Embedded Files
PRE-PRODUCTION
At first, I was struggling to decide which game to use for this game photography activity. Honestly, I don't consider myself much of a player, and Roblox is the only game platform I'm familiar with. So that's what ultimately led me to choose a game from Roblox. The game I picked is called "Beyond the Dark." In this game, you have to find out what happened to the people who disappeared from a spacecraft. You also need to investigate strange energy readings coming from a black hole called Cygnus X-1. "Beyond the Dark" was released on Roblox on August 6, 2021, by the developer Alpha Strike Group. This game has a dark and mysterious science-fiction story.
System Used:
Microsoft Windows 10 based system
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics 3.80 GHz
16GB RAM
AMD Radeon™ Graphics
While playing the game, I noticed some frame rate drops, which could be attributed to the system's hardware limitations. As I'm not particularly knowledgeable about computer specifications, I can't pinpoint the exact cause of the performance issues. However, to mitigate the lag, I adjusted the in-game settings by lowering the graphics quality. Whenever I wanted to capture a specific scene or moment, I would temporarily maximize the graphics settings for better visual quality, then revert to lower settings after taking the screenshot.
For capturing screenshots, I didn't use any third-party tools. Instead, I relied on the built-in Windows functionality, using the "Windows Key + Print Screen" keyboard shortcut to take screenshots directly from the game.
Expected Output:
For this activity, I plan to focus on taking photos of the interior spaces inside the space station in the game. Since this game is about investigating strange events happening on a spacecraft, the interior areas of the station are important for setting the mood and telling the story. I want to capture shots that show the detailed environments, lighting, and overall atmosphere inside the station's corridors, control rooms, and living areas. These photos will give a sense of the isolated and tense setting players experience.
PHOTOSETS
For this shot, I wanted the detailed spacesuit to steal the show. Its intricate textures and contrasting colors pop against the cosmic backdrop. I positioned it along the rule of thirds for a balanced composition, then used the ground lines to lead the viewer's eye towards the mysterious black hole and distant asteroids. Warm light highlights the suit's details, while cool tones create a contrasting atmosphere, immersing the viewer in the game's environment.
For this image, I aimed to capture the game's interior atmosphere with dramatic lighting and vibrant neon lights against a dark backdrop. The astronaut, illuminated by the neon light, takes center stage. The detailed suit adds depth, while the control panels and futuristic things in the back establish the sci-fi world. Curved walls and the floor lead the eye through the scene, inviting exploration. Even the neon signs contribute to the enigmatic vibe. Warm neon clashes with cool blues and purples for a striking harmony. For me, the contrast between light and dark adds drama and mystery to this image.
For this game photography activity, I kept the post-processing minimal and focused primarily on cropping the images. Since the Roblox interface includes various on-screen elements such as settings icons, message notifications, and leaderboard panels, I utilized cropping to remove these distracting elements from the final images. By doing this, I aimed to present a clean and unobstructed view of the in-game environments, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves fully in the game's visual world.
With On-Screen Elements
Without On-Screen Elements
Beyond cropping, I refrained from applying extensive image adjustments or enhancements. I trusted the quality of the game's graphics and the visual fidelity achieved through my system's capabilities. The in-game visuals proved satisfactory, and I felt that additional post-processing techniques might detract from the authenticity of the captured moments.
SELF - REFLECTION
Doing this game photography activity was really fun for me. At first, I wasn't sure if I should do it because I'm not really a gamer. But I was surprised by how good the graphics were in the Roblox game, even though Roblox games are usually cartoonish and made for kids.
What I found interesting was how immersed I felt while playing the game. It made me realize that photography isn't just limited to the real world – you can also apply photography skills in video games. This activity allowed me to practice things like composing shots, working with lighting, and finding interesting angles, but in a virtual environment. Doing this can actually help improve real-world photography skills too. Through experimenting with different ways to capture in-game visuals, you can get better at spotting details, understanding lighting, and finding creative ways to frame shots. These are useful skills for regular photography too. Curating and selecting the best in-game photos also helps develop an eye for identifying the most visually appealing images, which is an important skill for photographers when choosing which shots to share or print.
Overall, this game photography experience opened my eyes to how versatile photography can be. Even though it was in a virtual world, the skills I learned and practiced can definitely help make me a better photographer someday.
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