This README document is written and maintained by Nianyi Wang.
Last updated: 10/05/2024
In this group project, we need to demonstrate our understanding of the parameters that influence gameplay. We are required to implement a minimal prototype for an existing game, and design two levels for it so that the second level is 30% harder than the first level. The prototype should be simple enough to balance while preserving the essence of the game.
The target game we chose is Overcooked!.
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Get to know the game and identify the "essence"—the core mechanism of the game, and trim it down to a minimal state.
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Discuss and decide the best approach to prototype this game.
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Build the prototype.
- Develop an MDA analysis to steer the work.
- Track the progress with Trello and team log.
- Finish it.
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Design two levels for it and make the second level 30% harder than the first one.
- Find the target parameters of our game. That is, the parameters used to define the game's difficulty.
- Select the critical parameters which could be tweaked to affect the target parameters.
- Create a model to describe the relationship between the critical parameters and the target parameters.
- Loop on adjusting the parameters and playtesting.
- Week 1: Discuss with the professor about our prototype design to make sure it's valid and fun.
- Week 2: Discuss the models we developed for measuring the parameters. So by this time as I take it, the prototype should be at least minimally playable.
- Week 3: See how the 30% thing works out.
- Week 4: Fine-tune everything.
- The concept and balancing document, together as a PDF. The MDA analysis and the links to the Trello board and team log should be included.
- A link to a playthrough video.
- And other individual entries.