18/1/18

Game Level Production

Brief

In this module it is required that a section of a game level be designed and produced,  which can be either 2D or 3D.  The theme, topic, style and genre are of the individuals own preference.  Game level production will explore the unique and delicately balanced complexities involved in designing, developing and producing a functional blueprint section of a game level, expanding upon practical skills and knowledge of game engines features and functions.  A portfolio containing the development of the game level section, underpinned by evidence of research, idea generation, planning and production.   Using existing modelling, texturing and lighting skills developed from the 3D games environments module in semester one, a successful plan to produce a fully developed, fully researched playable section of what could potentially be a bigger level of a 2D or 3D game imported into a game engine of personal choice.  The game level of choice will be agreed upon with the module leader and pitched to a professional industry level before production.  As part of the assessment process, it is required to submit a portfolio documenting ideas and developments of the game level, as well as a critical evaluation of progress, skills and original intentions.

Initial ideas and Mood Boards 

The session started by gathering ideas for a potential theme that could be used for a game level idea.  Below are some pictures of notes that were taken in the session on brain storming with lists of influences, possible primary research sources, as well as a mind map for ideas.



So far potential ideas have be drawn from the Gothic, Victorian era, Sherlock Holmes, (Doyle, 1887), Jack the Ripper, 1920's with the influence from the television series Peaky Blinders, (Knight, 2013).  Other sources of influence are Assassins Creed: Syndicate, (Ubisoft, 2015), which is based around Victorian London and also potentially BloodBorne, (Sony, 2015).  The theme to be potentially dark, gritty, worn, dystopian imagery and environment.

Below is a general mood board, intially started to gather ideas together for ideas for the level.











Fig 1. General Ideas for Game Level Mood board
 https://www.pinterest.co.uk/stewartmarr/general-ideas-for-game-level/

The second mood board was created to be more defined and narrow down ideas more specifically, as the first mood board, as can be seen, did have some ideas with potential for a science fiction influence initially, with the remake of Total Recall, (Wiseman, 2012), and Blade Runner (Scott, 1982), & Blade Runner 2049, (Villeneuve, 2017), being potential sources of influences.









Fig 2.  Game Level Mood Board 1.
 https://www.pinterest.co.uk/stewartmarr/game-level-mb1/

A third Mood Board was created to help with floor plan layout ideas for the level.  The aim was to gather as much information and inspiration about floor plan layouts, looking into other floor plans of houses, computer games and even street maps.




Fig 3 - Flooplan Ideas
 https://www.pinterest.co.uk/stewartmarr/floorplan-ideas/

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