Animation, games and Interactivity - Studio 1 - Work In Progress Post Week 7

Week 7

Folio Progress Post.

Here is what I have been doing this week:

This week I studied some theoretical concepts of game development and game design in order to attain a deeper understanding about the basic concepts related to game design as I am new to the Field. I also started learning Unity and learnt about its uses and multiple ways of using the software.

Initially, I had made one plan for Folio 2 and even posted that on the MAGI site called as “Folio 2 Folio Plan Post”. After consultation and guidance by my mentors, I realised and contemplated that the plan does not work out very well and has a lot of technical work involved and less conceptual work. So I discarded that plan and started again from the root only to make it better conceptually and also refine my practice.

 I also made a concept for my own Folio. I wrote down out all the concepts and thoughts that I had in my mind and after looking at that piece of paper, I extracted out my concept. After realising what the concept is going to be, I made a game flowchart, a mind map, some notes and I planned what structure this project is going to have and how the development is going to take place. I feel, the pre-production phase is an important phase while planning any interactive or linear piece. This brings a lot of clarity to the mind. All these exercises helped me shape my folio 2 concept and know about what I actually wanted.

In order to make this Folio stand out, I researched about existing games in the industry and the concepts they have used. I also researched about various game developers and game publishing houses. After research this week, I made a “Related Work Post” to the MAGI website in which I included my favourite ones from this week’s research. This Related Work Post has also been a very useful practice in development of my own concepts and assignments.

Here is the impact of feedback and research that I felt happened over this week:

Research was an important factor this week as it helped me shape my thoughts into a proper frame. Research also helps us know about the existing works and concepts that have happened in the past and also about the emerging trends that are happening nowadays. Research helped me create my concept for this folio. Regular guidance, consultations and feedback by my mentors have helped me shape my work and has guided me towards new concepts and new perspectives about concepts.

What I am going to do next week:

Start: Next week, I am going to start with the creation of a basic layout and design of the game. I am going to work on what the content of the game is going to be. I am also going to research about sound design and learn how to incorporate sound in my piece. I am even going to research about the actual look of the environment and work on how to make it more attractive and appealing to the player. Also I will be working on the refinement of the concept, synopses and coming up with a production schedule in order to make things clearer. Also, I plan to think about a basic gameplay and come up with one flowchart depicting how the game progresses over time.

Stop: Next week, I plan to stop focussing on technical stuff and work more towards the depth of my work so that I can make the viewer clear of what my thoughts and concept is. I also plan to work in a more scheduled manner and create deadlines for my own self.

Continue: Next week I want to research more as research always keeps the mind active and open to new ideas and inspiration. I will also indulge in regular feedback and consultation by my mentors and peers as always. I also plan to keep learning Unity.