Calvins Wonderful Horrible Life

Final Game Design Statement

2004-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

My final project consisted of making a video game with Leo Hertz called The Lonely City. This wasn't any normal computer game because we used a game design engine based on what LucasArts had used to make such games as Monkey Island or Day of the Tentacle. It is important to note that these games had a huge influence on my tastes in games since they were the first games I ever really played, and the first games I ever really loved (if love is a feeling you can bestow upon a floppy disk). This is probably the main reason why I decided to do such a project, because I wanted to fulfill my dreams as a child of making, or at least trying to make, a game in the style of all my favorite old LucastArts games.
What makes our game even more of a step away from the norm is the fact that we decided to use photos of actual environments that we came across in our every day lives (such as our school) and photos of ourselves and friends to make characters within those environments in the game.
What makes our game still a computer game is the fact that the way you played it is based on how old adventure games made by LucasArts or Sierra were played. That is to say, you are given your character, environments to interact with (pick up/use objects etc..) and characters within that environment to interact with (talk/use etc...). We attempted to make something with more of an artschool/student aesthetic to it. That is to say a story that contained more poeticism and had random and absurd things happening within it. It dealt with things that we felt strongly about, such as the state of our school's artwork and the state of ourselves, going through college and living on our own: trying to be an individual in this big city. Also the backgrounds and characters were edited on photoshop to give a more "artsy" feel, meaning the images themselves were an art project/art piece. Although you won't be seeing any of these images in a gallery, ever, because they don't belong there.
Like all single-player computer games, only one person can play at a time, but anyone around them has the chance to sit in and enjoy the game too. The length after the final game was tested reached to about a half hour, which was more or less what we reaching for.
We tried to make the game's story mysterious and absurd/random enough so that the player would want to continue playing to find out what was going on. We also used the artwork in our game as a tool to keep the player interested by making the backgrounds and characters as aesthetically pleasing and interesting as possible.
I knew that I wanted to give the player the illusion of freedom, but with most 2-D adventure games that is very hard, and our lack of knowledge of the program was also something that stopped from doing that. It was great watching people do things we had normally though during the play testing and helped me realize that for us to give the player more "freedom" we need to offer him more possibilities as far as interections with the environment and the characters.
It was real tough making this game but in the end it was worth it and I know both Leo and I will continue on with this game, although after all the trouble with bugs and learning script we definetly need a little break from it. But when we come back, we'll be much more prepared for what will come out of continuing the story and the game.

In conclusion I really appreciated this class. I got to realize that there was more to games than simply board games and computer games. I am very grateful for this because it has opened new ways for me make my own artwork. I know that next semester I will be attempting to create my first real physical game, that doesn't involve computers but people interacting with each other and environments I will create for them. Alot of the readings were very insightful and really helped me understand how a game works and functions. Im glad I have this course reader and these different essays to look back on if ever I want to be more articulate about the game making process. So thank you Jane for the great class, I won't be forgetting it anytime soon.

response to game feedback.

2004-11-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

i think that more inventory in rooms that is needed is really great.
so you have to figure out for yourself what objects are more important that others and choose accordingly
i think we will allow alot of areas to explore which will offer subplots to the game but still close enough to it to make it valuable to the entire story. and perhaps areas with really weird characters to interact with or watch.
me and leo are still dealing with how to make this less of just an interactive narrative and one of the things that will help us is gaining better knowledge of how to use the program which is coming along nicely but im still stumped about ccertain aspects.
so more or less all this feedback is very valuable to us and we will do our best to make it as much of a game as possible.
through inventory management
through setting exloration
through missions....

ok byebye

eliots sfai balance challenge

2004-11-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

all in all eliots game seems like a really good idea
what needs to happen though
is
that the race needs to be alot more clear
BETTER MARKERS
and the tests
need to be alot less hard
3 digit multiplication WHO DO YOU THINK I AM MAN?
my suggestions are lots of players not just two.
i think you really need to work on the racing . i think thats the funnest part about it and it needs to be a fucking extravanganza race allover the place.
itd be great if you could get the security to let us skate all over school cos then there could be riding down the ramp and like running up all the stairs and riding on th roof.
i think the testss need to be thought out more and make it challenging but fun for the players
maybe it shouldnt just be these academic tests maybe it could be really random stuff
like
bobbing for apples... i know thats a really bad example but other physical stuff might be really intersting...
maybe trying to get things while your riding?
so the prototype was alright...
lot more developing seems to be needed.
more crazy skateboards!!!!!

SUPER LATE > BLOGGER HAS BEEN GOING CRAZY

2004-11-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

im REALLY sorry about the late everything blogger doesnt like my computer. i forgot completly about emailing..
blahblah excuses excuses.
i choose Katies game from wednesday i dont remember what its called but it should be called
SMILE PATROL
anyways...
my main isssues with this game is that the core mechanic of this game (making people smile) is more of a lifestyle rather than something to make into a game (although it could be if ALOT was added to it)... i think its really silly to turn it into converting zombies... its just a way to cover up and/or make people feel more comfortable about making people smile (which i guess is kind of necessary for certain people.. but they need to MAN UP)
It really didnt seem that Katie was too interested in peoples suggestions (i think... sorry if im wrong) about making it more into a "game" i think thats good because this really doesnt seem necessary as a "game" its really just something we all need to practice more often
COMMUNITY PEOPLE
as cheesy as that maybe... i like it . and its definetly something that crosses my mind every couple a days...
so.
the game she showed us was very simple.. so simple i guess it wasnt even a game yet in somepeopeles opinion...
so my conclusion about it is that it isnt necessary as a game, we shouldnt have to cover it up as a game so that people will do it.
I have no real suggestions except... if you want this to be your GAME your going to have to take into account peeeoples suggestions (which i cant remember...)... and make it more gamey... more complicated.... COMPLICATIONS RROOOOWRRR!

the end
calvin

godamneee

2004-11-10T15:17:00.001-08:00

I choose Kwan Soo's 3D twister
Its a 3D twister. So im guessing the final will be a box.
It fits into that "im making new friends!" type of category. social game....
Verbs I would use to describe the core mechanic are :
not falling
falling
stretching
keeping still
adjectives for my gaming experience would be
fun
and
anger
the perfect mix!
The only thing missing from the prototype is an actual fully functionnal 3D twister box. It can definitely be considered a game as is.
The best develope formal game element is the rules constraining the player behavior.
Thats what twister is all about. The struggle of getting in and out of these wacky
positions.
Rules are 10/10. Everybody gets the twister rules.
You could definitely develop strategies, as far as where you put your hand and where other players will and getting them in uncomfortable positions and keeping yourself out of them..
The gaming experience was what i expected . Im really curious to see what willhapeen if each space has a nob to hang from ...
The final needs to have things to hang from on the ceiling and nobs to hold on to on the walls . that is all.

this game could be pretty epic.

jon stewart is the man

2004-10-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

ok emergent play.
so if my final project is gonna an old school video game.
i can take any lucasarts game really...
emergent play that happens with those types of games :
comics.. kids will take characters from day of the tentacle..monkeyisland... neverhood.... and make new adventures for them. the reason i think this happens is because all those games have a large emphasis on the artwork in the game.. and its 2d anyways...
kids are always.. cheating?
some of those games are really hard .. i remember getting a cheat book for like... full throttle or something (i know .. im a loser)
thats not really emergent play..
forget it.
thats all really for those old school type of games...
obviously with games like half life... or never winternights... kids can make there own mods and blahblah.. because its not too hard for them and they like the purdy graphics...

my front tooth is bruised

2004-10-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

i think it would be really great to make a video game out of Iron Chef.
Imagine this!
a crazy new controller that allows you to make the same types of moves the chef would do... so like chopping and stirring and chopping and mashing and other cooking stuff.
now that would be an ill core mechanic
and youd have to do it all in a certain time .
its like all those stupid games where you smash buttons to go faster but instead your like chopping and stirring and chopping and mashing and other cooking stuff
and youcould make it a one on one multiplayer championship and the winner would get food catered to his housE! BY AN IRON CHEF!
OMG OMG OMG

IMPORTANT

2004-10-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

this THURSDAY at 9PM on PBS
THE VIDEO GAME REVOLUTION

this an excellent documentary on video games .
everyone check it out!

late again.

2004-10-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

i like the pc game . the neverhood.
it was released in 96
everything in it was made out of clay.
it was probably the most stylish game i had come across since the last lucarts game ...
that is probably the main reason i liked it so much. is the fact that it was so fun too look at... i remember spending alot of time drawing the main character in little comics... and i designed this whole project around how these people had made their world. meaning. i built this miniature house out of wood . andd heated color clay til it melted, then proceeded to put all over the house.
they did this in the neverhood to design their landscapes and houses...
i hope i explained that alrighht. im kinda out of it.
umm so it was really fun to watch it.
it also has really great music. which was a plus.
and the story was pretty interesting and really funny.
these are the things which attract me to a pc game. a more engaging story is always a plus. and probably the one disapointing thing about this game and which is something i like alot in games is really good game play.
the neverhood was disapointing in that aspect because it was alot of puzzle solving and navigating around doing one move interactions with things...but it looked so good!
ok.
i think thats enough with that.
im making a game with leo in which we utilize an old game designing progam like the one used in the old lucasarts games.
i think the way were going to do it though is take photos of the backgrounds and characters rather than draw them with a shitty paint program.
ill report baj=ck later

i have come to the conclusion

2004-10-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

that 9/11 was a set up.
i just watched this show on the public access chanel.
and let me tell you.
a plane did not crash into the pentagon.
a little missile plane thing did!
this shit is crazy. the shows still going on.
ill report back later.

getting a bottle thrown at your face sucks.

2004-09-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

its mornings like these that make me want to give up thinking
what the fuck
cant i just cut the rug in peace?

geneva here i come

2004-09-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Subject: FW: Mandatory Military Draft - 2005Guess what is QUIETLY being put through the House andSenate - a DRAFT, starting 2005. If you are againstthis, you better pass this on IMMEDIATELY. If you arefor it, you can rejoice. I was not aware of this untilI received this today and yes, I just verified it.Mandatory draft for boys and girls (ages 18-26)starting June 15, 2005, is something that everyoneshould know about.This literally effects everyone since we all have orknow children that will have to go if this billpasses. There is pending legislation in the house andsenate (companion bills: S89 and HR 163) which willtime the program's initiation so the draft can beginas early as spring, 2005, just after the 2004presidential election. The administration is quietlytrying to get these bills passed now, while the public's attention is on the elections, so ouraction on this is needed immediately. Details andlinks follow.This plan, among other things, eliminates highereducation as a shelter and includes women in thedraft. Also, crossing into Canada has already beenmade very difficult.Actions:Please send this on to all the parents and teachersyou know, and all the aunts and uncles, grandparents,godparents. And let your children know - - it's theirfuture, and they can be a powerful voice for change!This legislation is called HR 163 and can be found indetail at this website:http://thomas.loc.gov/Just enter in "HR 163" and click search and will bringup the bill for you to read. It is less than two pageslong.If this bill passes, it will include all men and ALLWOMEN from ages 18 - 26 in a draft for militaryaction. In addition, college will no longer be anoption for avoiding the draft and they will be signingan agreement with Canada which will no longer permitanyone attempting to dodge the draft to stay withinit's borders.This bill also includes the extension of militaryservice for all those that are currently active.If you go to the select service web site and readtheir 2004 FYI Goals you will see that the reasoningfor this is to increase the size of the military incase of terrorism. This is a critical piece oflegislation, this will effect our undergraduates, ourchildren and our grandchildren.Please take the time to write your congressman and letthem know how you feel about this legislation.www.house.gov www.senate.govPlease also write to your representatives and ask themwhy they aren't telling their constituents about thesebills and write to newspapers and other media outletsto ask them why they're not covering this importantstory.The draft $28 million has been added to the 2004selective service system budget to prepare for amilitary draft that could start as early as June 15,2005. Selective service must report to Bush on March31, 2005 that the system, which has lain dormant fordecades, is ready for activation.Please see www.sss.gov/perfplan_fy2004.html to viewthe Selective Service System annual performance plan,fiscal year 2004.The pentagon has quietly begun a public campaign tofill all 10,350 draft board positions and 11,070appeals board slots nationwide. Though this is anunpopular election year topic, military experts andinfluential members of congress are suggesting that ifRumsfeld's prediction of a "long, hard slog" in Iraq and Afghanistan (and permanent state ofwar on terrorism) proves accurate, the U.S. may haveno choice but to draft.www.hslda.org/legislation/national/2003/s89/default.aspentitled the Universal National service Act of 2003,"to provide for the common defense by requiring thatall young persons (age 18-26) in the United States,including women, perform a period of military serviceor a period of civilian service in furtherance of thenational defense and homelandsecurity, and for other purposes." These active billscurrently sit in the committee on armed services.Dodging the draft will be more difficult than thosefrom the Vietnam era. College and Canada will not beoptions. In December, 2001, Canada and the U.S. signeda "smart border declaration," which could be used tokeepwould-be draft dodgers in.Signed by Canada's minister of foreign affairs, JohnManley, and U.S. Homeland Security director, TomRidge, the declaration involves a 30 point plan whichimplements, among other things, a "pre-clearanceagreement" of people entering and departing each country.Reforms aimed at making the draft more equitable alonggender and class lines also eliminates highereducation as a shelter. Underclassmen would only beable to postpone service until the end of theircurrent semester.Seniors would have until the end of the academic year.What to do: Tell your friends, Contact yourlegislators and ask them to oppose these bills. Justtype "congress" into the aol search engine and inputyour zip code. A list of your reps will pop up with away to email them directly. We can't just sit andpretend that by ignoring it, it will go away. We mustvoice our concerns and create the world we want tolive in for our children and grandchildren.Richard L. Weiner, Esq..Weiner & Laurin, LLPrweiner@wllaw.comTel: (818) 501-8898Fax: (818) 501-889715760 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1727Encino, California 91436

man i wish theres wasnt the time of post on these things....

2004-09-27T11:53:00.001-07:00

hahhaha
funny.
im sorry. ive been busy being stupid this weekend.
not funny.
my game for today is rock paper scissors
that game is sure fun
its all like :
is he gonna throw down rock?
or is he gonna throw down paper?
or OR!
or is he gonna throw down that fucking scissors!
OMG!

edward forty hands= good times

2004-09-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

nip/tuck is bomb

2004-09-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

i played exquisite corpse with leo, ian and lil petey.
it was pretty fun. we didnt name them though which was a part i was really looking forward to.
what i like about the game is the freedom you have to do whatever you want. more or less. so the decision making factor is coo'
i like the variety of encounter and the socializing involved too. good times for one and all.
i definetly think it would be cool to do the same type of thing but on photoshop.
so then you could do collages. one person could get on the computer and do it and then when its the others turn he could just hide that layer.
pretty coo' right?

me and my friends invented a new game a couple days ago.
its called
"watch music videos on mute and play other music over them"
it can really be funny.
especially if your watching b.e.t.
it s fun because all it really involves is socialising with your homies and it can be very random (variety of encounter....)
yay!

hallo

2004-09-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

i want to take this course because i want to make a video game using old school style graphics (think monkey island, day of the tentacle...) im not so sure about the whole wide array of other "games" that i completly forgot about when i got a computer. i obviously like video games. mainly adventure games.i really was into playing freeze tag at kmart for a summer.i think the game asshole is the best drinking game involving cards ever. especially when theyre big cards.i like playing a game a basketball hear and there.rejecting people pumps me up. i like playing this game i call "what ill ass piece of clothing am i gonna wear to the next party". i wore a moomoo at the last one.chess can be fun at times. i like the "dont look at my hand makinga circle or ill hit you" game sometimes.im down with the printing my own work on my clothing game.my goals as an artist is to bring the fucking partymy themes in my paintings/drawings usually revolve around me being a loser and i enjoy making videos which are all over the place. I also make music.