Assignment 8.2 – Production Cycle: Game Story Now that you’ve explored the different Game genres, Game consoles, and Production cycle, it’s now time for us to prepare to create our first game. Howev…
Assignment 8.2 – Production Cycle: Game StoryNow that you’ve explored the different Game genres, Game consoles, and Production cycle, it’s now time for us to prepare to create our first game. However, before we start, we must plan and consider what it is we’re going to create. This assignment will serve as the basis of your final assignment in Unit 9 where you will be going more in depth with your game creation. Keep this in mind as you think through your game design.
Exercise:
You must write a game story (2-4 pages). This story must follow the steps as explained during the course for the genre that you have chosen. The thought process for the game story that you are going to create must be well thought out.
You must indicate exactly which part of the story corresponds to what step. Also you need to provide the division in acts and you must describe the different character archetypes you use in the game. Examples of character archetypes can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_stock_characters but that is not an exhaustive list! That’s just so you have an idea of what a character archetype is.
Finally you must indicate how the story can be used as the basis for a game. Judgment is not based on your writing talent but on following (and understanding) the framework. For your game story please follow the following guidelines below.
Guidelines: Game Story
The assignment is to write a story for a game. The educational goal is that you understand and can apply the elements to include (at least): three act structures, as well as identify and apply the various archetypes that appear in stories.In your story, all steps must occur. You must precisely indicate which part of the story corresponds to which step. So the layout of your story could be something like:
step 1: The ordinary world
First part of your story
step 2: The call to adventure
Second part of your story
etc
Also you must indicate the three acts in your story.
The story should include at least five archetypes. You need to provide a separate short (1 page) description of the archetypes you use in the game.
Finally, you must give some global indications how the story can be used as the basis for a game. You don’t need to describe the complete gameplay but you must indicate the game genre, the role of the story in the game, which character(s) is played by the player(s), and how the different ingredients of the story translate into game elements. This description should be 2-3 pages.
Procedure
First do some creative thinking to come up with a theme and global story line. Already think about how it could form the basis of a game. Define the main characters (archetypes) in the story. Next write down the steps with a brief description of what happens in each step. Then write the actual story. You might want to give it to some people to read and adapt it based on their comments. Then write the description of the archetypes used. And finally write the description of how the story can be transformed into a game.
Note that the story determines 20% of your final mark and that you are expected to work approximately 15-20 hours on it.
Handing in the assignment
Your finished story should consist of the following elements:
· The actual story (2-4 pages), structured as indicated above.
· A 1 page document describing the different archetypes used.
· A 2-3 page document describing how the story can form the basis of a game.The final paper should be 5-8 pages long. In the last unit you created the story behind your game. Now, you have been given an opportunity to pitch your big game idea. Prepare your High Concept. You will need a word processor like Microsoft Office Word, or LibreOffice Writer.Your High Concept document should include:1. A catchy summary/description of your game.2. The setting and genre of your game.3. How many players will be able to play?4. A brief description of your main character.5. The platform you will be developing your game for and the target audience.Your paper must meet the following requirements:- 12 pt Font- 1-2 pagesTurn in:Your finished document – name it “High Concept”.Your High Concept was a success. A game developer has brought you in to learn more about your game.
For this part of the project, you will develop the various game elements we have discussed in this unit.You will need a word processor like Microsoft Office Word, or LibreOffice Writer.You will also be asked to create images for parts of this assignment. They can either be hand drawn/sketched or created using images found on the web. You will not be graded on your art skills but how well your pictures meet the requirements.
Please Submit the Following:1. Character Design(1-2 paragraphs each character) Prepare visual depictions of your Playable and Non Playable characters. These may be hand drawn or created on a computer using images found on the web.For Each character – type up a description. Include a brief back story and their role in your game, any special abilities or attributes that this character possesses and any possible weaknesses.2. Game Modes(2-3 paragraphs each mode)Come up with at least 2 different game modes that players will be able to choose from(Story Mode, Co-Op, Online Mulitplayer, etc…).For Each mode, provide a description of that game mode and what the players will be able to do within it.3. World/Level Design(1-2 pages)Prepare a visual depiction of one of your worlds or levels. These may be hand drawn or created on a computer using images found on the web.Provide a detailed description of this world/level and how the different elements in it will effect the game play and characters.For example: Weather effects , night vs. day, terrain(water, land, mountains, etc…)4. Controls(1 Diagram)Provide a diagram of the controls you wish to use to control your character. If your game will be played on multiple platforms, you may choose one for this section. This may be hand drawn or created on a computer using images found on the web.5. Player Incentive(1-2 pages)Your game looks great so far but how will keep the player engaged? Explain what you would do to keep players coming back for more.You may choose to save all sections of this assignment under 1 file or you may upload each separately. For those of you who are hand drawing/sketching your images, you may either scan your drawings into your computer or take a picture of what you’ve done with a smart phone or tablet.
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