Overlook
For our FMP we decided to create a small playable level. It showcases our diversity in style, showcases our 3D knowledge, our engine and blueprint skills as well our level design and art direction.
Research and design
We were inspired by a handful of sources such as:
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Studio Ghibli
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Legend of Zelda series
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Sam Bosma
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Emilie Stabell (Sketchfab)
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Gastón Pachero
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Professor Layton series
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I researched into many art styles as well as game play ideas and how they work. I proceeded to document my finds here:
(Links to previous blogpost write ups)
From here I developed an understanding of how colour and game play works, as well as a further in-depth understanding into level design and colour theory to provoke semiotics.
This research ensured I understood what we as a team were getting into.
I also created some of the main blueprints used in the level, as well as develop some of the other:
Here is a list of them:
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Burnable object
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Sliding under objects
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Burning up ropes/ moving through pipes (assisted in creating )
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Original camera along spline, research and development (assisted in creating )
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Switchable characters
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Custom collision and channel traces
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Dropping through drains
Read more here: http://hazratbilalart.wix.com/gameart#!Blueprints-Mechanics/cmbz/56ae32960cf2b4e0b6104ed8
I also created the level design and environments for the game.
This was an appealing process as it consisted of a back and forth between tradition hand drawn level design and blocking it out in engine. I found the ideas in my head when it came to the size and scope of the level was far too great. The level was cut down later along the pipeline process.
The level design was a fun and entreating process, yet I found it rather slow, as drawing up dynamic level design that reads easily and somewhat subliminally shows the player where to go was difficult.
This can be read further here: http://hazratbilalart.wix.com/gameart#!Level-Design/cmbz/56b77eb20cf2dc1600e865fe
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Creating the environment was difficult as it meant I was modelling and texturing 90% of the scene.
I started by making the modular buildings that took up most of the scene.
This was a back and forth process as personally I was not happy with the outcome. This was due to the miscommunication within the team. I found it difficult to gage what Amber and James wanted as James concepts changed the look from the moodboard and research stage and I was confused.
Nonetheless it was still workable and moved forward using his concepts.
Read further into the modular sets here:
Outcomes:
The final outcomes show a strong small level that is fun, daring and unique. In my opinion we can work on areas to get them looking stronger such as the town centre and outside the house.
I feel that we have achieved something great as a group as it shows what our collective knowledge together can do. We showcased that we can create dynamic game play, intriguing environments and cute characters in less than a year.
The level was unfortunately cut down from its intended size. This was due to time restrictions as we were too caught up in creating something fun instead of actually making it. However the puzzles we intended for future levels have been hinted at.
How it felt:
During FMP I felt like I formed a strong friendship with the guys. I felt this throughout FMP. This in turn made me want to work harder to impress them.
The work was strong and we had both ups and downs during it.
The good:
I have learnt a plethora of new skills and have developed a key understanding in:
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level design
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Art direction
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Colour theory
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3D environmental asset creation
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Blueprints and engine work
Personally I found the research side quite entertaining and probably one of the greatest experiences I had. Finding key design features in such things like level design and breaking them down into simple ideas was fun as it helped me learn a lot about making a game from scratch.
It also let me further pursue the MA.
I found the level design & development rather fun. This was because it bought me away from a pc and back to traditional media. I found drawing up levels and gamely rather entreating as it made me realise what factors go into creating a convincing level design and also showed me how hard it can become.
The bad:
Working in a team was usually difficult this time round.
I found working with Amber and James was fun, however due to them living under the same roof and I being in my own flat, communication would break down and they would come up with ideas without informing me. This made it hard to move forward with them as I was always two steps behind on the changes made.
I also found that the shift in ideas rather drastic. During the first one and a half months I was told to create the blueprints, do the level design and research which I was happy to do. I was not aware that Amber was strictly creating three characters and James strictly doing the rest of the engine work.
If I was told this at the start of the FMP I would have let James create the blueprints and Amber do the research, I would have focused on strictly environments from day one.
What I would have changed:
If I could change parts of my FMP I would do the following.
Firstly I would clearly find out what outcomes the group would like to achieve and pin it up, therefore looking to it whenever doubt arises.
I would also clearly state from the start of the project what my intentions are and what I wanted to focus on during the project. I would then strictly focus on them and if the time comes help the guys with their set goals.
I believe I would also take a new approach to the pipeline. I would first develop a small scene that looked good and to the best of my ability. Therefore getting the correct lighting, tone, mood and colour down.
From here I would start to spread out further and further creating more assets, more environments etc. I believe with this approach I would have a visually strong scene whatever the scale. This also allows me to develop my skills further and focus on key assets more.
I would also change the way we structured the project. In my opinion there was no prominent leader, and because I was creating environments throughout most of the project I couldn’t gage what they were working on. In short I would do better in leadership.
I would also change the pacing of the project. I found that when creating the environment the pacing slowed down. I would make breaks every three weeks where I would switch up and work on something else to stop my mind turning to mush.
Conclusion
I believe that this project was successful. I love the outcome and the journey, however it feels semi-complete. I want to take it forward by re-modelling assets and working on the UI to make the level complete.
I also want to use a more limited colour palette more often, to do this I need to find more art forms to get influenced by. Saying this, I would also like my contextual art knowledge to further develop my outcomes.
I love stylised games and this project gave me a solid understanding of how to put them together. I believe I can further push this by creating smaller diorama projects that use stylised environments, lighting and colour.
I would even try to include game play.
Overall I feel happy with the outcome, I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about what is needed in games as well as increasing my research game. I feel like I have pushed myself and I feel like as a group we have separated from a lot of other game art students when it comes to creativity and imagination.