My thesis topic (as a reminder):
Applying “Exploration” as a Philosophy for Designing and Developing Video Games With Conceptual Coherence
Description of the visual component:
For the “visual” portion of my thesis, I will create a Flash-based video game based on a conceptual theme of “channels”. The explorative design process will determine how the game functions, any story components, and the look of the game. All artwork, sound effects, music, and game play will be final and complete. The game should be functional and should show a complete play experience.
Major features that need to be demonstrated in my thesis for review:
- A fully functioning “level” of the game
- At least 1 “level” designed minimum to show quality of game play, experience, cohesion
- A record of the development process – specifically the details around major game-play / design decisions
- notes
- major decisions
- sketches
- playable prototypes
- play-test feedback
Development Plan:
- Summer 11 (Studio 1)
- Create a base prototype of the game so I can start the iterative “design as exploration” process
- Begin the design as exploration process
- Document the process
- Research any other uses of this same process
- Fall 11 – Spring 12
- Work on game / document process
- Recruit help from Chris Griffith (programming), Matt Spears (audio), Cory Say / Jeremy Brown / Catherine Watts (graphics) if needed
- Spring/Summer 12? (Studio 2)
- Complete Game
- Analyze documented process
- Analyze research
- Begin writing thesis
- Fall 12 – Winter 13
- Work on thesis paper
- Winter/Spring 13 (Thesis)
- Complete thesis paper
- Present thesis paper
- Publish game online