Brett's Blog

Model Progression

2006-02-07T05:03:00.000-02:00

2006-01-17T15:26:00.000-02:00

Game Play Revision (Scripting Points - Action Scenarios - Puzzles Defined) Setting the stage:

"We have finally arrived." The old man sighs as the steep trail finally ends at the base of steps that ascend to weathered gatehouse. Just beyond the gatehouse, a large structure with religious characteristics rises against the sheer wall of the mountain. "What do we do now?" Louis asked. "That is a very good question my friend, and that is precisely the question I brought you to answer."

The old man turns and peers at Louis. It had not taken Louis long to question the man's mental stability. Velasquez himself had indicated that he was suffering from a debilitating disease. As they were traveling together, Louis often heard him mumbling to himself. Usually something about running out of time and not remembering. Had Velasquez not paid him an absurd amount of money in advance to secure his services, Louis would not have even considered the Velasquez's proposal. Now Louis was extremely wealthy. He would be even wealthier once he completed this 'archeological' expedition and received his final payment.

Right now he was in a tremendously advantageous position. He had to endure a number of competitors to obtain the opportunity. He underwent numerous intelligence tests and IQ evaluations. His personal background was completely researched. After making it through the extensive intellectual evaluations, then he found himself surprised to be subjected to a very strenuous physical exam. Many of his competitors were members of the military and professional athletes. Louis exercised on a regular basis and had always enjoyed good health. However, he was almost certain that he could not compete against those that we're in exceptional shape and had undergone tremendous training. Louis was still surprised that he had been selected. In addition, he was not quite sure why physical fitness had anything to do with the expedition. Their journey to the high mountain monastery was not easy by any means, but the old man was the only element that was slowing them down. His pace made it a leisurely excursion for Louis. Regardless of Velasquez's motivations or reasons, they had arrived.

Somewhere high in the Tibetan Himalayas this monastery had existed for many years. It appeared in many ways what you would expect from an Asian monastery, yet there were other characteristics that did not fit. Something about the architecture seemed out of place. The area overall was very lush and green which Louis found surprising this high. The monks who inhabited the grounds were the very definition of reclusive. Velasquez had said that it was very difficult for him to obtain admittance to the monastery to do his research. Initially the chief monks would not even respond or receive requests for an outsider to have access to their grounds. Velasquez smiled within himself. Everyone has a price, even those who value nothing. Velasquez patted the package tucked safely under his arm.

They began to ascend the steps to the large wooden doors of the gatehouse. "You my friend have been brought here to help me find the final piece of a puzzle. Alexander the Great made it this far, even a little farther in fact. He just didn't know what to do with what he found." Velasquez began to elaborate. "I have been able to determine, ... years and years lost, searching for what I forgot, what an irony, to know so much and not be able recall it... oh, sorry, what was I saying. Yes, I have been able to determine that what I seek is here. However it is hidden. Those who created it left the key to finding it here, but you have to know what you're looking for to even begin." "What are we looking for?" Louis inquired. Velasquez began to laugh. He cackled enough to make Louis really start questioning his mental stability. He eyes began to echo a look of frenzy. He turned and smiled deviously at Louis while he hissed "What else would an old man like myself be looking for? My mind and body are failing, even more rapidly than is natural. Some well hidden genetic defect. Somehow there always does seem to be a force making sure we get what we deserve. Regardless of that, I've always been able to cheat death. I don't intend for that change now after so many years. Louis, you're going to help me find the fountain of youth." Louis laughed. He stopped when the look in Velasquez's eyes told him that he was serious. "You've got to be kidding me!" Louis gasped. He restrained himself from responding any further. Velasquez had paid him enough for him to pretend that the old man was sane even if he was out his mind. Velasquez laughed under his breath. "Don't worry. I know what you're thinking. I've spent an enormous amount of time and money to find a mythical magic puddle of water. You'll understand soon enough. I may be losing my mind, but I haven't lost it yet. I have no allusions of magic water. You will find the puddle for me though, and then you will understand." Velasquez laughed. "Poor Alexander soaked himself for days. He never figured it out."

They reached the doors to the gatehouse. Velasquez raised his walking stick and rapped against the large door 3 times. They waited for sometime until finally one of the doors pulled back. A very old monk with a long beard, weathered skin, and drooping eyes stepped from behind the door and pushed it open. Velasquez whispered: "These mountain monks are 'vocally' celibate'. In other words they don't speak. However, their fluency in understanding multiple languages is quite surprising." The monk was flanked by 3 larger monks wearing hooded robes. He stood staring ominously at Velasquez as if waiting for him. Velasquez lifted the package underneath his arm and began to unwrap it gently. He exposed an egg shaped cylinder with curious markings. It appeared to be made of ivory or some sort of ceramic. Whatever it was, it was old. It was a very odd looking container, but its curious characteristics were quickly forgotten as Louis studied the strange electronic device that was attached by metal bands that wrapped around the container in multiple locations and directions. The device itself had a simple LCD that looked to be nothing more than a timer. It read "13:39:02" and was steadily decreasing. Louis did not know for sure, but it looked like some kind of explosive. "As long as things proceed exactly as we agreed upon, we will both obtain what we want... intact." The Monk looked at Louis as if comprehending something. He then looked back at Velasquez. He stared at him for what seemed like an eternity and then bowed his head and then motioned with his hand for them to enter. Louis and Velasquez passed through the doors which lead into what appeared to be a short tunnel. As the passed through the tunnel, a beautiful landscape opened up before them. Lush gardens and well groomed flower beds covered the land before. Louis could hear the rush of water in the distance. There were various waterfalls that seemed to pour from the face of the rock walls. The continuous supply of water undoubtedly fed the foliage that was present everywhere. Flanked by the large court yard was the impressive sanctuary. For its age, it seemed in remarkably good condition. It was apparent that it received continuous attention and maintenance. The surrounding edifices were in a similar pristine state. It appeared to be a miniature paradise in every aspect. There were small gazebos and pavilions through out the garden areas. A few were occupied by monks who were studying and meditating. The gate house spread out behind them. It appeared to be some sort of a make shift barn and corral. There were numerous livestock house in various compartments. They walked in the direction of the sanctuary and stopped after a few feet. Behind them the old monk nodded to the other monks and they dispersed in separate directions. The old monk then stood and stared at Louis for a long time. His eyes were piercing and they seemed to bore into him as if trying to discover something hidden. It made Louis extremely uncomfortable. "We have limited time. I suggest you learn to ignore the monks as they will only serve as distractions." Velasquez said. "They do not want us here. It was more difficult than you can possibly imagine acquiring unlimited access to the grounds. They intentionally prevent anyone from finding what we are about to search for. Although I've negotiated temporary permission for us to look for the water, do not be surprised if they try to thwart our efforts. Now, take this." Velasquez handed Louis a small vinyl pouch attached to a dangling shoulder pack. It was extremely heavy. "Be discreet, but keep it with you. You may need it." Louis lifted the flap of the pouch and saw the sun reflect off the back of a cold steel pistol. "What is this for?!" Louis gasped. "Just in case, just it case Louis. Put it away before you draw attention to it." Louis quickly put the strap over his shoulder and tucked the pouch underneath the base of his coat. "Like I said, we do not have much time. I've brought you to be my hound. You'll be able to see, find, and reach things that I am not capable of. I will direct you and provide you with the information that you need to make progress. You must use all haste. I own you for the next 24 hours. You will not rest, you will not sleep, and you will not do anything except what I ask of you. Is that understood?" Louis nodded. They had been over this before. During the Journey Velasquez had continually reiterated the terms of their agreement. Velasquez was abrasive, but the pay for the job was more than adequate to make it worthwhile. "Just tell me where to start." Louis said void of emotion. "Good. So we begin then. Listen closely. The ancient who built the foundations of this sanctuary left behind a path to guide himself back to our 'fountain of youth.'" Velasquez pulled from a bag an elliptical disk. It reminded Louis of an Aztec Calendar, but the symbols and figures were not Aztec. The disk appeared to be made of some kind of metal. It was discolored and oxidized somewhat, but the characters that existed on both faces were raised. "This brought us here. Now we must pass some sort of test before we gain entrance to the fountain. It is unclear on exactly where to get started, so I'll give you what I have and you will find it. Here is your first piece of the puzzle. Two eggs, a barren sun, a lost root, the beginning."

To define/finalize:
Preliminary Search
Garden Bell Tower
Sanctuary Archives Gate
Waterfall
Fountain Cavern

Winter Schedule

2006-01-12T11:06:00.000-02:00

Class	Date	Activity	Deliverable
Class 3	January 12	Begin Modeling Monastery	Schedule Calendar
Class 4	January 17	Modeling Revise initial Gameplay
Class 5	January 19	ModelingRevise initial Gameplay Additional Concept Work
Class 6	January 24	Modeling Revise initial Gameplay
Class 7	January 26	Modeling Revise initial Gameplay	Preliminary Model
Class 8	January 31	Texturing	Test in game engine
Class 9	February 2	Texturing
Class 10	February 7	Texturing
Class 11	February 9	Update schedule	Core component - Monastery Finished

Bubble Diagrams

2005-11-08T04:07:00.000-02:00

Design Document

2005-11-03T16:13:00.000-02:00

Rite of Youth/Fountain of Youth

Introduction

The purpose of this project is to create a game experience that emerses the player in complex storyline through an extensively interactive environment. My goal is to successfully detach the player from the objective of finishing a level or accomplishing a task and consume them with the developing story line. I want to accomplish this through implementing a high degree of realism incorporated with a complexed, fully-developed, and intriguing storyline. While the genre of first person demands that guidelines be followed to manage the attention span of the user, I want the substance of the storyline to be the driving force behind the player's desire to complete the game. Many games in the last year have been able to accomplish this successfully. Building on what has been done, my hope is to not only match the quality of the interactive experience in contemporary games, but to enrich an environment to a higher level of realism. The end result of the interactive experience that I hope to create would provide the player with the same sense of satisfaction and enjoyment that one experiences when reading a complex and exciting novel.

Background

The concept for this game originated from a video game concept I produced while brainstorming in my non-linear story-telling course. I wasn’t planning to use the concept for anything, but I liked the idea so much, developing a board game for the concept could definitely help me to take it a step further.

The story began with a two scientist studying the afterlife. Using research they had obtained from ancient religions and new technology, they developed a method that they believed would allow them to look into the afterlife. However, on their first attempt to use their new process, the experienced more than they expected. They did succeed in opening a rift into the afterlife, but they did not expect that something would be waiting on the other side. Some form of an ethereal being entered through the rift that they created and stole the very body of one of the scientists. It was not merely a simple possession of the body and soul, the being actually displaced the spirit of the scientist and sent into the world of the dead. Being free with a corporeal form in the real world, the being began to develop its malevolent plans to exist eternally in the living world by feeding on the life force of all humanity. It is in this state that the scientist finds himself in the world of the dead without identity. Fortunately, his former partner uses the same technology that made the rift into afterlife to contact him and together they discover how to find and enter ‘Soul Windows’ with which he can locate certain individuals in the living world and displace their souls to allow him to reenter the world of the living. Once back in the world of the living, the scientist uses the identities of the bodies that he assumes to hunt down the rogue spirit that stole his body. Through re-death and displacement, the scientist eventual tracks down the being and uses a collection of skills and abilities to displace the being back into the world of the dead.

Description

This scenario begins as the player obtains contract work with a wealthy aging entrepreneur who had sought him out because of his versatile background. The man goes by the name of Velasquez. He has employed the player to assist him in locating the legendary fountain of youth that Alexander the Great sought after in the Arabic legends. Velasquez believes he has located the site in West Asia in a high mountain monastery. The story begins in this location as the player works with Velasquez to find the hidden location of the fountain that he believes is somewhere in the Monastery.

Unknown to the player, Velasquez has brought him along for a very specific purpose. The player will be given cues as the level the progresses that begin to hint that things are not what he expected and there are definitely things that indicate that what they are doing may not have a good ending.

Key features

This story line deals with two parallel worlds, the living and the dead. In the story, the player will discover through information and personal experience the intricacies of the world of the dead. Among the many discoveries the player will find is that the Sun acts as a gateway to the next life. When a persons dies and they die with a clear conscience, they’re instinctively drawn towards the Sun. Those who do not have a clear conscience have a natural fear of what lies beyond and do everything possible to hide from the sun an the draw that is causes. However, by avoiding the sun, they become vulnerable to becoming absorbed by the earth itself. If their essence comes in contact with RAW soil, their soul can be pulled to the earth’s core where it held indefinitely without possibility of escape in a literal hell of gaseous magma.

However, one can learn to survive in the world of the dead. Water has properties that protect souls from both the earth and the Sun. Hence the true value of the fountain of youth becomes more apparent and more sinister because its properties actually protect a spirit that has died from passing over or being absorbed.

The fountain of youth ultimately will be discovered to be just a tool in a process called the soul rend. This process is where a spirit exposes itself to the sun during a solar eclipse where the spirit is effectively torn between the two worlds. This endows the spirit with unique abilities that allow a spirit to enter an individual’s soul window and displace them from their body. The is in fact how youth is maintained by perpetually stealing bodies through out time. The player will begin to comprehend this too late and they discover the real intent of Velasquez.

Genre

First Person

Platform

Concept Art:

Design Document Info

2005-10-25T15:43:00.000-02:00

More stuff from my prior classes. Definitely going to come in handy.

Creating a great design document
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19970912/design_doc.htm

Anatomy of a Design Document (Part 1)
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19991019/ryan_01.htm

Anatomy of a Design Document (Part 2)
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19991217/ryan_01.htm

Audio Design Document
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20000726/zizza_01.htm

Basis for development plan

2005-10-25T14:45:00.000-02:00

In my level design class, we were given a model for the foundation of level design. I am using this model as the basis for my revised calendar. I will 'skimp' initially on the design document, but since it will ultimately be the basis for my written thesis, I'll continually contribute to it over time. Fortunately my scope will be focused on a single game level initially and brief document may be somewhat appropriate.

Research - Syncing w/Genre Design Document Level Document
First Study (Post its) (2-3 Days)
Second Study (Bubble Diagrams)(3-4 Days)
Third Study (Drawings) (1 Week) Fourth Study (Enlarge & Detail) (1 Week)
Fifth Study (Massing Models) (1 Week)

For anyone interested on refreshing their level design memories, here is the link:

http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20030603/licht_pfv.htm

Revised Development Calendar

2005-10-25T14:42:00.000-02:00

Class	Date	Activity	Deliverable
Class 12	October 25	Review Finalize Development Plan (Begin Normal Mapping)	Development Plan
Class 13	October 27	Begin Bubble Diagrams (Continue NM)	Design Document (Preliminary Thesis) Level Document Finished Spatial Studies (Post its)
Class 14	November 01	Begin Level Drawings (3rd Study) (Continue NM)	Finished Bubble Diagrams
Class 15	November 03	Level Drawings (Continue NM)
Class 16	November 08	Begin Enlarged Spatial Details (4th Study) (Continue NM)	Finished Level Drawings
Class 17	November 10	Enlarged Spatial Details
Class 18	November 15	Start Massing Models (Continue NM)	Finished Enlarged Spatial Details
Class 19	November 17	Massing Models (5th Study) (Continue NM)
Class 20	November 22	Final Class - Work Review	Massing Model/Build Foundation Complete

Thesis Concept Analysis

2005-10-20T14:33:00.000-02:00

My primary deliverable was an anlysis of the concept that I am considering for my thesis. Below are the primary goals or objectives of my thesis at this time.

Develop a specialty to a professional level.
Maximize the content and interactivity of virtual environments (In the form of guidelines for maximum content based on hardware limitations that could be applied to varying production cycles to perhaps give an indication of the level of content that will be provided by an individual project).
Develop environment content by perhaps integrating database functionality or use within a particular 3D engine that could employ dynamic capabilities to increase the interactivity, level of detail, and sense of realism in a 3D environment by producing dynamic content that has dynamic attributes. The intent would be further extend a players experience by allowing the imagination to explore beyond traditional barriers and limitations.

After reviewing my ideas and concepts for the game concept of 'Soul Windows', I am comfortable in saying that it provides ample working ground for my thesis. Since the focus of my thesis will focus primarily on the level of detail of the environment, I will suspend work on the character development and begin developing a preliminary environment for the thesis. As part of my development plan, I will begin creating models using high detail with respect polygon count and texturing. My first order of business will be to become proficient enough with normal mapping to utilize that process on 'all' models that I create. While I am developing that skill, I will map out and design the environment that will be the basis for the models that I create.

As a tangent, although I believe it is directly related to what I am trying to accomplish, I want to experiment with the limitations of creating realistic liquid effects. If possible, I would like to find a way to implement realistic liquid effects within a game engine. Currently, the majority of effects are illusions, psuedo-models, or otherwise tricks to produce liquid elements. This is ultimately a fourth objective of my thesis.

Finally, in summary, I have identified what it is that I want to do. I believe that I have identified a vehicle or idea to serve as the working space to accomplish my objective. However, I am not sure the scope of my project is appropriate at this point. I am comfortable proceding with what I have, but I may limit my focus if I find my rate of progression is not what I hope it will be.

Antagonist Revision

2005-10-20T14:27:00.000-02:00

I noted in my previous post that the 'demonic undead' was not the approach I wanted for my trans-dimensional soul leech (that sounds weird). Anyway, I took another pass and this is what I've come up with so far.

Original Character Work

2005-10-20T14:12:00.000-02:00

This is a depiction of the main character or player prior to having experiencing displacement. Nothing special really, I was just toying with the approach of having a regular guy as the main character. I'm sure the wind breaker/slacks combo is really going to work well. Anyway, it was just an idea.

Here is the same character after displacement. The good guy has essential become the bad guy, or rather the bad guy is in the good guy's body. I was going for the sinister effect. Again, the simplicity of the character seems to be working against me.

After the player loses his body, his appearance turns to something that has limited form and identity. This is what I came up with.

Last but not least, here is my bad guy. He resembles some form of the demonic undead, which is not what I was really going for. I was something more alien. The basic idea is to create something that is some kind of soul leech. That is the idea anyway.

Elements to Develop

2005-10-18T15:44:00.000-02:00

These are elements that I am listing that I will need more depth for the game approach overall. In addition, I think that some of them will be necessary for my preliminary environment. These probably do not make any sense to anyone but be, I just needed to put them somewhere I will not lose them. :)

Beginning Story

Fountain of Youth

Soul Rend

Rules of Death

Original Concept Material

2005-10-18T14:19:00.000-02:00

The following is the original concept for the board game called 'Soul Windows'. This will provide the basis for my project. I will adapt the approach to a first person single player game. I have also modified the story line and the depth of the storyline which I will detail in a subsequent post.

Executive Summary
Soul Windows is a game that causes players to use their ingenuity to gather information while hindering other players from doing the same. The game will employ an approach that includes game play from the games Clue, Sorry, and Dark Tower. Each player begins in a ‘displaced’ state meaning that they have had their bodies stolen from them. Their objective will be to find sufficient clues to identify the individual who has stolen their body. Once they can identify the host of their body, they can confront them in a final battle/challenge. If they are victorious in this final challenge, they win the game. If not, they must wait until their next turn before attempting again.

The interesting aspect of Soul Windows is that a player will experience the game in two different states. The two states are living and displaced. As mentioned previously, all players begin in a displaced state. While players are in this state, their objective is to escape the world of the dead by displacing another player or obtaining a body from a non- player character. Players will draw a determined number of cards when it is their turn. The cards will give them the ability to take certain actions. Once a player has found a way into the living state, they can begin to search for clues.

Each player in the game will also serve as a body thief for one of the other players. At the beginning of the game, they will draw from a set of cards that will determine which one of the other player’s body they have stolen. They have stolen. As players collect information, they will eventually have enough information to challenge whoever has their body. At this time, the players will engage in a die exercise that will represent a final battle. Depending on the outcome of the die exercise, the challenging player will either win the game or experience an in game death in the world of the living in which they send back to the world of the dead or in other worlds, back to the displaced state.

Demographics/Audience
This game is intended to have a duration of one half hour to possible to two hours depending on the skill of the players to inhibit other players. Although the game theme deals with the paranormal, the game play is a combination of mystery, strategy, and chance. The game itself is not overly complex and anyone of the age 12 or over who enjoy board games would be able to learn and effectively play the game. Individuals who enjoy science fiction will find that the subject matter and the symbolic game play adds additional appeal.

Story/History/Background
The concept for this game originated from a video game concept I produced while brainstorming in my non-linear story-telling course. I wasn’t planning to use the concept for anything, but I liked the idea so much, developing a board game for the concept could definitely help me to take it a step further.

The story began with a two scientist studying the afterlife. Using research they had obtained from ancient religions and new technology, they developed a method that they believed would allow them to look into the afterlife. However, on their first attempt to use their new process, the experienced more than they expected. They did succeed in opening a rift into the afterlife, but they did not expect that something would be waiting on the other side. Some form of an ethereal being entered through the rift that they created and stole the very body of one of the scientists. It was not merely a simple possession of the body and soul, the being actually displaced the spirit of the scientist and sent into the world of the dead. Being free with a corporeal form in the real world, the being began to develop its malevolent plans to exist eternally in the living world by feeding on the life force of all humanity. It is in this state that the scientist finds himself in the world of the dead without identity. Fortunately, his former partner uses the same technology that made the rift into afterlife to contact him and together they discover how to find and enter ‘Soul Windows’ with which he can locate certain individuals in the living world and displace their souls to allow him to reenter the world of the living. Once back in the world of the living, the scientist uses the identities of the bodies that he assumes to hunt down the rogue spirit that stole his body. Through re-death and displacement, the scientist eventual tracks down the being and uses a collection of skills and abilities to displace the being back into the world of the dead.

Objective
The objective of the game is for each player to find a match to their identity symbols to in effect identify who stole their body. Once players have found their identity, the player to their left serves as their body thief whom they challenge to regain their soul.

Equipment
2 Dice
6 Player Pieces
1 Game Board
9 Envelopes
18 Red Symbol Cards
36 Blue Folder Cards
50 Green Play Cards

Setup
Select one player to pass 3 cards to each player from the Red Card deck. Each player views the cards he or she has received. They then put the cards face down in front of them. Each time a player dies or is displaced, they must reveal one of their identity cards to the other players until all of their cards are displayed.
The dealing player will then shuffle and divide up the blue cards evenly between the 9 clue folders representing each of the areas on the game board.
Each player up to 6 players selects a unique playing piece an places it on the corresponding color on the game board making sure that the side of the playing piece representing the displaced or dead state (side with the x) is facing upward. Every player begins in the displaced state.
Once players have positioned their pieces, each player rolls one die. The player with the highest roll begins play. Turn proceeds from the beginning player clockwise around the board.

Begin
When a player’s turn begins, they have two possible actions. The can choose to roll the die to enter the living state if they are on their home space or in the church. If they roll a 1 or a 6 while on their home space, the player becomes living. Once a player enters the living state, they turn their playing piece over so that their piece shows that they are no longer dead. Players can also select from the movement card stack and then play out the instructions written on the card. A card is discarded faced up once it has been played.

Movement
Movement in the game is dependent on the state that you are in. If you are dead, you can move in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) without respect to doors or pathways. In addition, when you draw a movement card, you move your piece double the number of spaces displayed on the card. If you are brought to life for whatever reason, you must move your game piece to the nearest game space or building adjacent to your playing piece. Once alive, you can only move your playing piece along the pathways. In addition, you can only move horizontally or vertically. You must also enter buildings through a marked doorway. If you select a card that provides more spaces to move to than is required to reach your destination, you may move to the destination without moving the excess spaces.

Game Play
Players move about the board to the different areas. Each area contains clues. However a player must be living in order to look inside a clue folder in an area. A dead player can occupy a space simultaneously with a living player. If the living player looks inside the clue folder, the dead player can roll a die to see what the living players sees. The dead player must roll a 6. If the player rolls a 6, then the living player must allow him or her to view the card that they viewed. When a player chooses to look inside a clued folder, they view only the top card. If it is a match to one of their identity cards, they retain the card and display the match for all players to see. If the card is not a match, they return the card to the bottom of the folder.

If a player draws a card to displaces another player, they have the option of stealing one of their visible identity cards. The player must exchange the card with one of their own identity cards. Once a player has obtain 3 complete matching sets, they may make a challenge to regain their soul. If successful, they win the game.

Action/Power Cards
Displace Player: Also player to displace another player and enter the world of the living and optionally exchange one of their identity cards.
Move Cards: (1-9 Spaces) Allows Players to move specified number of spaces. (Double the spaces for players in the displaced state).
Steal Identity Card: Prevent an opponent from obtaining a clue.
Live or Die: Allows player to die or to live.
Go to the graveyard: Go to the graveyard become dead, and lose a turn.

Final Confrontation Mechanics
The player and the body-thief (The person to the left of the player) each roll a 1 die 3 times. The player who rolls the highest score two out of 3 times, wins the battle. If the challenging character wins the battle, they win the game. If not, they are displaced, and must reenter the world of the living to re-challenge to regain their body.

Concept Research

2005-10-05T21:50:00.000-02:00

Level of Detail

Normal mapping will definitely supplement the increase of content quality and quantity in virtual environments. Additionally, it can indirectly contribute to the level of interactivity of the environment.

Demands
http://www.gamasutra.com/gdc2005/features/20050309/postcard-kane.htm

Normal Mapping Tutorial
http://www.msmiami.com/custom/downloads/3Ds7_Mapping.pdf

Normal Mapping Pitfall
http://bcloward.blogspot.com/2005/05/normal-map-seams-in-3ds-max.html

Normal Mapping Example
http://cgchat.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=20424

Content interaction

Scaling Content
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19991124/pallistermacri_pfv.htm

Substance & Style
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20051004/sylvester_01.shtml

Design Process
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20000630/huntsman_01.htm

Half-Life 2 Process
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19991210/birdwell_01.htm

Potential Concepts\Focus Ideas

2005-10-04T15:54:00.000-02:00

When I originally planned to produce my thesis, I intended to simply to create a flag-ship portfolio piece during the duration of my studio and thesis courses. I wanted to use a concept that I developed in an earlier course (titled "Soul Windows") as the substance for the project. This concept was for a board game project. The concept behind the game had tremendous potential in the 3D realm and I developed the storyline further than what I had in the board game to better explain the loose ends in the story line. I also found an untypical environment in the game 'Pain Killer' that gave me an idea to communicate one of the visual/experience elements in the game where the avatar is its 'dead' state.

While this approach is still something that would do well as my project, once I began our studio 1 course, I found that the actual thesis deliverable needed to have more of a focus. In addition to having focus and purpose (meaning postulating a theorem, investigating its viability, and finally producing a significant output representing the justification of the thesis), I also want to take this space of time to develop a specialty. This may not consist of a group of specialties that contribute to a single focus, but this development period represents an opportunity to bring the trade skills that I use in my project to a professional level.

One of the concepts that I feel that would help me to accomplish this is to develop a process or criteria to maximize the content and interactivity of virtual environments. Due to limitations of computing and video graphic technologies, the content of virtual environments. In addition, the cost effectiveness of production also contributes to the limitation of developers in the form of production cycles, timelines, and deadlines. I would like to establish guidelines for maximum content based on hardware limitations that could be applied to varying production cycle indications to perhaps give an indication of the level of content that will be provided by an individual project.

My second potential concept is a related focus where I would like to develop environment content by perhaps integrating database functionality or use within a particular 3D engine that could employ dynamic capabilities to increase the interactivity, level of detail, and sense of realism in a 3D environment by producing dynamic content that has dynamic attributes. The intent would be further extend a players experience by allowing the imagination to explore beyond traditional barriers and limitations.

Thesis Development Calendar

2005-10-04T15:23:00.000-02:00

Class	Date	Activity	Deliverable
Class 06	October 04	Concept development	Revised Calendar
Class 07	October 06	Concept research
Class 08	October 11	Concept research	Tentative Thesis Concept
Class 09	October 13	Research/Test Thesis Concept
Class 10	October 18	Research/Test Thesis Concept
Class 11	October 20	Begin Development Plan	Thesis Concept Analysis
Class 12	October 25	Review Finalize Development Plan	Development Plan
Class 13	October 27	Concept Work & Research
Class 14	November 01	Concept Work & Research
Class 15	November 03	Concept Work & Research	Concept Viability Final Analysis & Group Critique
Class 16	November 08	Concept Work & Research	Development Plan Update
Class 17	November 10	Concept Work & Research	Concept Work Review & Group Critique
Class 18	November 15	Concept Work & Research
Class 19	November 17	Concept Work & Research
Class 20	November 22	Concept Work & Research	Preliminary Thesis Composition and Concept Work/Group Critique

Launch

2005-09-28T22:56:00.000-02:00

This is the preliminary posting to launch my blog. I'll start posting concepts and focus ideas for my thesis development. Ultimately, I hope it all makes sense. Thanks in advance.

Brett's Blog

Model Progression

Winter Schedule

Class

Date

Activity

Deliverable

Bubble Diagrams

Design Document

Design Document Info

Basis for development plan

Revised Development Calendar

Class

Date

Activity

Deliverable

Thesis Concept Analysis

Antagonist Revision

Original Character Work

Elements to Develop

Original Concept Material

Concept Research

Potential Concepts\Focus Ideas

Thesis Development Calendar

Class

Date

Activity

Deliverable

Launch