Goals and Getting Organized

All right guys, we've got a strong story and have started with concept and art material for the game. Now all we need to do is get organized. We need to know what exactly we have to do, assign the tasks, and set deadlines so we don't fall behind. Looking back at the syllabus, there are two options: 1) printed comprehensive design document and PR materials, 2) game prototype and PR materials. Seeing our team is promising and large, we can make the design document, have PR materials, AND have a game prototype.

Here is what we need:

- Comprehensive Design Document: cover, index, story, how game is played, how player navigates through space, pickups, items, overcomes enemies, solves problems, achieves goals, etc.
- Artwork and Visuals: box art, game label, manual
- PR Material: printed graphics, advertisements

The Game Design Document is an on-going project. We already have material for it - the story and gameplay. All we need is to put more detail into the material and compile it in a PDF. With artwork and such, we will add those on the document as we progress.

With Artwork we were discussing about making two levels: one for a typical 3D game level and another for the 2D mini-game prototype. The 2D prototype would be a higher priority since Sam needs time to code, test, debug, etc. We need to choose a world or setting to focus on the 3D level, something simple. This also ties with story and what other worlds (and how many) the game will offer.

PR Materials can be made once we have the characters and the look of worlds set in stone. Artur mentioned printing out an actual manual, making a physical mock game package with the box art. Chris suggested making a video. I'm not too familiar with PR so we can do some research and refer to other game PR material.



This sounds like a lot, but if we are running out of time we can probably shave off some of the less important propositions/ideas. I would LOVE to have a working prototype, seeing as how passionate we are about this project. Please, if you have any questions, suggestions, add anything I forgot, don't hesitate.

As with scheduling, Sam, what about Google Docs? They offer spreadsheet documents that you can post online, so you can edit it and post a link for us to see (assuming the spreadsheets use the same principle as the Google Powerpoint slideshow). I can probably help you get it started.

And another thing, since we are mainly working in digital, try to keep the resolution consistent. 300 dpi/ppi is good for printing. Keep that in mind, especially when scanning something that may be put in the design document and printing PR material.