Rapid Prototype Production I:

• Project work dominated this course as we were divided into small multidisciplinary teams to create several short game prototypes. Iteration is the key as we mastered the life cycle of a project, collaborative brainstorming, and rapid prototyping through first-hand experience. Every round of prototypes focused on a different theme, such as the “fun factor,” compelling narrative, indirect control, and emergent gameplay. To further the team-building, trust, brainstorming, and creative collaboration goals, improvisational acting techniques were also explored in a separate lab.

Rapid Prototype Production II:

• The prerequisite for this course focuses on heavy production and core design concepts. This advanced version encouraged new gameplay constructs and the innovation of worn genres. Starting with an in-depth history of game innovations, we researched what has come before to better create what comes next. Then an exploration of paper prototypes, board games, and table-top role-playing games helped apply good design rules from other forms of gaming. A discussion of advanced graphics techniques, such as LOD, mip maps, displacement maps, and shaders, formed the basis for innovating visually. Next we learned level design constructs and used UnrealEd to create immersive, well-paced, and realistic worlds. Finally, we used the multiplayer features of our own creations to take on different roles and improvise new design ideas in-game.

Although I participated in the Introduction to Art class the first semester of FIEA, I nonetheless consider arts to be my least developed skill. My current experience includes:

• Assembling levels with modular assets.
• Simple texturing and UV map editing.
• Creating simple animations.
• Helping artists modify assets as required.

I’m also able to perform basic photo editing in Photoshop, and create simple assets and effects using programs like Illustrator, AfterEffects, etc. I also have limited exposure to MEL Script, using several scripts others have made to work with art assets in Maya.

As it stands, I would improve upon my art skills as the need to do so arises. Otherwise, my focus for improvement remains on programming.

Summary

• During the Unreal Tournament 3 round in RPP2, the team set out to create an Unreal level using the UT3 Editor. The foundation of the level is a multiplayer Capture-The-Flag competition. However, a team’s success is primarily dependent upon the cooperation of its members, as players will need at least two people to take the flag, and two to capture it. With some luck, players may only need one person to capture it, as the rotation of the tower may allow players to jump straight onto their home base and capture it, if timed perfectly.

Contributions

• Gameplay Design, Level Layout, Kismet sequences for tower rotation and interaction

Development Team

• Ryan Fernandez, Mathias Haugner, James Melsha, Katie Wollam

Headed up documentation for NPC paths & behaviors conventions.

• Non-Player-Characters, or NPCs, play a significant role in Drifters. There are up to 50 NPCs in the museum at a given time, each with their own behaviors and path.
• To keep track of the 80 paths the Producers created, documentation needed to be implemented in order to ensure a balance of NPC models existed, as well as an even distribution of movement throughout the museum.

Implemented initial scheduling system using MS Project.

• The team started using a hybrid development methodology between SCRUM, Parallel Development, and Waterfall. To help document our progress and future milestones, I set up an initial system using MS Project. This system would later be revised and improved upon by team members as the Production period moved along.

Set up and updated Drifters Wiki.

• Another gateway to retain and share information, the Drifters Wiki could be used by team members to refresh themselves on development conventions, the premise of the game, and the latest development progress.
• This is a sample image from the Emergent Gamebryo Editor.
• This is another sample image from the Emergent Gamebryo