GAMES DESIGN / WEEK 02
01 Expand on ideas
We developed some of our previous ideas further. Based on the original ideas, we tried to explore different possibilities by adding different elements. This process helped us explore the potential of each idea and think about which elements were suitable to keep and which might not fit the original design.
I have always wanted to make a simulation and management game. Among different themes, I am particularly interested in bartending.
I think the process of making and serving drinks could work well as the main game play of a simulation game. So I decided to explore the idea of a bar tending simulation further and think about how I could develop its game play and overall concept.
02 Production Tools – Ross
The basic idea and main game play of my game have now been decided. The detailed design process is recorded on the Game Design page, which can be accessed from the homepage. I also started thinking about what software would be suitable for this type of game. I discussed this with Ross and told him about my game idea and game play. He recommended two programs for me to try.
The other option was Ren’Py, which is relatively simple to use. It is mainly designed for text-based games, so it would be suitable if my game focuses more on story and text interaction. It can be used to create dialogue, choices, and different story branches quite easily. However, compared with Unity, it has some limitations and may not be suitable for very complex game play.
One option was Unity 2d + ink. Ross recommended this combination if the game play is more complex or if I want to have better visuals. Unity can be used for the main game play and visuals, while Ink can be used for dialogue and story. However, he also mentioned that this combination might be a bit too complicated for the prototype and could take more time to make and test.
At the moment, I only need to make a prototype, so I don’t think I need to use something too complicated at this stage. Ren’Py is simpler and is enough for me to test the main game play and ideas, so I decided to use Ren’Py for this prototype.
03 small crit
I filled in a large sheet with information about my gameplay, story setting, and how I initially wanted the game to look and work. We then worked in groups and looked at each other’s ideas. Everyone wrote their comments and suggestions on sticky notes.
This helped me see what other people thought about my game idea and gave me some suggestions to think about.
I think these suggestions are all very good.
For instance, does the bartender get angry at customers’ reactions? How should the bartender regain their memory, and is recovering that memory important to them?
Use of AI Tools
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