vividsoh

[vividsoh]

Where I Am Heading?

BLOG 40: PHASE 4 (SELF EVALUATION)

Looking ahead, I find myself drawn increasingly towards narrative design and UI/UX in game development. Crafting compelling stories and designing user-friendly interfaces are aspects that excite me the most. I want to explore how narratives can be woven into gameplay to create immersive experiences and how intuitive design can enhance player interaction. Moving in this direction will not only align with my interests but also provide a clearer path for my career in game design, where I can make a meaningful impact by focusing on the storytelling and user experience aspects of games.

[vividsoh]

Grading Myself

BLOG 39: PHASE 4 (SELF EVALUATION)

If I were to grade myself based on my performance in this project, I would rate myself as average. I’ve made significant progress and have learned a lot, but there were moments when my lack of experience was evident. While I was able to solve many problems on my own, I also encountered challenges that took longer to resolve than they should have. This self-assessment isn't about being overly critical but about recognizing the areas where I can grow. I aim to use this experience as a baseline to improve and refine my skills moving forward.

[vividsoh]

What Needs to Be Improved?

BLOG 38: PHASE 4 (SELF EVALUATION)

While I am proud of the progress I've made, I recognize that there is still plenty of room for improvement. Holistically, I need more practice with blueprints. Mastering blueprints is essential for creating complex game mechanics and ensuring the game runs smoothly. Understanding the nuances of visual scripting and developing an efficient workflow will be key areas of focus for my future projects. Additionally, refining my ability to optimize these blueprints will be crucial in making my games not only functional but also efficient and scalable.

[vividsoh]

Meet the Standards of the Industry?

BLOG 36: PHASE 4 (SELF EVALUATION)

Reflecting on my current project, I recognize that the industry standards for game development are significantly higher than my current capabilities. The gaming industry is known for its high-quality graphics, smooth mechanics, and intricate designs, often achieved by experienced teams using the latest technology. As someone who is still relatively new to the field of game design, there is a steep learning curve. However, acknowledging this gap only motivates me to continue improving my skills and to one day reach those standards. I see this project as a stepping stone in my journey toward becoming a professional game designer.

[vividsoh]

Best Work Yet?

BLOG 35: PHASE 4 (SELF EVALUATION)

I believe this project represents my best work so far. I pushed my boundaries and took on the challenge of creating the majority of the game’s blueprints on my own. Navigating through complex coding structures, designing interactive mechanics, and ensuring seamless functionality were no small feats. The most satisfying aspect was troubleshooting and solving most of the errors without any external help. It was a real test of my skills and resilience, and I’m proud of how much I was able to accomplish independently. This project truly feels like a milestone in my journey as a game developer.

[vividsoh]

FOREFRONT 10: Essentials for Designers

BLOG 34: PHASE 3 (MARKETING IDEAS)

Effective game design involves not only creativity but also robust project management and design tools. Here’s a rundown of essential applications that can streamline your game design process:

Mural App: Ideal for collaborative brainstorming and visual project management, Mural allows teams to create interactive boards for planning, mapping out ideas, and organizing workflows.

Milanote: A versatile tool for organizing and visualizing creative projects, Milanote helps with structuring game concepts, character development, and narrative elements in a visually intuitive format.

Microsoft Office: A staple for document creation and data management, Microsoft Office provides essential tools for writing game documentation, creating spreadsheets for project tracking, and developing presentations.

MIRO: Another powerful tool for collaborative work, MIRO offers digital whiteboards for brainstorming, planning, and organizing game design elements in a flexible and interactive manner.

FIGMA: Essential for UI/UX design, FIGMA enables real-time collaboration on user interface designs, prototypes, and interactive elements, ensuring a cohesive visual experience for your game.

CANVA: Perfect for creating marketing materials and game assets, CANVA simplifies graphic design tasks with its user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates for creating promotional content.

[vividsoh]

FOREFRONT 9: MARKETING GAME

BLOG 33: PHASE 3 (MARKETING IDEAS)

Marketing a game effectively is crucial for reaching potential players and creating buzz around your project. Here are several strategies to consider for promoting your game:

Social Media: Leveraging social media platforms is essential for building awareness and engaging with your audience. Regular updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive posts can help generate excitement and keep your community informed. Engaging with followers through comments and direct messages also fosters a loyal fan base.

Streamers and Influencers: Collaborating with streamers and influencers can significantly boost your game's visibility. By having popular streamers play your game on their channels, you tap into their established audiences, who may become interested in your game. Providing early access or exclusive content can also incentivize influencers to promote your game positively.

Multimedia Propagation: Expanding your game’s reach through graphic novels and e-books can create additional layers of content and attract a broader audience. These mediums offer a way to delve deeper into your game's lore, characters, and story, enhancing the overall experience and generating additional interest.

Events and Conventions: Participating in gaming conventions and events provides an opportunity to showcase your game to a live audience. These events offer a platform to demo your game, gather feedback, and connect with industry professionals and enthusiasts. Having a presence at conventions can increase your game’s exposure and create valuable networking opportunities.

Implementing these marketing strategies can help create a strong presence for your game, attract a dedicated audience, and drive its success.

[vividsoh]

CHALLANGES IN THE PROJECT

BLOG 32: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

Throughout the development of my project, I encountered several significant challenges that impacted various aspects of the process.

Personal Problems: On a personal level, I faced difficulties at home and experienced personal losses, which affected my focus and productivity. Balancing these challenges with the demands of the project proved to be a significant hurdle, impacting my overall progress.

Hardware Limitations: Another major obstacle was the limited capacity of my hardware. The constraints of my system often restricted the scope and complexity of the project, making it difficult to fully implement certain features and achieve the desired level of performance.

New to the Field: Being new to game development and unfamiliar with game engines added to the complexity of the project. Learning to navigate and utilize a game engine effectively required a steep learning curve, which initially slowed down progress and required considerable time investment.

Limited Feasibility: Working with a team of collaborators presented its own set of challenges. Due to personal commitments, none of the team members could fully comply with the project’s requirements. This lack of coordination and availability created obstacles in maintaining consistent progress and achieving project milestones.

Despite these challenges, navigating and addressing these issues has been a valuable learning experience, providing insights and resilience that will benefit future projects.

[vividsoh]

FPP ANIM BLUEPRINT

BLOG 31: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

[vividsoh]

EQUIP AND UNEQUIP WEAPON BLUEPRINT

BLOG 30: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

[vividsoh]

SHOOTING AND WEAPON SHIFTING

BLOG 29: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

Made Idle Animations and also worked on optimizing animations for the gun.

[vividsoh]

FPS-TPS Camera

BLOG 28: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

[vividsoh]

AI Enemy

BLOG 27: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

The following are the planned states, and I have also mentioned the implemented states:

Implemented States:

[vividsoh]

INTERACTABLE SAND

BLOG 26: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

The following is the blueprint I made for interactable sand:

The following is the result:

[vividsoh]

COMPASS MECHANICS

BLOG 25: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

The following is the blueprint to build a compas:

Blueprint:

[vividsoh]

INDUSTRY FOREFRONT 8: UNDERSTANDING COMBAT IN GAMES

BLOG 24: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

In many video games, combat systems are an essential element that greatly influences the overall gameplay experience. Whether the game is an immersive first-person shooter, a fast-paced action game, or a strategic role-playing game, the combat system can make all the difference in the world. It's not just about defeating opponents and winning fights; it's also about how responsive and engaging the combat is to the player. A strong combat system is essential to maintaining player engagement because it can provide moments of suspense, excitement, and fulfillment.

Why Combat Systems Are Crucial

A game's primary mechanic is frequently its combat system. They serve as the main point of contact between the player and the game environment, giving them the ability to overcome obstacles, advance the plot, and fully experience the game's mechanics. A robust combat system helps the player feel more immersed in the game and like they are a real part of it. It gives players agency by equipping them with the means to tackle conflicts in a variety of ways, including avoidance, strategy, and direct confrontation. For players to stay engaged and feel satisfied, this interaction and the sense of achievement they get from learning the fighting mechanics are essential.

Legendary Combat Systems in Gaming

A number of games are well known for having outstanding combat systems that are industry standards. Because of the way they handle combat, video games like Dark Souls, Devil May Cry, God of War, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice have become legendary.

Dark Souls: Known for its challenging gameplay, Dark Souls offers a combat system that is both strategic and punishing. The precision required in timing attacks, blocking, and dodging creates a sense of accomplishment that few games can match. Its combat system is designed to reward patience and skill, making every encounter feel meaningful and intense.

Devil May Cry: The Devil May Cry series is celebrated for its stylish and fluid combat. The game encourages players to chain together combos, switch weapons on the fly, and use a variety of moves to create a visually spectacular fighting style. The fluidity and responsiveness of its controls make the combat feel intuitive and exhilarating.

God of War: The recent God of War reboot redefined its combat system, blending visceral action with strategic depth. The use of Kratos' Leviathan Axe, which can be thrown and recalled, introduced a new layer of strategy. The combat feels heavy and impactful, with each hit delivering a satisfying sense of power. The integration of RPG elements, such as skill trees and gear customization, adds depth to the combat experience.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Sekiro brings a unique approach with its focus on posture and precise timing. The game's combat is centered around deflecting attacks and breaking the enemy's stance, leading to one-hit kills. This system rewards precision and quick reflexes, making each battle a test of skill.

What Makes These Combat Systems Stand Out

Several factors make these combat systems better than others:

Responsiveness: A great combat system is responsive, ensuring that the character's actions reflect the player's inputs without delay. This immediacy makes the combat feel fluid and natural, crucial for maintaining immersion and player satisfaction.

Variety: Providing players with a range of combat options, such as different weapons, abilities, and tactics, allows them to choose their playstyle. This variety keeps combat from becoming repetitive and gives players a sense of freedom and creativity.

Feedback: Effective combat systems give players clear feedback on their actions. This includes visual cues like hit sparks, sound effects for successful hits or blocks, and animations that show the impact of attacks. Feedback helps players understand the consequences of their actions, making the combat feel more satisfying and intuitive.

Challenge and Reward: A balanced combat system offers a fair challenge, rewarding players for their skill and strategy. Games like Dark Souls are famous for their difficulty, but they are also known for the immense satisfaction that comes from mastering their combat mechanics. This challenge creates a rewarding loop, where players are motivated to improve and overcome tougher obstacles.

[vividsoh]

INDUSTRY FOREFRONT 7: PROBLEMS IN GAME DESIGN

BLOG 23: PHASE 2 (PRODUCTION)

It's a big step to enter the game development industry for me, and one of the most important things to do is to be aware of the possible obstacles. I recently came upon a very educational video where game development manager Alex Jaffe talks about the main issues he ran into when designing games. Jaffe makes sense-based and usefully practical arguments because of his background in data science and mathematics. I took in his knowledge to ensure more seamless development over time by better anticipating and addressing similar problems in my projects.

GDC Program by Alex Jaffe

According to Alex Jaffe, a "cursed problem" in game design is one that is deeply tied to conflicting player promises. These are issues that can severely undermine a game's success because they arise from a mismatch between what players expect and what the game delivers. When these expectations are not met, the resulting disappointment can lead to a negative reception, pulling the game down. This concept resonates with cases like Cyberpunk 2077, where the anticipation and promises set by the developers created expectations that the final product could not fully meet, leading to significant backlash.

The Role of Player Promises

According to Jaffe, game designers must be able to recognize the promises made by players. The promises create player expectations, which can result in a cursed issue if they are not properly managed or are fundamentally at odds with one another. Even though these issues are frequently disregarded during the early stages of design, recognizing and addressing them can result in distinctive player experiences and even open up new game possibilities. For instance, developers may discover that a cursed issue presents a distinctive gameplay dynamic that players find enjoyable, thereby generating a specialized market.

Differentiating Between Cursed and Hard Problems

Jaffe makes the point that not all difficult problems are doomed ones. Some issues may just be "hard" problems; they may be intricate without always having to do with contradictory promises made by the players. While cursed problems necessitate a more fundamental rethinking of the game's promises and design approach, these are challenges that are frequently overcome through innovation and creative design solutions.

The 4 Core Solutions to Cursed Problems

Jaffe presents four key strategies for addressing cursed problems:

Barrier: This approach involves restricting player access to certain aspects of the game to avoid the curse. By limiting exposure to problematic elements, the game maintains its core experience. For example, in Fortnite, the challenge of forming alliances due to communication barriers prevents overly complex social dynamics from disrupting the game.

Gate: This method creates controlled opportunities for players to access potentially problematic features without making them central to the experience. For example, allowing players to mute other players or turn off chat provides a way to manage the social experience without removing it entirely. This approach gives players control over their engagement level.

Carrots: Using incentives to guide players away from problematic behavior or features, this approach relies on creating a trail of tasks that lead players toward the intended experience. In Valorant, rewarding supportive gameplay (such as healing or providing cover) encourages players to engage in team-based strategies rather than solely focusing on individual achievements.

Smores: This strategy involves embracing the cursed problem and turning it into a key aspect of the game. By incentivizing and integrating the problem into the core gameplay, it becomes a feature rather than a flaw. In the Diplomacy board game, the curse of complex social interaction and manipulation is embraced as the primary gameplay mechanic, making political maneuvering central to the game experience.

Navigating Cursed Problems: Turning Around in the Desert

The idea of taking on challenges that seem impossible but can be overcome is captured in Jaffe's metaphor of being stuck in a desolate desert but then discovering an ocean of opportunities. The most important lesson is to not feel constrained by the initial concept, but rather to be open to changing course and investigating new design directions. This adaptability in design thinking can result in creative solutions that improve the game as well as solve ill-fated issues.