Game Development
In the last game development update I talked about needing to focus on client behaviour and accident scenarios. After some experimenting and in the end Googling of how rag-doll physics work. I was able finally have the clients “fall with style” rather than flip out insanely when having accident! The crazy behaviour was kinda funny but wouldn’t work in a genuine gameplay scenario.
Alongside fixing the client accident scenario, there were also some updates to the client behaviour. There was a bug that crashed the game the whenever a client would exit the scene. As is the case with most bugs the fox turned out to be a simple one line change. However it’s finding that line which is usually the challenge! But I found the line and fixed the bug, another small win!
Gameplay Storyboard
With the accident and basic behaviour sorted for the clients, it was time to begin the storyboard. The purpose of the storyboard is to define what the first 30 mins of gameplay will look and feel like. This way it will be easier to code and develop the gameplay according to the storyboard. The plan for the first 30 minutes of gameplay goes as such:
- Start in storage closet
- Buy exercise mat
- First client arrives
- Sign up client
- Train client
- Satisfied client leaves
- New client arrives
- Exercise requirement for a bike
- Buy exercise bike
- Train client
- Satisfied client leaves
- Two clients arrive
- Introduce ability to let client self-train
- Self-training client has accident
- Injured client leaves unhappy
- Numerous clients start arriving
- Introduce client boredom with limited equipment
- Buy treadmill
- Continue making money by training clients
- When target hit introduce buying/renting new premises
The idea is to direct the early gameplay to in a way which introduces the player to the core concepts in use in the game. This is an important aspect to a simulation management game and you will notice it in pretty much all tycoon games.
As the development continues this storyboard will evolve to reflect any changes or new ideas to the core concept. This week I have managed to code up the first steps in buying your first piece of equipment and training your first client.
Other Developments
As Game development continues so do all the side projects that go along side it. The YouTube channel is continuing to grow at a steady pace. Some days there’s a lot of growth, others not so much.
I’ve been using the opportunity to experiments with some other video ideas Although the first VLOG got a relatively high number of views. The watch time was pretty low, meaning I need to make things a bit snappier.
I also tried my hand at a gameplay video. Finally getting round to playing the awesome indie game Gun Godz by Vlambeer. Although it was amazing and I’ve had a lot of fun interacting with the community over it. It hasn’t generated many views. This leads me to think the audience are not too interested in gameplay videos. At least not obscure indie games. I will finish the Gun Godz series but I’m not sure I will continue the idea after that.
Gamer vs Gamer
I also got round to uploading the second Gamer Vs Gamer video. The first one RGT 85 vs Spawn Wave was greatly received and even gave em a chance to interact with RGT 85 and get some promotion form him! The latest Gamer vs Gamer sees BeatEmUps battle MetalJesusRocks. It was a blast recording and editing it again and I’m really pleased with the way it came out. However these videos take a loooong time to edit and completely kill my game development time.
This is a series I love and does well for me, however it’s not the kind of series I can do weekly.
Time Management
With the storyboard now defined and the first few moments of gameplay created. This week will see me continue working on the next moments of gameplay. Namely the second client arriving and introducing new equipment.
Gym Empire is now available to add to your Steam Wishlist.
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