Pre-Production/Planning and research - Unit 9

Tic-tac-toe-GDD.pdf

The Tic Tac Toe document goes over the main rules of the game and simply describes how to win. Since Tic Tac Toe is so simple, there isn't much in this document. There are also screenshots of the game for examples.

Super-Mario-GDD.pdf

The Super Mario Bros. document has a content section at the start to find things easier since there are a lot of pages. This is something that a lot of other documents have. After this is a game concept section, This section goes over the premise of the game and also says what console the game is played on (NES). The game also has a section that describes game mechanics and the score system. There are also pictures provided of the controls as well as some sprites and landscape screenshots from the game.

Grand-Theft-Auto-GDD.pdf

This document, unlike the others, has no screenshots. This gives the reader no visualisation of what the game actually looks like.

AnAntsLife-GameDesignDocument.pdf

doombible.pdf

The documents typically include things like the process of the game's development. Screenshots and artwork from the game are showcased. Some of the controls are also explained. The game's mechanics and goals are also usually explained somewhere.

vertical slice analysis

-What parts of the game world or level are showcased, and why do you think those sections were chosen?

1- The video shows several areas in the game that are all actually quite small, but with the cuts and camera work, you can't tell.

2- In this one, it just showcases the player going through one big area. There isn't really any editing, it's just a continuous gameplay segment.

3- The entire gameplay segment takes place in one room.

4-We see the player walk around a small town on mars in both day, and night.

-How well does the vertical slice sequence different elements of their game in the video?

1- The video shows some kind of opening, then cuts to gameplay where movement and combat mechanics are shown.

2- The main mechanics shown are just picking up items and attacking the enemies.

3- The player goes around and collects magnets in the room to seemingly progress the story.

4- The game showcases a shop system where you can buy items.

-What evidence of polish can you see?

1- The art and animations are very clean. The combat also looks very smooth and enjoyable.

2- The game runs pretty well. All the assets and intended mechanics also seem finished.

3- The character model and animations are good.

4- The models were pretty decent.

-What ideas or techniques from this example could you apply to improve your own vertical slice?

1- In editing the video, we could keep certain gameplay segments short and cut to other ones to make the game seem bigger than it is.

2- We could just try to showcase the main mechanics of the game. Also keep the video relatively short.

3- We need to make sure everything is done and textured. We can't have any unfinished content in the game.

-How could it be improved?

Video Links:

1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf9Z4MPBbfc&list=PLePV3Au_DZpZ1xQxi7yFRvd96jH7hQ1hV&index=12

2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10buF44ER-I&list=PLePV3Au_DZpZ1xQxi7yFRvd96jH7hQ1hV&index=14

3- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisX9fHlHbo&list=PLePV3Au_DZpZ1xQxi7yFRvd96jH7hQ1hV&index=8

4- Tactics, Tea, and Tentacles || Vertical Slice Trailer

Task One: Planning & Pitching Your Game

Begin by mind mapping ideas and spending time researching into different types of games that fit into the theme of ‘Escape’. Once you have an initial idea you will need to spend time developing both your idea and your planning documentation ensuring they meet the needs of your intended target audience.

Unit Criteria: LO1 (1.1, 1.2) & LO2 (2.1)

Task One Breakdown:

Choose Your Concept:

· Mind map ideas around the theme of "Escape."

· Identify your target audience and analyse their characteristics.

Research and Develop Ideas:

· Conduct research on games with similar themes.

· Document your research findings, focusing on how they will inform your game design.

Pitch Your Game:

· Prepare sketches, mood boards, and a project plan.

· Present your ideas to your tutor and classmates, incorporating feedback to refine your concept.

Task Two: Pre-Production & Design

Move onto to developing your idea and working on your initial concepts and thinking about how you can create a short ‘vertical slice’ that fits the intended theme.

Unit Criteria: LO2 (2.1, 2.2)

Task Two Breakdown:

Develop Your Game Design:

· Create detailed wireframes and concept art.

· Finalize your game’s mechanics, narrative, and aesthetic.

Production Plan:

· Draft a production plan with clear milestones and task assignments.

· Ensure your design can be completed within the given timeframe.

Mock-Ups:

· Produce mock-ups or stills to demonstrate your game’s style.

· Present these to your tutor for approval before moving to production.

Task Three: Game Development

Develop your game idea, working towards completing a ‘vertical slice’ that shows of the main premises of your game.

Unit Criteria: LO2 (2.2) & LO3 (3.1).

Task Three Breakdown:

Develop Your Vertical Slice:

· Begin the development process, focusing on creating a functional vertical slice (3-10 minutes of gameplay).

· Use feedback from peers and tutors to refine your game.

Regular Updates:

· Provide regular updates on your progress, documenting challenges and solutions.

Testing:

· Conduct playtesting sessions to gather feedback.

· Make necessary adjustments to improve gameplay and user experience.

Task Four: Presentation Of Final Game

Develop a trailer that showcases your game to the best of its abilities. Your presentation should be engaging and reflect your personal style and capabilities.

Unit Criteria: LO3 (3.1, 3.2)

Task Four Breakdown:

Prepare Your Presentation:

· Create a presentation that showcases your game’s development, including screenshots, renders, and gameplay footage.

Present Your Work:

· Present your final game to the class, discussing how you addressed the theme of "Escape" and engaged your audience.

· Reflect on your creative process and the decisions that shaped your project.

Task Five: Evaluation & SMART Targets

Upload all your work onto your website, ensuring it is professional and easy to navigate. Submit the link to your website along with your final evaluation.

Unit Criteria: LO3 (3.1)

Task Five Breakdown:

Evaluate Your Project:

· Write a detailed evaluation of your game, focusing on how well it meets the needs of your target audience.

Reflect and Set SMART Targets:

· Reflect on your learning experience and identify areas for improvement.

· Set two SMART targets (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for future projects.

Targets

One main thing I need to work on is my process. Most of the time I make an initial design and don't expand upon it. I need to make several different character designs as well as things like storyboards and scene concepts for the game.

Another thing I need to work on is research. In my last FMP I had barely any research, mainly because I didn't really know what to do for it. Now I have a better idea of what I need so I will try to do better in the future.

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