AGI Studio 1 Folio 1 Plan - "Patches Pit"

By Pei-Ju Lai (Janifer)

MAGI Folio Plan
“Souls-like”

My intention is to challenge myself in creating an experimental 3D interactive environment surrounding the concept of “Patches” (trickster character) within the ‘souls/souls-like’ genre.
Immediately breaking down the genre into two large pieces, ‘Combat’ and ‘Exploration’, I intend to focus on the genre’s concept of exploration.
Stemming from someone with fresh eyes and perhaps a different outlook/insight into the ‘cult-like genre’, it is my want to understand its appeals and earnt reputation, through exploratory means.
Perhaps, if it is not too ambitious, I would love to potentially introduce new elements to this strong and possibly ‘stagnated’ genre, pushing it’s boundaries to create a new subgenre.

This project sits within the game design and potentially ‘speedrunner’ field.
Two people immediately come to mind,
- “VaatiVidya” (Vaati)
  A Youtuber/Twitch Streamer and a prominent figure in the Dark Souls lore universe.
- “heyZeusHeresToast” (Zeus)
  A notorious Bloodbourne speedrunner and Twitch Streamer. (Multiple appearances in AGDQ - Awesome Games Done Quick, a large speedrunning charity event)
Other notable studios are: Japan Studios (Playstation), Bluepoint Games (Demon Souls Remake), and FromSoftware (Dark Souls) – Bandai Namco Souls Series.

The studio work will help support my intention in a hands on fashion, allowing for personal experience.
Softwares: Unity (Game Engine), Maya (3D Modelling software)
Research and development documentation: Microsoft Word, Pen and Paper
Consult/Interviews with Souls Genre community member

Week 1:
- In Field research and consultation within the souls-like community.
- Learn how to paint on modelled object surfaces.
Week 2:
- Concepting and sketching key elements within the “Patches Pit” (environmental storytelling + ‘interactivity aspect’)
- Writing/Creating ‘Patches’ introduction.
- Modelling (Maya) the basic structure and size of the arena and placing it in engine. (Unity)
- Programming Menu Screens and Buttons within Unity.
Week 3:
- 3D Modelling key elements/environmental placements.
- Greyboxing and continuously researching on first iteration of the environment.
- Implementing, ‘Patches introduction’ and Player Tutorial.
- Lighting/Color planned.
Week 4:
- ‘Patches introduction’ and Player Tutorial.
- Continued (re)modelling of environment, key elements, concepts and implementation of assets.
- Playtest with previous consult on the environment’s ‘feeling’.
- Lighting/Color test.
Week 5:
- Continued (re)modelling of environment, key elements, concepts and implementation of assets.
- Revisions of the environment and tutorial, taking in playtester’s comments.
- Playtest 2 with a former consult, and genre ‘newbie’

Week 6:
- Revisions of the environment, taking both playtester’s comments.
- Final Lighting check and other final touches/space rearrangement
- Sound effects or music