Day: June 13, 2016

Action Plan

Where would I like to improve in making games?

If I was to pick an area to improve, it would be my 2D art and programming.

2D Art

My 2D art simply is not up to the standard I would like it to be. It would help me texture my models as well as help design multiple different types of GUI in our games.  Drawing and art are good skills to take into the industry, and they can be good on your CV.

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Programming

Some people do not like programming, and I am one of them. I do not understand most of the C# language, but I can write basic functions, variables and programs.

Analysis of Game Design

Fallout 3 by Bethesda Game Studios

Fallout 3 is the third major installment in the Fallout franchise. Bethesda Softworks (publisher) released the game in 2008 for Windows, PS3 and Xbox 360. It is an action role playing game, and open world. Meaning you are free to roam wherever you like within the game world. Bethesda have created three Fallout games (Fallout 3, Fallout 4 and Fallout Shelter) , but published four, by their own publisher Bethesda Softworks.

Below is the trailer for Fallout 3. It features a stereotypical 1950’s American household during a nuclear war. As you could probably tell, this was an American advertisement. As it reaches out into their history.  Different audiences would require different types of trailer, as there is differences in culture. If you were going to create a trailer for a different country then you would need to totally rethink your approach, for example, if you were going to create a Japanese version of the trailer, it would need to be very different, as Japan is known for its “cute” culture. From the trailer, it shows that the target audience is fans of open world and action games.

Battlefield 3 by EA Digital Illusions CE

Battlefield 3 is a first person shooter developed by EA DICE (Digital Illusions CE), a Swedish game studio, and published by EA (Electronic Arts). It was released in 2011 in North America and Europe. For the platforms Windows, PS3 and Xbox 360.In the single player, the user must traverse levels, using vehicles like boats and tanks to traverse the environment. The publisher, EA, is a leading global entertainment company. They deliver games, content and many online services. As of 2014, EA was the fourth largest gaming company by revenue after Tencent, Sony and Microsoft.

I have found two trailers, one is the English launch trailer for the game, and one is a Japanese trailer. The English trailer is action packed, full of dialogue and immersive sounds. However, the Japanese version of the trailer is quite slow, and some of the audio is from previous Battlefield titles. Also, at the very beginning of the trailer there is Godzilla. A popular figure from Japanese culture. Clearly this is an indicator of EA trying to reach out to the target audience of Japanese gamers.

 

LittleBigPlanet by Media Molecule

LittleBigPlanet is a “puzzle platformer” series. It is created by Media Molecule and is a PlayStation exclusive title. It follows the adventure of Sackboy. A knitted character who can be dressed up, customized and tailored to the user’s preference. It has a large emphasis on gameplay rather than being story-driven. The tagline “Play, Create, Share” represents the three core elements of the series. You can either play alone, online with friends or on the same console. You can create new content using the game’s unique in-game creation tools and sharing creations within the community. The series is published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). SCE is a multinational video game developer, manufacturer of many different appliances and products, and research and development company. It handles the R&D, production and sales of hardware and software for Sony’s PlayStation.

The trailer, which consists of alot of happy and bubbly music, includes gameplay from different levels and zones within the game. It is quite clear that the game is intended for younger audiences from the trailer. Sackboy is a lovable character that children and early teens could love. If the game’s creation kits are used correctly then there is room for alot of detail and complicated levels inside the game, which could also drag the interest of older audiences too.

 

 

 

Personal SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a study undertaken by a person or an organisation to identify certain strengths and weaknesses within themselves, or the company. It also identifies its external opportunities and threats.

My Strengths

  • I can model successfully
  • I  can fix problems that may arise during this
  • I can navigate and use Maya, 3DS Max and other tools
  • I can efficiently use Photoshop to texture my models, and other tasks

My Weaknesses

  • I am not good with coding in C#
  • I am not good with public speaking, or pitching
  • Sometimes I cannot properly UV unwrap models I create
  • I cannot draw

Opportunities I Have Had

  • I have had the opportunity to  use many industry standard software (Maya, Unity, Unreal).
  • To be a part of many different trips. (EGX, Teesside University).
  • Learn different software to prepare me for the industry
  • Global game jam & class game jams

Threats I May Face

  • My art skills. Digital and physical.
  • The power of my home computer could affect what software I use in the future.
  • Some software that we use in the industry and on the course may not be compatible with my home system.