ESTHER RIMINGTON - GAMES DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Esther Rimington / Final Year Project: Dunstaffnage Castle.
Abstract:
Computer users have a mixed view and understanding of virtual worlds or environments, most see them just as massively multi-player online games like World of Warcraft or Star Wars-The Old Republic; while others see them as a learning environment. This project is about the learning environment in a virtual world / environment setting, the project will also show how they are perceived, used and what positive and negative effects they have on the users. Also the project will involve creating a virtual environment to show the complexity of the development and design that is used in creating one of these virtual worlds / environments
Project Aims:
With the number of Historical sites that have accessibility problems and numerous school visits, it is the aim of this project to design and implement an Interactive Virtual Learning Environment in Unity, which can be used in conjunction to the visit of the historical site. The environment will contain non-player characters and environment details that the user can interact with, which will then allow them to learn about the subject or item. The use of the Interactive Virtual Learning Environment can be either for educational or recreational use, the project will have detailed information about the historical site within a set date range. The aim of this project is to create a prototype game environment for desktop / Laptop computers, and also for the mobile platform. The desktop game must be of a good standard while the mobile platform will be a basic prototype game.
Objectives:
The game must complete the project aims, also the game must meet all the objectives set below to be complete and to the correct standard.
1. Explore the use of different game development engines to implement the project with.
2. Design and create the narrative experience for the user within the game.
3. The game must be clear and easy to navigate.
4. Design and create the environment detail and NPC’s with 3DS Max.
5. Implementing the game on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.
6. Implementing the game on the iOS platform.
7. The game must go through usability testing, as well as device play testing. Not using just the in-built simulator but tested on an actual device.
Project:
Feedback and Grade.
Project originality comments: The project addresses some original use of content and collaboration with 3rd parties in developing 3D assets required in its production.
Assessment of student performance (worth 10%): The student reliably attended tutorial sessions, was responsive to suggestions, and offerd support - working independently and constructively throughout.
Assessment of demonstration (worth 10%): The demonstration included well-presented slides, outlining the research and production phases of the work with good use of technologies to demo the final work. Delivery was confident and well paced.
Assessment of project - Product (worth 30%): The interactive learning and historical exploration app;ication is in itself an accomplished piece of work which intergrates a variety of 3D modelling, visualisation animation and scripting methods to create a tool - with some expanded functionally - offer a viable and professional project. The intergration of various technologies involved in developing an application and using Unity as a core platform, is coherent and well produced demonstrating advanced use of asset production and programming. The shortcommings in the project were a final realisation/implementation of some protential learning media/educational elements that would have expanded the users experience and engagement with the enviroment.
Assessment of project - Report (worth 50%): The report is well structured and outlines the key objectives of the project. Games and 3D worlds as learning enviroments and outlines the approach and implementation of technologies in organised/coherent format.
Overall Grade 74%