Task Description

Create a 3d-model from a real object using photogrammetry. Preferably find a statue or other cool object at or around campus inffeld or a landmark of Graz. If you find another interesting object somewhere else, you may create a model of that object. Create a document that contains screenshots of your object, you may also include info about your 3d-scanning-process, or pictures of funny failed attempts.

Here are some nice models from 2021:
Mini octopus (by hanamii)
Bird on a flower (by hofi_10)
Ancient statue (by thet0ast3r)
Stone (by CommodoreEU)

Photogrammetry is a technique that enables us to create 3D models based on photos of the object (usually a lot of photos). The used software can be freely chosen, most of the commercial packages feature trial versions which you can use for this task. Here’s a list of software we can recommend:

• Agisoft Photoscan/Metashape (trial available)
• Zephyr3D (free version available)
• visualSFM (free)
• MeshRoom (open source)

Since you’re supposed to take photos, a camera will also be needed. Luckily everything ranging from a DSLR to a smartphone camera works pretty well. However, we recommend the use of a DSLR camera. These articles compile a lot of useful advice on how to take great photos for photogrammetry: GDC Talk, Autodesk, Agisoft, Sketchfab

Most of the time photogrammetry creates very dense models, which aren’t very performant in a realtime/gaming/vr environment, so it is best practice to optimize the 3D models before using them in games. Depending on which software you decide to use you can either take a look at the built-in optimization tools (if applicable) or use external tools like MeshLab or Blender for optimization.

We will check your models for face count. We also expect your models to not have holes and to not include surroundings that are not part of your model.

Submission

Upload your document that contains 3 screenshots of your 3d-model, showing the model from front, top, and side respectively (i01-<your-matriculation-number>.pdf) and your 3d-model (i01-<your-matriculation-number>.[blend/obj/fbx]) in a format that can be opened by Blender 2.9x to TeachCenter within the deadline in the schedule.

Optional: Upload your model to Sketchfab, a place to upload and view 3D models in your browser (or VR) without any additional plugins. Tag it with ‘tugamedev’, make sure to enter a few sentences of meaningful description and submit a link to it in TeachCenter. If your model is not downloadable on Sketchfab, make sure to upload the model to TeachCenter as well.

Task description

Form a group of 5 people and decide on a game idea that satisfies the details below. If you haven’t found a group yet you can find group members on Discord. Create a document where you describe your idea and tell us about which technologies you plan to use in a few paragraphs. Create a rough effort estimate for your idea to make sure it is possible to implement the idea in this semester. You can also add some sketches. The document can later be used as a basis for your game design document. Also, decide on a fancy name for your group.

Fundamentals

Your game idea must be based on a 3d-environment and the game must integrate the 3d-models of the photogrammetry assignment in the environment (creative integrations are allowed). Furthermore, an AI Concept (a list of concepts will be published for G-02) must be part of your game. Include some achievements that can be unlocked within your game.

Technology

Your game should include one of the concepts outlined below this section. If you can not integrate any of these concepts or if you have a different unique feature that you want to integrate in your game, contact the tutors before submitting your game idea.

Virtual Reality

Implement a virtual reality game. Most likely, we will be able to provide access to our VR equipment at Campus Inffeldgasse. Design your game with VR in mind. Depending on the regulations, we will be able to provide testing possibilities during summer.

If you have your own VR equipment, let us know for which VR platform you plan to develop in your game idea document.

Note: Take care that your game does not induce motion sickness (i.e. take care of locomotion design, stuttering, framerate, etc.), include interactions tailored to VR and make it as intuitive as possible.

Networked Multiplayer

Add networked multiplayer functionality. Ideally, think of an interesting concept for your multiplayer setup, such as asymmetric multiplayer. Keep scope in mind, especially certain types such as battle royale come with a lot of optimization and synchronization tasks. Try to come up with a concept that is implementable by your group given the time available.

Alternative Controls

Create a game that does not just use standard input hardware (keyboard, mouse, controller) in standard ways. Instead, design and use an alternative control mechanism. This option can also include some basic networking to connect your alternative inputs to your game. Crafting, DIY know-how and electronics tinkering skills are an advantage for this option. Your creativity is the limit, but here are some examples to give you a feel for what is meant by alternative inputs:

• Phone: Connect a phone via wifi or bluetooth and use the touchscreen in combination with some of the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, …) to control the game.
• Repurposed peripherals: Use other peripherals such as a microphone or a drawing tablet to control the game.
• Custom inputs: Disassemble an old keyboard and build a custom controller, or use some components from the maker toolbox to create custom input devices. Raspberry Pi, Arduino, mircropython and esp8266 are good platforms you can use as a starting point for your device.
• Make your game controllable via a sofa, house plant or banana.

The FabLab and E-Lab are great places for tinkering with custom hardware. Feel free to consult with electrical engineering students for this option.

Topics & Inspiration

You are free to choose the topic and genre of your game.

Guidelines

Diversity:
Keep important aspects such as race, gender, culture etc. in mind, should they be relevant for your game.

Accessibility:
Motor (e.g. more than one type of input device), Cognitive (e.g. contextual in-game help), Vision (e.g. color blindness safe colors), Hearing (e.g. subtitles), General (e.g. difficulty levels). You can look up more details here.

Submisson

Create a PDF with the naming convention:
g-01-group-##.pdf

## is your group number, hence group 5 sends the file g-01-group-05.pdf.

First, enter your group in TeachCenter, then upload your file and enter your group name within the deadline in the schedule.

Task Description

As a group pick one of the topics and select it in TeachCenter (first come first serve, the start of the selection will be announced on Discord) and create a short presentation (max 5 slides) about how this concept can be applied in a game project and give examples. Create a short presentation (max 5 minutes) presenting and describing the concept (showing the slides). Every game project has to include at least one of the concepts. The descriptions of the other group members should help you choose which one you want to include (it is okay if several groups include the same topic in their game).

Unexpected Regulations Backup Plan: You will record your presentation beforehand and upload the video in place of your slides on TeachCenter. There will be a lecture where we watch all of your videos together. All groups will get access to the videos in order to help with the selection of a concept for your game.

Topic-List

Submission

Create a slide set for your presentation. Use the naming convention:
g-02-group-##.pdf

## is your group number, hence group 5 sends the file g-02-group-05.pdf.

Upload the video to TeachCenter within the deadline in the schedule.

Task Description

Create a prototype according to the topics and guidelines. The prototype should show what your game will look like (e.g. blockouts of levels) and it should demonstrate the core mechanics of your game.

Create a page for your game on itch.io, you do not need to upload a build yet, but add a short description and screenshots that promote your game.

Submission

Upload a zip file (g-03-group-##.zip, is your group number) containing the build to TeachCenter and add a link to your itch.io page within the deadline in the schedule.

Task Description

Test a game from another group. The QA Strategy section below outlines what to look out for during testing.

Provide a small report (.txt or .pdf file) with a list of issues you’ve found:
[ID / Type of issue (1-3) / Description of issue / Severity of this issue (A extremely bad – C nice to have) / Tips for improvement]

Example:
#4 / 1 / The game controls are not clear / B / Explain the controls on the start screen
#5 / 3 / Driving into a tree for 100 times crashes game / C / Find root cause for the crash

You should test the player experience, the usability, and QA (alias bugs).

QA Strategy

Type 1: Player Experience (Game Design)

• Fun?
• Confused/bored/frustrated?
• Design good?
• Idea clear?
• Mechanics?
• Level too long/short?
• Do you understand the game?

Type 2: Usability

• Interface intuitive?
• Easy to use?
• Controls understandable?

Type 3: Quality Assurance (Severe Bugs)

• Test intensively
• Find bugs

Submission

Create a submission file with the naming convention:
g-04-group-##.[txt/pdf]

## is your group number, hence group 5 sends the file g-04-group-05.txt/pdf.

Upload the report to TeachCenter and send it to the other group via e-mail or Discord within the deadline in the schedule.

Task Description

Fully implement your game and create a presentation for the final exhibition.

Presentation
Short “pitch” (max. 4-5 minutes!) – try to “sell” your game/game idea. You can show your video or play the game live (or both if time).

Note: If it is not possible to hold the final presentation in person, there will be final presentation videos similar to the AI-Topic presentations.

Exhibition
Please bring your own equipment for the exhibition. In case you are missing hardware contact the tutors in advance.

Note: If the exhibition cannot be held at the university, all games will be collected in an itch.io game jam so that you can play all of the games.

Deliverables

• readme.txt with the following information, so that we can feature your games on the website:
  (1) Game title + short game description
  (2) Who worked on this game (all names + matr. nr)
  (3) Technologies used
  (4) Credits
  (5) Link to build for feature on website (such as on https://gamelabgraz.com/games/)
• Final Game Design Document
  (don’t forget to mention which AI Topic you chose and how you implemented it in your game)
• 4-6 screenshots
• a small video of the gameplay (ca 2-3 minutes)
• if no presentations can be held live, a trailer video for your game (see Announcements channel on Discord for more information)
• The presentations will be held in person. Please create a trailer video which you can also use as part of your presentation.
• Build and source code of your game
• Don’t forget to add your itch.io page to the game jam

Submission

Upload all deliverables to TeachCenter within the deadline in the schedule.

Update the details about your game on your itch.io page and join this year’s game jam. We encourage you to upload the video and a build of your game to itch.io to make it available to a broader audience.

If you want to develop your game further and publish it not only within the scope of this lecture, we are happy to help and answer any remaining questions.

Overview

Game Design and Development II is a lecture with integrated exercise (VU, continual assessment). If you do not submit any assignments (partial course requirements, Teilleistungen) you will be deregistered from the lecture. The examination is considered to have started when the assignment [I-01] Photogrammetry or any following assignment has been submitted.

You need to submit all assignments to receive a passing grade. Empty or zero-effort submissions do not count for this rule and will result in a failing grade.

Each assignment will be graded based on how accurately you fulfill the tasks of the assignment description. For game assignments the game design document, game elements, game design guidelines, usability, polishing, balancing and the presentation can be taken into account as well. For written assignments, the readability, formatting, and how precisely the topic got addressed can be additional decisive factors. For some assignments you might be able to earn bonus points, this is designated in the assignment description. The assignments are weighted according to the weighting table.

A total of 100% (excluding bonus points) can be achieved. Upon receiving 50% and more, the student receives a passing grade. The grading key denotes which percentage corresponds to which grade.

Partial course requirements are corrected after all partial course requirements have been completed.

Late submissions are not considered by default. Contact the tutors (preferably before the deadline) if you cannot submit an assignment in time, we might be able to find a solution.

If you decide not to finish the course after submitting the first assignment considered in the examination contact the tutors so that the grouping can be updated. If there are any open questions feel free to contact us.

Plagiarism

If unauthorized aids are used or cases of plagiarism occur (e.g. a written assignment contains parts copied from another source or referencing is not done properly, any part of an assignment is copied from another student or group, or a game contains 3rd-party assets without proper attribution) a grade of “U (Ungültig/Täuschung)”, meaning that the grade is invalid, is given for the course (§5 TU Graz Statute Part Plagiarism). The student is then requested to attend a hearing, where they are confronted with the incident.

Weighting

Grading Key

A collection of games created in previous GameLabGraz lectures

Your game goes here.
2021 GDD2 Games
2020 GDD2 Games
2018 GDD2 Games

Johanna’s personal book recommendations and books the lecture draws inspiration from.

Jane McGonigal – Reality is Broken (+++)
One of my favorite books. Jane McGonigal gives some inspirations and ideas of how to use games in different contexts. Reads like a novel and avoids theoretical aspects.

Jesse Schell – The Art of Game Design (+++)
This is the book I am using a lot for my lecture. Very good summary of the most important design aspects from different points of view (technical aspects, player psychology, all different design things).

Scott Rogers – Level Up (2nd Edition) (+++)
Also a very good design on game design. I’ve especially enjoyed the bonus chapters with inspirational lists for environments, game mechanics, and different templates as an inspirational resource for your games.

Jeremy Gibson – Introduction to Game Design, Prototyping, and Development (++)
This book gives also a very nice introduction to game design techniques, but in a more practical manner. The main part of this book is a unity and C# tutorial.

Raph Koster – A Theory of Fun (++)
I simply love the style of this book. It has comics and sketches ?

Flow – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (+)
Wonderful book (THE book) about the flow experience with neat examples from all different fields.

Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman – Rules of Play (+)
Very interesting book on game design with a lot of practical examples.

[I-00] Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
[I-01] Photo by ShareGrid on Unsplash
[I-02] Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash
[I-02] Fireworks effect based on work by Heather Allen (Wilcox)