ALPHA - Game finished!!!!

So this 4 month journey has come to an end. This project and game frustrated me but it had it's moments. I'd like to explore Unity and other game engines abit more especially with tower defense because with the backing of a good story it can be a little bit more interesting. Not everything turned out the way it  did for me for this project but hopefully I'll experiment with it a little more in the future. 

I had major difficulties that I wanted to face on my own with 3d modelling of my characters. I attempted to do Unity and 3DSMAX but I couldn't design my characters and there wasn't any tutorials or help available because nobody has done characters for a game like this before. The characters were germs and were transparent to see the interior design also but I just couldn't get it to work and worked on it for weeks and didn't happen and I began to run out of time and decided to use the tutorial models of which I was following on Youtube to complete the project so I couldn't add my storyline because it was too difficult for me. I liked and hated this game but experience is experience and I'd like to devel into Unity a bit more but not on my own. I'd like to be part of group next time around and truly make something special with more time it would be fantastic to see the results of that. 

I love the blogging part of this journey, it was a nice change of platform to spread your content on for viewers and to get feedback on the go. I'd like to see this implemented in the future and definitely return for another project.  Besides the modelling nothing else was really an issue, the navigation of Unity was fine and the coding just like Website Design it's just time consuming to get it right. I'm just not happy with myself about this game, I would have preferred more time to think and possibly go another route with the big mishap with the modelling but that was my fault for prioritizing other stuff also leaving me with less time. 

Multimedia Development had it's moments and I wished it turned out better for me but I move on. 

Thank you for reading and being apart of my journey. 

Game Testing

Source

My thoughts about this subject have always been broad. I haven't came across a situation where I gained massive amounts of feedback on something I created but rather small sections of it which helped but not in any significance enough where it was necessary to keep.

I suppose it would come differently creating a game nonetheless, especially big company games because it affects all aspects of how you present that game. Your revenue, future business deals, loss of players etc.... they are effected based on reviews of your content in the market today. Redemption isn't handed out easy in present day, As seen with massive games like "Star Wars Battlefront 2" and very recently "Fallout 76". Two games which produced poorly executed final products resulting in devastating effects.

Battlefront 2 problem

Basicially the company producing the game (EA Electronic Arts) decided at final release to include pay to win methods for multiplayer with loot crates. This resulting in EA gaining more profit on top of the game sales and assuring players paying for loot would have a greater advantage over any other player. This gives some players a major disadvantage and stunned progression of leveling up for those players in the online aspect. It was heavily criticized at the time and it created an argument of loot crates for all games and pay to win along with gambling. Games are beginning to drop off that path or find smarter ways around it.

Eventually EA fixed the issue causing major issues with the whole game and only now in 2018 has it retributed itself. Too little to late for me.

Fallout 76 problem 

This link brings you to the google page result of the reviews for Fallout 76. A game company called "Betheseda" widely known in it's game genre as one of the greats for storytelling and massive world exploration. They need no introduction. However Fallout 76 is a game produced by them that came out this year and isn't out very long but the problems and issues with the game is massive.

Constant bugs, lack of quality and things to do in general. The graphics don't help neither. They haven't updated their engine is so long. It all went wrong for them, now although it's a popular game. It could have been so much better with time, This is Bethesda's first only online game and it will be remembered for the wrong reasons.

In general I believe I give brutal and honest opinions on things, You need to know what is done wrong and what shouldn't be done because that saves backlash and will result on how you approach creating something new forever. It is quite helpful but always do your research and views of aspects of games like online markets and DLC prices. It effects you game in a more important way as expressed. Most games are judged on them nowadays.

Helpful link in doing so

Unity Free Tutorials

Source

I've decided for this week's unity tutorial requirements to pursue "Gabriel Aguiar's" youtube tutorials on certain aspects and additions to improve your individual game. With me, they were aspects affecting my game such as projectiles,character models and destruction affects. 

All 4 of the chosen tutorials could be essential and helpful for me towards making my game been more authentic. I do admit I was drawn in by his thumbnails of his videos as the effects and work he produces seemed impressive. 

When I watched all 4 of these tutorials, I added them to a personal playlist so I can work with them on Unity and add them to my current game. As I viewed through them today I realised as I followed there was no problem with me following the instructions but I will see how complications will come down the line when I start adding these to my game. There's a chance I might come into a problem with implementing them with objects and materials I already have in my game. I will note if this does happen. 

1st Tutorial

Projectiles

This was the first tutorial I was speculating before moving on but I didn't because the tutorial was indeed effective and does work. I am hoping to add a few of these affects to my turrets soon. 

2nd Tutorial

Destruction

This tutorial was about the animations of objects being destroyed or shattered which I would like to implement on my enemies in my game. 

3rd Tutorial

Laser Beams

This is similar but separate tutorial from the 1st, With my turret variation I want to add different projectile effects when I can. 

4th Tutorial

Character Models

I wasn't going to add a 4th option but as I scrolled through Gabriel's upload history out of curiosity I stumbled upon a tutorial of his on sphere models which is what I am looking for my turrets. 

So after those 4 tutorials and will get to implement them this weekend I will scroll searching again to see if Gabriel has any other interesting tutorials I could add to my game.  

Game Stories

Source

I absolutely 100% agree with realistic storytelling and its importance to any subject including games. I've always been a fan of realistic storytelling of any nature whether its games or movies or short stories, For me and probably a good handful of people its more satisfying to see real life consequences happen with related stories. The story arch i've been thought to follow isn't what or how i'd like to create projects, there are some that its mandatory to do but if you want to be creative you have to be different thats how it works. If you suspect to replicate someone elses work or something that has already been done then expect the same feedback.

Sure this is said alot also with storytelling and in general, I am a huge fan of movies and you always see directors talk about their influences and Scorsese is always mentioned by directors that don't have any work they've done with evidence of that. I am a huge fan of Scorsese, Tarantino among lots of others because of their screenwriting its different compared to all the other recycled stuff.

This works with games also, I've played none franchise games all my life that heavily rely on their stories and it pays off. You enjoy them and fall in love with it and it keeps you coming back to it. I agree fully with mcKee and Aristotle completely and I want to continue that mark with my creations, if it involves storytelling I want mine to be different and have people talking including myself even and open it up for more.

With the game I am currently creating however, there isn't much storytelling involved in the subject i've chosen to take even though its educational and hasn't been done before I hope in the future I can implement storytelling more.

Examples of my experience with games and great storytelling would be "Alan Wake", "Bioshock" and a whole list of others that tried something different with storytelling and had massive success.

https://www.gamesradar.com/the-best-videogame-stories-ever/ 

This is a list of possibly the best storytelling games ever...

https://www.gamedesigning.org/learn/storytelling/ 

First steps guide to creating stories for you games

https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/13/4427444/lucas-spielberg-storytelling-in-games-its-not-going-to-be-shakespeare-usc

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg (Iconic movie storytellers) on their view of storytelling in games.

Week 8 Progress

Am I happy with my progress so far?

I would say I'm content with it, I do lack now and again because certain events and or assignments for that week needed more attention or something came up that affected the quality of the posts. The tutorials weren't my strong point as I got confused in the middle of doing them. I went off track and did independent stuff that only effected me and wasn't doing what everyone else was.

As mentioned with the readings the trouble I had reading some due to lack of sleep resulting in me falling asleep while trying so not that it was boring no matter the subject if I am tired, Don't read!!!
So I can say I'll always do better in this field of work and lacked commitment at the start.

Did I have a routine? 

Can't say I did no, I did it the day it was due.

Was there anything I enjoyed the most? 

Some of the readings were eye catching to do with gaming, Some I found had more relevance to this module than others and the consideration of the players, Any and all readings associated with those subjects I felt reading was enjoyable. The tutorials where more of a learning aspect rather than a fun aspect to me, That's just how I feel about it.

I didn't use the "extra credit" objectives at all as I was considering I was doing well but hopefully it doesn't come to that. If I have free time towards the end of semester I might start doing some like the last 4 weeks for example because my game might not succeed the way I would like so extra marks to help me cross the bridge when I get there.

Are there any changes I would make in the 2nd half of semester 1? 

I would make some changes at the start even so, I think if the subject was brought forward at the start and we get to choose what tutorial instead of spending the first half all doing the same thing we could have more time to be more creative towards the 2nd half with Unity, A bit of experimenting that is also beneficial towards your final product.

Overall for the 2nd half, I don't know if I would because I am coming up to the final assignment now in December so the process is set in stone and I have to deliver so I think changing the system now wouldn't benefit me.

source

Week 8 comments and feedback

Feedback In 

I can say I don't get many comments based off my screenshot of my last 10 posts on my blog. However the comments are mainly people's concerns or ideas about my ideas and the feedback when it arrives is always a good thing to receive. The main 2 on my GDD gave me an idea of layout as it was clear to those viewers the idea but how'd I'd implement it would be difficult. The 2D aspect suits my game based not because it sounds lazier to go 2D but it goes well with the game I'm trying to make but 3D is our field of work. Besides those 2 comments there ain't any. 

Feedback Out 

Now here is will I kick myself in the back. It's even, yes I don't give alot of feedback back too because I've found my time best suited somewhere else for a different module and that's why I lack feedback outwards. 

I'd done so twice but that's all I have done and it isn't good for me or the creator. It might be too little to late to make a difference now with feedback week but towards the end of semester 1 I will attempt to make an improvement. I try not to be harsh and be real at the same time because nobody wants negativity but I see it as improvement, I just don't know how they will see it. 

Blog comments 

as touched on earlier, comments are improvement to help your perspective from others on how they reflect to seeing your creations. I haven't received or given many therefore not much information can be processed in helping that situation but I am appreciative for any that where left and they have been helpful. I don't think it helps us that much with building a community especially with people in the course you don't know. You'd introduce yourself in a monotone matter when addressing them in the comments and because there's no emotion in commenting, it is sensed that way to me. 

Looking Forward 

I think I need too absolutely improve with impression and involvement, other modules have been getting the best of my time for good reasons anyhow so I guess I need to work on time management and be more involving for other students benefits sake also. 

I've always seen the blog comments as "extra work" that isn't necessary unless your falling behind but I began to notice over the last few weeks that they aren't and are quiet essential to do for each week. I always need improvement in one field or another especially with Unity and blog interactivity. 

If I do have the time also, I'll dig into cosmetics for my blog also to make a change for the viewer for the better.     

Week 8 Reading and Writing

Opinion on reading and writing so far for Multimedia Development: 

I like the approach, its simpler than other modules, its back to basics in a way, I never took to blogging so it's new for me. I've never had trouble writing digitally and practically, Information is information in that sense, it's always helpful to have. I've tried to stay level with the requirements of doing the blogs whether it's time or content. To document so much of the process of creating the main assignment for a module and consider it more valuable than the assignment itself. It's unusual to think in that manner, but most times the journey is better than the destination.

As mentioned, writing has never been a difficulty for me, it's enjoying to do as long as you have a subject to talk about then it never gets boring. So far I have enjoyed doing these blogs so we keep on doing so.

Favorite Reading 

My favorite reading so far would be the types of players there are and their titles. The suits of cards title was really clever and I still remember that terminology. Throughout the reading also on how those players fluctuate throughout different stages depending on mood and pov. Also on how games have adapted on it since to achieve marketing to all aspects of a type of player.

MUD was the term used for the player and that now a whole category based on MUD games exist. I don't play any that are popular as mentioned in the blog. They are mostly PC based with huge communities and constant updates. 

Are the readings helpful towards your assignment?

Some have been and some I can't remember just by the amount of sheer information that is available. It's quite difficult to process all that information and to remember it even without looking at putting it into your own words. I can't say I remember a good bit of it without looking back because every week not just with this module but others there is new information every week.

One of the readings we had to do which was weeks ago and it was a lot of reading, 50 pages nearly and I honestly didn't read it all at the time because I was tired and when I'm tired and reading I fall asleep and not many people in the world can process 50 pages of information and have the ability to maintain all of it without practice so, If I can remember it was helpful at the time, I think the subject was "history of games" which explains the depth of detail.

Have I discovered any new reading strategies? 

I've been prone to page scan now more recently to gain some sort of structure of what I will be reading and sometimes it's a subject I already know and I'll just rewrite about it in my words. So I haven't developed any new techniques but page scan has evolved into a bad habit leading me to miss information.

Am I happy with the group project? 

 Yes and no, Yes I'm happy its game orientated and that the approach is well structured for some , but as always for me learning new software dampers my progress going forward and I don't necessarily like Unity either.
No, It's a fixed subject and it can harm other people's ability of creativity.

Looking Forward 

Looking forward based on where I am now, I hope I can produce the best I can at the moment as everything is coming down on Year 2 as a whole. Double the work from 1st year so that might effect quality of content created so I hope my standard can stay above water level in a sense. I know I won't have any trouble with the blogs for future for sure.