Project structure

[Lokhe]

Hey guys!

I'm currently working on my first project and I would like some feedback if you don't mind sharing.

When I started I immideately made a bunch of maps but I'm beginning to think that I started in the wrong end here. How do you guys like to structure your projects? Aside from planning out what it is you want to do, which I have, where do you begin?

Do you start making characters and building a class/progression system? For certain things you obviously need a map, sure, but do you create an entire world and fill it out after or do you perhaps complete every aspect of the game in one area and then move on to the next?

Are there some things I should leave for last so not to make it harder for myself?

Cheers!

Lokhe

 

[BlackRoseMii]

I always start with the story and characters. It's the easiest way^^ After that, I usually think about the bosses (which is still a part of the story for me) and then do the maps. I think it's better to do them once the story is more or less done.

 

[Andar]

it always depends on the focus - I started out with the engine and haven't even gotten to the point of story or mapping yet. But that is because the game is intended to be an open-world-type and will give the player options for exploring and non-linear storylines (and a few more reasons).


If you want to tell a story from a certain character's viewpoint you should probably start with a very simple story overview only to make sure you know what you will be doing later.


And if it's your very first project made, then I wouldn't bother with story at all, but use that project to learn the engine and make the tutorial examples for one or two months before scrapping it and making your second project your real game.


You can follow the link in my signature for a few more tips and links.

 

[CWells]

Well for this project, I started with just two maps, as a way to give a face to what my world should look like. After this, I began to focus mainly on the characters and their background info. I wrote up a little bit of story then went back to mapping more based on my story. After I got all the characters in place I started working on all the skills/formulas.

You can't start anywhere until you can answer important questions for yourself like:

What is my game called? Why is it called this? Who is in the game? What is the world like?

Who are the characters? How do i want the battles to play out?

 

[Lokhe]

it always depends on the focus - I started out with the engine and haven't even gotten to the point of story or mapping yet. But that is because the game is intended to be an open-world-type and will give the player options for exploring and non-linear storylines (and a few more reasons).

I guess this is somewhat like how I'm thinking. I'm more focused on how I want the game to play and what you should be able to do inside the world. Story is somewhat secondary and I will add it after I'm done with the rest I guess.

I'm thinking of doing like a linear starting quest though, just to get a feel of all the different aspects of the tools and then start working on the bigger scope. Thanks for the link!

And thanks all of you

Lokhe

 

[seita]

I started with a core concept of gameplay for the game. What type of battle system, movement, so forth. After this I researched to see if what I wanted was possible, and it was so I continued from there. I set up a basic storyline that would make sense with the world I was creating and 'dove' right into development. After I got a feel for the program (returning to the program after a long hiatus) I modified my gameplay concept and fleshed out the storyline more.

I released a demo and felt the waters, listened to feedback and from there I kept polishing the game, adding and deleting elements that did or did not work out.

 

[SOC]

Always start with the story first. Making maps and database work without your story almost fully fleshed out first is like building a house without a blue print. You'll end up deleting so much of the work you've done simply because it doesn't fit your story and it'll kill your motivation.