I was actually playing with the idea of using holographic/energy elements with this shield, but it didn’t end up working out that way. Even something like you mentioned with the Jackals from halo, where it could be fixed to the players wrist but then that created the issue of constraints on the size (i.e. not being able to be used with every arm size). If I were designing it to be used with a specific set arm then that would have been fine, but to do it in a weapon/prop pack that can be used for anyone it presented that issue. However that idea isn’t 100% shelved! I plan on doing characters in addition to the robot series, and there’s no reason I couldn’t include arm variants that have that attached to the design. =)
This particular shield is actually designed to be used in conjunction with the stun baton, or just in general by a humanoid user. I originally wanted to do a holographic shield around the turret, but I couldn’t come up with a design that I was really satisfied with how it integrated with the gun itself. It’s still something I want to implement in the future with weapons but just have to find the right fit and design so things mesh well and don’t feel too tacked on as was the case when I tried it with the turret.
With all of my packs, whether it’s architecture, props or even characters I go through many iterations before arriving at what is presented in public. Even in the case of the early WIP designs. The first pass on this recent shield was horrible haha, I didn’t like it at all and this was what I ended up with going with a different route. But sometimes ideas get shelved for a bit, other times it could be a bit longer. But usually once I’ve got an idea in my head, such as integrating holographic elements with weapons, shields, etc. It’s just a matter of when I execute it rather than if. Just have to find the right design combination to make everything sync perfectly. A bit of a long answer but just wanted to provide some details of the process I go through. =P