an internal steel skeleton and glass fiber reinforcement for stability when Riot decides he needs to go on a road trip.
Gekko’s skateboard was also replicated from the Greater Than One video, decked out with real grip tape, trucks, and wheels. This was even properly weathered on a half pipe for the ultimate in authentic scuffs and scratches!
