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Final Submission Update and Reflections on "Endless Doors" & GG!

As we wrap up the final submission of "Endless Doors," I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we've embarked on and the invaluable lessons learned throughout the development of this game. This project has been a significant part of my growth as a game developer, and I am excited to share some key insights and takeaways.

Final Submission Overview

We've recently submitted the final version of "Endless Doors" for review. This version represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work, creative discussions, and iterative design based on extensive user feedback. We've fine-tuned the mechanics, polished the aesthetics, and ensured that each element of the game contributes positively to an engaging player experience. Our focus has been on creating a seamless, enjoyable, and challenging game that players will return to time and again.

Key Lessons Learned

The Value of Playtesting: Playtesting has been instrumental in our development process. It provided us with direct insights into how players interact with the game, which aspects they enjoy, and which parts could be improved. This hands-on feedback was crucial for iterating on game design and mechanics, ensuring that the game was both fun and challenging.

Importance of a Playcentric Approach: One of the most influential resources throughout this process has been Tracy Fullerton's "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" (Fullerton, 2018). This book emphasizes the importance of focusing on the player's experience and designing games that are fundamentally enjoyable to play. Drawing from Fullerton's methodologies, we ensured that every feature we designed and implemented enhanced the player's experience, from intuitive controls to engaging gameplay mechanics.

Streamlining and Simplification: Another significant lesson was learning when to streamline or remove features that did not add value to the game. As Fullerton discusses, it’s essential to avoid overcomplicating the game with unnecessary elements that do not serve the core gameplay or the player's enjoyment (Fullerton, 2018). This approach led us to make tough decisions about cutting certain features that, while interesting, were ultimately detracting from the game's main focus.

Dealing with Constraints: We also learned to navigate and adapt to various constraints, such as time limitations and resource availability. These challenges taught us the importance of flexibility and innovation in game development, pushing us to find creative solutions and prioritize features that had the most significant impact on gameplay.

Moving Forward

With the final submission complete, we look forward to receiving feedback and seeing how "Endless Doors" performs.

Final Thoughts

I am proud of what we've achieved with "Endless Doors." Although there is much left unfinished. This project has not only been about building a game but also about learning and applying deep game design principles that will inform my future work in this exciting field. I am grateful for the guidance provided by Fullerton's work and the support of my team and tutors!

Thank you to everyone who has followed our journey, provided feedback, and played "Endless Doors."

Fullerton, T. (2018). Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games. ProQuest Ebook. Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qut/reader.action?docID=5477698

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Postmortem Review of "Endless Doors" V2.4: Refining Gameplay and Enhancing User Experience

With the final release of "Endless Doors" version we call version 2.4, we've reached a significant milestone in the game’s development. It's been an enlightening journey filled with iterative design, feedback incorporation, and crucial decision-making. This postmortem review will delve into the latest updates, the reasons behind them, and how they have shaped the current version of "Endless Doors."

What’s New in V2.4?

Streamlined Gameplay Mechanics: In our latest update, we’ve made significant changes to streamline gameplay and enhance user experience. Key elements that were causing confusion or were not essential to the core mechanics have been either refined or removed. For instance, certain power-ups and the Stormweaver enemy, which were initially adding complexity without enhancing gameplay, have been removed. These changes are aimed at reducing player confusion and focusing on the elements that make "Endless Doors" engaging and fun.

Introduction of Elemental Attacks: We replaced some of the traditional mechanics with elemental attacks to add a fresh dynamic to the game. These attacks are tied to the environments of each zone, like snowfall in Winterland and meteorites in Fireland, enriching the thematic feel and strategic depth of the game.

Enhanced Player Controls: We’ve also overhauled the player controls by enabling strafing with the WASD keys, which allows for smoother and more intuitive movement. This update has been critical in ensuring that players can navigate through increasingly complex levels with greater ease and precision.

Focus on Core Features: One of the crucial decisions was to keep the game’s focus sharp. We have retained the score and board feature, allowing players to track their progress and compete with friends, which continues to be a popular aspect of the game.

Challenges Faced

Time Constraints and Resource Limitations: A recurring challenge throughout the development was managing time constraints and resource limitations. This led to tough choices, like forgoing the implementation of a fully integrated sound system in the current release. While this was a difficult decision, it allowed us to concentrate on perfecting the gameplay mechanics and ensuring stability across all game environments.

Balancing Innovation with Familiarity: Balancing the need to innovate while keeping the game intuitive and enjoyable for players of all skill levels was a significant challenge. For example, integrating new features like elemental attacks required us to consider their impact on game balance and player experience comprehensively.

Lessons Learned

The Importance of Player Feedback: Player feedback has been instrumental in shaping each iteration of "Endless Doors." From the usability of controls to the clarity of power-ups, listening to our players helped us identify what needed improvement and what features resonated well.

Flexibility in Development: Being flexible and ready to pivot has been essential. The ability to reassess and remove features that were not working as expected allowed us to refine the game continuously.

Focus on Core Gameplay: Focusing on core gameplay elements and ensuring they are executed flawlessly has been more beneficial than adding numerous features that could dilute the player experience.

Moving Forward

If we continued to develop "Endless Doors," we would be dedicated to enhancing every aspect of the game. Future updates would look to integrate sound in a way that complements the visual and gameplay experience without overburdening the development process. We were also exploring more interactive tutorials and guides to assist new players.

However that would be all for now as we've run out of time! Thank you for reading the blog! Thank you to everyone who has supported us through this journey. Your feedback and engagement have been invaluable. Stay tuned for more updates as we strive to make "Endless Doors" even more exciting and enjoyable for everyone!

Attachted is some final gameplay :)

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Iteration and Changes in "Endless Doors"

Hello! Today, I’m excited to share the latest updates and changes we've implemented in "Endless Doors" as part of our third assignment. Our focus has been on refining the gameplay experience and making the game more accessible and enjoyable for players. Let's dive into the details of what's new and what's been improved!

Introduction of a Tutorial

One significant addition to "Endless Doors" is the tutorial. We recognized from our playtesting feedback that both new and experienced players were facing a steep learning curve due to the unique mechanics and controls of our game. To address this, we've developed a comprehensive tutorial that guides players through the basic controls, introduces them to the power-ups, and explains the transition mechanics between levels. This tutorial is designed to ensure that players feel comfortable and confident as they start their adventure, making the game more approachable for everyone.

Streamlining Game Features

In our quest to refine "Endless Doors," we decided to streamline some of the existing features. This involved removing certain elements that, while interesting, were making the game overly complex without significantly enhancing the player experience. Our goal was to focus on the core aspects of the game that players enjoyed the most and to ensure that these were polished and well-executed. By simplifying the game, we've managed to enhance overall gameplay fluidity and focus more on the quality of the main features.

Challenges with Audio

One area we struggled with was the integration of music and sound effects. We understand how crucial sound is in creating an immersive game environment; however, we faced constraints due to time limitations and challenges in sourcing unique sounds without risking copyright infringement. As a result, we were unable to add music and sound effects in this iteration.

Enhanced Player Movement with WASD Strafing

A major gameplay enhancement we've introduced is the ability to strafe using the WASD keys. This change allows players to have completely free movement, greatly improving maneuverability and precision. Feedback from earlier versions indicated that players wanted more control over their character, especially in higher difficulty levels where quick and precise movements are crucial. With WASD strafing, players can now navigate more effectively, dodge obstacles, and engage with enemies more dynamically.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to develop "Endless Doors," we remain committed to listening to player feedback and refining the game accordingly. The introduction of the tutorial and the streamlining of features are just the beginning. We're also actively working on solutions to incorporate sound in a way that enhances gameplay without compromising on legality or quality.

We are excited about the journey ahead and believe these changes make "Endless Doors" a more polished and engaging experience for players. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and provided feedback. Your insights are invaluable and continue to drive the evolution of our game. Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards creating an unforgettable adventure in "Endless Doors"!

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Playtesting "Endless Doors": Insights and Reflections

As we continue the development of "Endless Doors," playtesting has become a crucial component of our process. It’s not just about fixing bugs, but also about understanding how players interact with the game, what they enjoy, and where they face challenges. Recently, we conducted a playtest session involving two novice players, Corey and Michael, and one experienced player, Tristan. Here's a deep dive into their feedback and how it's shaping the future of "Endless Doors."

Player Feedback and Our Takeaways

Corey Batchler - Novice Player

First Impressions: Corey found the game overwhelming initially but adapted after a few plays.

Feedback on Mechanics: He noted the game's challenge level as quite high but enjoyable. However, he pointed out issues with level transitions, where he sometimes found no platform beneath after switching levels.

Suggestion: Corey suggested incorporating background music and smoothing out level transitions to enhance the flow and feel of the game.

Overall: He sees great potential in the game, especially if the minor issues are addressed.

Tristan Batchler - Experienced Player

Gameplay Evolution: Tristan appreciated the noticeable improvements from the earlier version he played, particularly in game mechanics.

User Experience: He reported that the controls were not intuitive and suggested that a tutorial might make the game more accessible.

Power-Ups: The power-ups were confusing, and he recommended adding descriptions for each to clarify their functions.

Overall: Tristan finds the game fun and engaging, noting that each version keeps getting better.

Michael Tham - Novice Player

Initial Reaction: Like Corey, Michael found the initial gameplay confusing, particularly due to unclear power-up icons and the lack of audio cues.

Feedback on Difficulty: He felt the game was easier compared to others in the genre but noted some elements felt unfairly difficult.

Visual Effects: Michael enjoyed the atmospheric weather effects, although he found some, like the abrupt fog, more annoying than challenging.

Suggestion: He advised a gradual introduction of weather effects and emphasized the necessity of sound for a complete gaming experience.

Overall: Michael believes the game is particularly suitable for new or less experienced players of endless runners.

Addressing the Feedback

The feedback has been incredibly valuable, and here are the steps we're taking to address the common themes:

Enhancing Audiovisual Experience: The lack of audio was a unanimous drawback. We are now focusing on integrating a dynamic soundtrack and sound effects that complement the fast-paced nature of the game.

Improving Usability: To make the game more accessible to new players, we're designing an interactive tutorial that explains controls and power-ups succinctly.

Smoothing Transitions: We're refining the mechanics behind level transitions to ensure a seamless flow from one stage to the next without disrupting the gameplay.

Clarifying Power-Ups: We will introduce tooltips and a brief guide at the beginning of the game to explain each power-up clearly.

Looking Forward

Playtesting is an ongoing process, and each session is a learning opportunity. We're committed to refining "Endless Doors" based on real player experiences to ensure it's not only challenging and engaging but also intuitive and enjoyable for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you to everyone who has participated in our testing sessions! Your insights are invaluable as we continue to craft a game that we hope will captivate and thrill players around the world.

Here's so gameplay from playtesting:

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Assignment 3 Development Progress

Embarking on a New Journey: The Creation of "Endless Doors"

Hello! I’m thrilled to share with you the exciting new project that my team and I are diving into, titled "Endless Doors." This game is a natural evolution from a platformer I originally developed called "Your Browser is Offline." With "Endless Doors," we're pushing the boundaries further, transforming it into an endless runner filled with mystique, challenges, and continuous excitement.

Concept and Inspiration

"Endless Doors" stems from the idea of exploring uncharted territories that lie just beyond mysterious doors. Each door in the game leads to a distinct realm, from the eerie Ghost Kingdom to the fiery vistas of Fireland, and each environment is meticulously crafted to not only awe the player visually but also challenge their gameplay strategy.

Developing the Gameplay Mechanics

As a game developer and artists, one of my main goals is to create mechanics that are engaging and challenging. "Endless Doors" is designed as an endless experience where the difficulty escalates the longer you survive. The landscape is randomised with each play, increasing in peril with every second. This setup ensures that no two runs are ever the same, providing fresh challenges that require quick thinking and rapid reflexes.

The Challenges Ahead

Adapting from a traditional platformer to an endless runner format presents a unique set of challenges. We need to ensure the gameplay is smooth, the progression feels natural, and the game continuously offers something new. Balancing the game’s difficulty is crucial; it needs to be accessible to new players yet challenging enough to keep the more experienced players engaged.

Enemies and Power-ups

The enemies in "Endless Doors" are more than mere obstacles. Each has unique behaviors and characteristics: the Aquatic Creeper knocks you back, the Shadow Wraith deals heavy damage but is easy to dispatch, and the Stormweaver affects the very weather to hinder your progress. To combat these challenges, we've introduced a variety of power-ups. Players can find items that replenish health, allow double-jumps, or even grant brief invincibility, adding a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay.

Artistic Vision

We are dedicated to creating a visually captivating world. The pixel art style of "Endless Doors" pays homage to classic games while incorporating modern aesthetics that breathe life into the various worlds behind each door. Each zone has been designed with care, not only to stand out visually but also to complement the unique challenges it presents.

Collaborative Efforts

Working on "Endless Doors" with a team has been an incredible experience. Collaboration brings diverse ideas and strengths to the table, allowing us to refine our concepts and produce a game that we're excited about.

Looking Forward

We're currently in the early stages of development, but progress is swift and exhilarating. As we continue to build and refine "Endless Doors," we invite you to follow our journey and share your thoughts. Your feedback will be invaluable as we aim to create a game that not only we will love developing but you will love playing.

Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into the realms of "Endless Doors" and gear up for a game that promises endless adventures and challenges!

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Finalised One Sheet & One Page

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Assigment 2 One sheet & One Page

As I continue my journey through game development, I've arrived at a pivotal moment: choosing the focus for my second major assignment. After much consideration and experimentation with different genres, I've decided to develop a platformer game. Here's why I believe this is the right path for me.

Exploration of Creativity

In my previous projects, I dabbled with a racing game, "Fast Lane Fury," and an asteroid evasion game, "Guardian Grid." While these projects were incredibly informative and challenging, I often felt boxed in by the conventional mechanics these genres demanded. The racing and asteroid games had predefined paths that limited my ability to infuse the projects with innovation in the ways I had envisioned.

On the other hand, platformers offer a broad canvas for creativity—from level design and character abilities to storytelling and visual style. This genre allows for a diverse range of expression that I find deeply compelling. With platformers, the possibilities for creating unique, engaging experiences seem almost limitless.

Fleshing Out My Designs

One of the most exciting aspects of opting for a platformer is the opportunity to bring my most creative designs to life. Over the past few months, I've sketched out various concepts for characters, worlds, and gameplay mechanics that I'm eager to develop further. These ideas have been gestating in notebooks and files, waiting for their chance to jump into a playable form.

Platformers, with their emphasis on exploration and interaction, provide the perfect framework for these ideas. Whether it's a character who can shift shapes to overcome obstacles or a world that changes based on player choices, the platformer format allows these concepts to shine.

Looking Forward

As I dive into the development of my platformer, I'm excited about the challenges and learning opportunities ahead. This project is not just an assignment; it's a chance to push my limits as a designer and developer. I look forward to sharing my progress with you and, hopefully, a demo that all can play and provide feedback on.

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Fast Lane Fury Postmortem

"Fast Lane Fury" began as a simple yet ambitious project, aiming to bring a fresh twist to the racing game genre by incorporating high-speed lane changes and oncoming obstacles. As a student of game development, my goal was not only to build a game but also to explore and understand the mechanics of game design and player engagement.

What Went Well

Implementation of Power-Ups: The recent addition of power-ups brought a new dimension to the gameplay. This feature allowed players to experience brief moments of increased abilities, such as speed boosts or invincibility, adding strategic depth to the high-speed chases. In reference to the significance of such mechanics, Fullerton notes, “Games are systems, and mastering the system's behavior over time is what allows us to experience delight and surprise” (T. Fullerton, 2018). This understanding drove the integration of power-ups which greatly enhanced player engagement.

Learning Technical Skills: Developing "Fast Lane Fury" was immensely beneficial in terms of gaining hands-on experience with game development tools and programming concepts, particularly in areas like collision detection and game physics. The technical proficiency gained mirrors Fullerton's assertion that "understanding the tools and techniques at your disposal can provide new ways of crafting compelling experiences for the player" (T. Fullerton, 2018).

Challenges Faced

Creative Constraints: One of the most significant challenges was navigating the creative constraints imposed by the racing game genre. Many mechanics have been well-established by existing games, which made it difficult to innovate without straying too far from what players expect from a racing game.

Balancing Gameplay: The introduction of power-ups required careful balancing to ensure the game remained challenging but fair. Finding the right frequency and impact of these power-ups involved a lot of testing and tweaking. Reflecting on this, Fullerton emphasizes the importance of balance: "Game mechanics need to be finely tuned so that they provide a challenge that is engaging but not discouraging" (T. Fullerton, 2018).

Lessons Learned

Embrace Constraints as Opportunities: The restrictions of the genre, while initially seen as hurdles, forced me to think more creatively about how to implement familiar mechanics in new ways. This was a practical application of Fullerton's perspective on embracing constraints.

Feedback is Vital: Player feedback was crucial in understanding how the new features affected gameplay. It highlighted areas where the game felt lacking and where it excelled, guiding further development. This crucial role of feedback aligns with Fullerton's observation that "feedback is the lifeblood of the iterative design process, providing the insights needed for refinement" (T. Fullerton, 2018).

Keep Iterating: The importance of iteration became clear. Each change, whether successful or not, provided valuable insights into game design and player preferences. As Fullerton suggests, "Iteration is not merely a way to improve a game; it is fundamental to understanding what your game is" (T. Fullerton, 2018).

This postmortem documents the journey of developing "Fast Lane Fury" and reflects the application of foundational game design principles that guided each phase of the project. These experiences demonstrate how theoretical concepts from seasoned designers can be effectively applied to real-world game development scenarios. Fullerton, T. (2018). Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games. ProQuest Ebook. Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qut/reader.action?docID=5477698

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Development Update: Fast Lane Fury

I’m thrilled to share some of the latest progress on my project, "Fast Lane Fury." As a student learning game development, each step in this process has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Here’s what I’ve managed to achieve recently:

Recent Development Highlights:

Added Obstacles: I've integrated a range of new obstacles into the game. Designing and programming these to appear randomly has been a fantastic exercise in understanding game mechanics and player interaction. It's exciting to see how these additions change the gameplay dynamics and increase the challenge.

Colliding Cars: Implementing collision detection was a significant milestone for me. Now, other cars can collide with the player’s vehicle, adding a whole new level of difficulty and realism. Getting the physics right took several tries, and I learned a lot about how objects interact in a gaming environment.

Challenges and Learning Points:

Understanding Collision Physics: One of the most complex parts of these updates was getting the collision physics to feel realistic. It involved a lot of trial and error and tuning to get things just right.

Balancing Difficulty: With the new obstacles and colliding cars, balancing the game's difficulty became crucial. I had to ensure that the game remains fun and challenging but not

Reflecting on the process, T. Fullerton's insights on the essential nature of formal elements in game design were especially pertinent: "Formal elements, as I’ve said, are those elements that form the structure of a game. Without them, games cease to be games. Players, objective, procedures, rules, resources, conflict, boundaries, and outcome: These are the essence of games, and a strong understanding of their potential interrelationships is the foundation of game design" (T. Fullerton, 2018). This understanding guided my efforts in balancing the difficulty, ensuring that each component in "Fast Lane Fury" contributes meaningfully to an engaging and structured gameplay experience.

This quotation not only highlights the critical role of formal elements but also connects directly with the ongoing development and tuning efforts in your project, emphasizing the structured approach you are taking in designing your game. Fullerton, T. (2018). Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games. ProQuest Ebook. Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qut/reader.action?docID=5477698

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Racing Game Elevator Pitch

Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to take you on a quick spin through the development journey of our latest creation, "Fast Lane Fury". This isn't just a game; it's a white-knuckle ride that tests your reflexes as much as it gets your adrenaline pumping. Let me break down what makes "Fast Lane Fury" a must-play for all adrenaline junkies and speed enthusiasts.

The Essence of "Fast Lane Fury"

"Fast Lane Fury" is a high-octane racing game where success hinges on your ability to make split-second decisions. Imagine zipping through bustling traffic, where each lane change might be your ticket to victory or a near-miss disaster. The game escalates in difficulty with each level, introducing faster and more frenetic challenges that will keep even the most seasoned gamers on their toes.

Unique Selling Points

Randomized Elements: Every playthrough is unique with randomized obstacles that ensure no two races are ever the same. This unpredictability keeps the game exciting and challenging.

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Designed to enhance your reaction times, each level ups the ante with greater speed and more demanding obstacles.

Retro/Arcade Feel: We've infused the game with a retro aesthetic that nods to classic arcade games but with modern gameplay mechanics.

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Asteriods Postmortem

Inspired by the classic game "Asteroids," but with a twist—instead of merely destroying asteroids, the player also had to protect a convoy of friendly ships. This added a strategic layer to the familiar gameplay. The development process was both challenging and rewarding, providing numerous learning opportunities.

What Went Well

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: The decision to mix traditional asteroid destruction with an escort mission introduced complexity and a fresh challenge, which was well-received in user feedback.

Control and Interaction: Implementing rotation controls significantly improved gameplay, making the ship more agile and responsive, which players appreciated.

Visuals and Design: The updated backgrounds and detailed designs of the friendly ships were highlights, enhancing the game's aesthetic and overall immersion.

Challenges Faced

Balancing Difficulty: One of the toughest parts of development was adjusting the game's difficulty. Ensuring the asteroids and enemy encounters were challenging without being frustrating took several iterations and feedback sessions.

Technical Issues: The rotation mechanics initially caused unexpected bugs, such as collision detection issues, which required substantial debugging and testing to resolve.

Lessons Learned

Feedback is Crucial: Early and ongoing feedback from testers helped identify not just bugs but also gameplay elements that could be more intuitive or engaging. Incorporating these insights was invaluable.

Keep It Simple: Initially, the ambition to include many features led to overcomplication. Learning to simplify and focus on core mechanics was crucial for maintaining clarity and quality in gameplay.

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Guardian Grid - Development Progress

I've been working on my project, "Guardian Grid," and it’s been quite the adventure figuring out how Gdevelop functions

Recent Development Highlights:

Updated Background: I’ve revamped the game’s background to make the space setting feel more immersive and dynamic. It took a bit of playing around with graphics software to get the look I wanted, but I’m really happy with the colorful and lively result!

Added Friendly Ships: To increase the complexity and fun, I've introduced friendly ships that you need to protect. This addition has made the gameplay more challenging and strategic, which I hope players will enjoy.

Added Rotation for Player: I implemented rotation controls for the player’s ship. This was a bit tricky at first as I had to tweak the physics settings, but it’s made maneuvering and targeting way smoother and more intuitive.

Score System: I set up a basic scoring system to keep track of how well players perform. It’s pretty straightforward right now, but I plan to add multipliers and bonuses for consecutive successful defenses.

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Asteriods - Elevator Pitch

"Guardian Grid" is a thrilling twist on the beloved classic, 'Asteroids'. In this intense space escort simulator, you are tasked with defending a fleet of civilian ships navigating through a perilous asteroid belt. Utilize a variety of defensive tactics and advanced weaponry to obliterate incoming asteroids and protect your convoy from cosmic debris and unexpected alien adversaries. Each mission increases in difficulty as you strategize the best formations and utilize power-ups to enhance your ship's defensive capabilities. Perfect for players who love strategy and fast-paced action, "Guardian Grid" challenges you to become the ultimate protector in the vastness of space. Can you keep the fleet safe as you journey through the stars? Current Progress:

Randomised Asteriods Spawning

Firing from ship

Destroyable asteriods

Player Movement

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Postmortem Review: "Your Browser is Offline"

Overview: "Your Browser is Offline" started as an ambitious project aimed at reimagining the endless runner genre through the whimsical lens of a bunny navigating a digital landscape depicted in a distinctive 1-bit art style. The concept was to blend engaging mechanics with eye-catching graphics to create a uniquely addictive experience for PC and mobile players.

Development Highlights: The development process was a journey of creativity and learning. Key achievements included the successful integration of a simple yet appealing visual style that stood out due to its minimalist color palette highlighted with splashes of red and blue. Implementing responsive controls and smooth gameplay mechanics were significant milestones that shaped the game's core experience, making it accessible and enjoyable.

Challenges Faced: One of the primary challenges was maintaining engagement within a single endless level. Finding the balance between difficulty, variety, and replayability was a continuous endeavor. Additionally, developing a power-up system that was both rewarding and balanced required more iterations than initially anticipated, highlighting the need for more in-depth testing phases.

Player Reception: The reception to "Your Browser is Offline" has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding its art style and intuitive gameplay. Players appreciated the novel setting and character concept, though they expressed desires for greater variety and more in-depth features to enhance replayability.

Reflections and Lessons Learned: The project taught valuable lessons in game design and player engagement. It reinforced the importance of early and ongoing player feedback to refine gameplay mechanics and variety. It also highlighted the effectiveness of a strong, unique visual identity in making a game stand out in a crowded market.

Looking Forward: The development of "Your Browser is Offline" was a lot of fun and a profound learning experience. The enjoyment derived from seeing players interact with the game and from the creative process itself has sparked considerations for continuing the project. Potential future developments could include adding varied levels or "zones," expanding the power-up system, and introducing new gameplay elements like challenges or mini-bosses to enhance the depth and appeal of the game.

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Game Play Testing

As I wasn't able to attend I got a friend who also happend to be an indie game dev to review: Playtesting: "Your Browser is Offline"

The Good: The game’s 1-bit art style, complemented by selective color highlights, creates a visually striking environment that draws players in. The core mechanics of dodging, jumping, and utilizing power-ups are well-executed, providing a smooth and addictive gameplay experience that feels responsive and engaging. The concept of being a bunny in a digital landscape offers a whimsical and refreshing twist to the endless runner genre.

The Bad: While the gameplay is engaging, the single endless level can become monotonous over time without varying scenarios or themes. This could potentially limit replayability as players might lose interest once the novelty wears off. Additionally, the power-ups, although helpful, are currently limited in variety and impact, which might not offer enough depth to keep the gameplay interesting in the long run.

The Improvements:

Level Variety - Introducing different themes or sections within the endless level that change visually and mechanically could help maintain player interest. These could simulate different "zones" that offer new challenges and aesthetics without ending the run.

Expand Power-Up System - Developing more diverse and impactful power-ups could add layers of strategy to the game. Power-ups that temporarily alter gameplay or provide unique abilities would offer players new ways to navigate challenges.

Difficulty Adjustments- Currently the game is rather difficult since randomness plays a large part in the players progression. Adding more catchup mechanics could be very beneficial.

Ideas:

Mini-Goals and Achievements - Implementing mini-goals or milestones within the endless run that players can achieve for extra points or bonuses. This could provide short-term objectives and a sense of progression.

Interactive Elements - Adding elements in the environment that players can interact with, such as switches that alter paths or activate in-game effects, could add a layer of depth and interactivity to the gameplay.

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Elevator Pitch

The game is called! "Your Browser is Offline" which is an imaginative endless runner platformer where you play as a bunny unexpectedly sucked into your own browser during an offline error. With a unique 1-bit art style enhanced by splashes of color, you’ll navigate a dynamic digital landscape filled with power-ups, daunting bosses, and relentless enemies. Each run challenges your reflexes and strategic thinking, offering a fresh, addictive twist on the classic platformer genre. Dive in and turn a simple browsing interruption into an epic adventure right within the circuits of your computer!

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Introduction!

Hey there! I'm Kane. 🎮✨

I'm a fourth-year comp sci student, but really, at heart, I'm all about game design. It's kinda been my thing since, well, forever—or at least since grade 7 when I first got my hands on C# and Unity.

Game design, for me, isn't just about putting together something cool to pass the time. It's more about crafting stories, pushing the envelope with tech, and making something that sticks with you long after you've put the controller down so this course seems very exciting for me.

My outside experience of games been a mix of coding small games, deep dives into game mechanics, and a whole lot of trial and error. It's been fun, challenging, and everything in between. Now, as I'm cruising through my final year in uni. I hope to create a real fun game!