Process

1
Process

• pre-production
• game design
• production
• programming graphics, AI, physics
• game art
• animation
• UI and game control
• sound, music
• post-production
• testing
• web site
• technical support, customer service

2

• Design process --- ?? ????
• 1. New ideas
• 2. Design treatment
• 3. Design document
• 4. Design spec

3

• Design considerations
• 1. market considerations
• 2. technical considerations
• 3. content-wise considerations
• Design areas --- ???, ????
• 1. storytelling
• 2. graphical design
• 3. character creation
• 4. level design
• 5. interface design

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1. Storytelling

• Usage of storyline
• 1. as a simple background tale to enhance the
  game.
• (e.g., Rayman (Ubisoft))
• 2. as the central interactive element
• (e.g., Secret of Monkey Island)
• Players advance throughout the story.
• Game reveals/creates a story.
• Synergy/balance between game playing and story.

5

• Role of story
• Game story is driven by the game play.
• Game play is not driven by the story.

game
story
player
6

• linear story
• Story, interaction, more stories, final outcome
• non-linear story
• maintain some sort of overall story.
• allow players the freedom to pursue various paths.

non-linear
linear
more player control
more author control
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• original vs. adaptation
• 1. Original
• You still want to draw ideas from television,
  novels, theater, movies.
• 2. Adaptation
• 3. Licensing
• Stories of the existing media are linear.

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• dramatic unfolding

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2. Graphical Design

• Determines the style of game.
• artwork
• 2D, 3D
• cinematography
• scene layout, light, camera
• animation
• realism vs. non-realism
• simulation games
• Myst, Neverhood, Catz

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3. Character Creation

• Character bible
• Describe the character in as detail as possible.
• not all these properties will show up into the
  game.
• How to make a compelling character?
• simple tip
• Make the character express extremes.
• (angry, happy, impatient)
• Use sound and music.

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4. Level Design
game world

• Conceptual techniques and issues are similar from
  game to game.

level editor
artwork
task puzzle
game engine
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• considerations
• basic layout
• characters and objects
• obstacles, problems, puzzles
• game difficulty
• visuals
• advancing to the next level
• level design ---gt world design ---gt playing
  God

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• simulation
• 1. statistical
• e.g., baseball
• 2. physical
• e.g. flight sims
• 3. artificial (algorithmic)
• e.g. Simcity
• simulation of NPC (non-playable character)
• scripting
• AI

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5. Interface Design

• program algorithm data structure
• game interface production elements
• Suspension of disbelief
• AIP cube, Model P
• Interface can make or break games
• e.g., Dungeon Master (drag drop)

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• considerations
• housekeeping
• game control
• input devices
• Getting a player started fast
• Reducing the effect of using a computer
• Integrate manual/help into the game.
• Integrate map into the game.
• Avoid the standard interface (menu, button,
  dialog box,)
• Integrate the interface into the game!

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summary

• Design areas
• 1. storytelling
• 2. graphical design
• 3. character creation
• 4. level design
• 5. interface design
• A design means specialization.