Real Worlds: Project Management

BRIEF:

You will be working with Mantic Games in exploring the idea of translating their tabletop IP Deadzone into a digital sphere. The project will consist of two parts - character design and environment design, and you will have the opportunity to explore whether to respond in 2D or 3D for each of these, presenting yourself as a specialist or generalist. More detail on the differences between these approaches can be found later in this handbook. The quick turn-around for the two elements of this project is reflective of the nature of the industry.

Translating a tabletop wargame into digital might seem, on the surface, like a no-brainer, however there is scope to explore a variety of game genres - from 4X, FPS, ARPG, Narrative-driven adventure, Tactics & RTS. There are also numerous examples of tabletop games which have been faithfully translated into digital using Tabletop Simulator. Part of your research will involve evaluating and analysing the efficacy of this transition into one of these genres. You will need to explore effective technology which helps games companies in performance of this task.

The initial part of this project is similar to your Industry Collaboration from Year 1. You will be expected to design two characters from separate factions - presenting these as Nemeses. Their designs should juxtapose one another in an effective way. You will write a short backstory which is appropriate for the setting and IP - this element will also be reviewed by the client.

After this, you will have to design and present environmental furniture - you will have to look at the characters you have designed, the game genre you have explored, and create a building with some basic street furniture which fits into the IP.

MLOS:

Knowledge and understanding.
MLO1	Formulate and communicate solutions to problems whilst working collaboratively with clients and stakeholders.
MLO2	Evaluate different methods of generating assets for a Digital Game and how emerging technologies can facilitate this.
MLO3	Produce comprehensive and detailed planning documentation for a Games production project including scoping, team management, risk assessments, and SWOT analysis, USP and potential IP/ Copyright issues.
Skills, qualities and attributes.
MLO4	Work collaboratively with a Client to develop assets for implementation into a game engine using industry standard software and processes.
MLO5	Implement industry recognised design and production processes to produce innovative responses to an external brief whilst meeting client expectations.
MLO6	Demonstrate iteration and refinement of pre-production ideas based on client feedback for a production project.
MLO7	Utilise appropriate project management techniques to efficiently formulate a creative response to an assigned brief whilst working to a deadline and meeting client expectations.
MLO8	Employ innovative processes in the creation of game assets with consideration for the needs of both client and audience.

FACTIONS: 


Management/Checklist

PART 1: Character Design - Client Check-in

- 2D Character Design.
- Character Backstories
- Create 30 Thumbnails for each character (2 Characters)
- Create basic art concepts in preparation for Client Check-In
- AVOID OVERDOING IT WITH DESIGN AND PRESENTATION

Part 1: Character Design

2D Key Art x2

Part 2: Level Design

- 30 Thumbnails for Hero Building
- 10 Thumbnails for each street furniture
- 1 Hero Building, 3 Street Furniture
- Textured and implemented diorama of building and street furniture