Something I’ve found difficult when working in a group is keeping the vision of the project the same from planning to submitting. This week’s Game Design will help you keep everyone on the same page and help you evolve the project in a better way.
Staying the Course
First of all, you’ll want to make sure everyone is on the same page with what the vision of the project is. This is very easy to do if you are working in collaboration with people from the start but you won’t always be fortunate enough to have a full team from the get go.
To help new members understand the vision of the project, you should make some materials that show what is being made. These could be;
- A pitch document that defines the gameplay mechanics, where inspiration comes from and the visual style (With examples).
- An inspiration board. Examples of aspects of the game surrounded by things they draw inspiration from.
- (This one isn’t always possible) A prototype level or trailer that shows the tone, style and ideas the game has.
My favourite of the above is the inspiration board, it is very easy to build an idea by putting example pictures, descriptions and made up gameplay stats around the person/vehicle/place/item.
Evolving
Obviously, the vision will change naturally as you go. Deadlines, budget or just what is possible with your level of skill will make ideas impossible or too difficult to include. This is the evolution of the project and every project goes through it.
What you will have to do is make sure it does not evolve into something else. I don’t mean, keep the original idea and never let go. I mean, be aware of what influences the project but do not try to recreate them.
I’ve seen quite a few games that have taken so much inspiration from other games that they have fallen into the same mould and came out a warped and less attractive clone.
Medal of Honour: War fighter and arguably any First Person Shooter in a modern military setting seem to keep falling into the same mould as Call of Duty 4.
Many JRPGs often leap into the final fantasy mould with such aplomb they are almost indistinguishable.
If the line becomes blurred for you, your customer will think you’re ripping the original off. If you want to make a Star Trek game with similar races and ships, try get the rights to make a Star Trek game (You can’t do any worse than those before you). Otherwise, get a pad and pen and start making you’re own and diversify your inspirations.
If you want to make a sci-fi game and have the vision for something with ship and crew management, exploration and survival in a lonely universe. I think you should be able to name at least twenty inspirations.
Different Star Trek series do not count as separate inspirations no matter how much you claim they are different. Neither do sequels.
Conclusion
To keep a project on track and to keep the vision your own. I recommend you read at least one new book every month, watch a new movie every week regardless of quality. Play a new game when you can and trawl deviantart and other image boards for art that inspires you.
And at the end of every movie, book or game. Write what you liked, keep a note of characters, places or scenes. If you find art you liked, save it. It is impossible to be completely original at this point, but you can elaborate and change upon the things that inspire you to create something better.
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