Process andPrototypesLecture 3 of Game Mod Workshop

Brian Schrank

Spiral Model ofSoftware Development

What’s the purpose of a Prototype?

What’s the purpose of a Prototype?

To ask a question.

• Can the engine and processer handle the gameplay or graphics we’re planning?

You make a prototypeto ask ONE question:

• Is core gameplay be feasible to program?

You make a prototypeto ask ONE question:

You make a prototypeto ask ONE question:

• Is core gameplay be fun to play?

• How will feature X work with feature Y?

You make a prototypeto ask ONE question:

Prototype Tips!

Prototype the Toy First!

Prototype Tips!• Forget Quality!– Let it go, it’s just trash…

Prototype Tips!• Forget Quality!

• Biggest Threat First!

Prototype Tips!• Forget Quality!• Biggest Threat First!• Create in Parallel!– Art– Gameplay– Processing– Concept

Prototype Tips!• Forget Quality!• Biggest Fire First!• Create in Parallel!– Art– Gameplay– Processing– Concept

• Go Analog!

Game Development Process1. State the problem. 2. Brainstorm some possible solutions. 3. Choose a solution. 4. List the risks of using that solution. 5. Build prototypes to mitigate the risks. 6. Test the prototypes. If they are good enough, stop. 7. State the new problems you are trying to solve,

and go to step 2.

What are the 8 Filters?

8 Filters1. Artistic Impulse: Does it FEEL RIGHT?

1. Artistic Impulse2. Demographics: Will the target people LIKE it?

8 Filters

8 Filters1. Artistic Impulse2. Demographics3. Experience Design: Will the game FLOW?

8 Filters1. Artistic Impulse2. Demographics3. Experience Design4. Innovation: How am I PUSHING the medium?

8 Filters1. Artistic Impulse2. Demographics3. Experience Design4. Innovation5. Salability: Will it flourish in the marketplace?

8 Filters1. Artistic Impulse2. Demographics3. Experience Design4. Innovation5. Salability6. Engineering: Is the game feasible to make?

8 Filters1. Artistic Impulse2. Demographics3. Experience Design4. Innovation5. Salability6. Engineering7. Social: Does my team/class like the game?

8 Filters1. Artistic Impulse2. Demographics3. Experience Design4. Innovation5. Salability6. Engineering7. Social8. Playtesting: What problems did they dig up?

Questions?