CS4099 Software Project By Tom Clark

The project Main aim: –Show how the expanding field of games utilises CS. –Re-enforce by creating an example using structured software engineering processes and models (UML) Game must be: –Original and fun –Original and fun –Based on survival of event –Educate (but not to impact fun)

Obvious constraints Time! –  Many CS related aspects omitted –Networking: multiplayer, or even massively multiplayer etc –Graphics: pixel shaders, dynamic lighting etc. –Some computational aspects: fluid dynamics, motion Testing: not multiplatform I have never actually written and programmed my own game before. Challenge but really enjoying it Using an established open source game programming kit which is free for non-commercial use and has academic background

Approach Overview Context survey –Books, other games created under similar constraints, papers….. Requirements capture (initially from myself!) –Central concept –Detailed rules –Feedback from game testers Design using textual statements and UML diagrams –Controversial Development / implementation using “Game Maker” programming environment Testing –Technical: performance, correctness ( meets requirements?) –Usability: small but diverse group of games players

Context survey Evaluated games made by others “What I liked” analysis Limited to other small non-commercial games. –Unfair not to. - Cursed Undead - by Nees Sonnemans

Literature Review Review of many game books available. Some websites too. Examples:AI –A* search, path-finding Game design Gender issue Good ones now ordered for library.

Hunger Example game Implemented using Game Maker.

Main Concepts Focus on survival. Not on violence or horror. Enemies to avoid but player can kill them. Plan item use. Give the player choices! –Not too much or becomes complex. –Keep focus on goal but not forced to play a certain way.

More about the game Set in made-up town of “Fondville” and its neighbouring island. Became overrun by zombies called “Rot”. –Desirable feature: Tell story as progress Single objective: Must get to cable car to main city after starting on island and survive. Not that realistic.

How to educate Survival skills –Limited form of education. Use stats that player must manage. HealthWarmthHungerThirst Fear – Proud of this one. Not used in other games much. Speed –Most are inter-related.

What has been done Some documentation – some changes needed Showing and hiding inventory. Main menu. (Most of) Stats – not all related to other stats yet. Minimap Movement – choice of controls: , WASD Level 1 layout Location text – Unbarricaded/Outside “SLEEP RISK” implies risk of falling asleep! 

Feedback for testing and revision Testing by game testers Small group Questionnaire (Still to do) for feedback –Q: How long did it take you to figure out what to do at this point? –Q: Easy to understand without reading manual? Not designed to replace actual software behaviour testing.

Still to be done Update documents. Detailed design. Levels 2 & 3. Items that can be picked up, stored and used. Sleeping Fear effects NPCs – 2 types and their AI. Game over/Complete screens. In-game menu – exit safely, load, credits. Sound effects. Graphics (most by artist but by me in future). Desirable features if time. Other CS0499 course requirements.

Any questions?