Incoming Game: Undead Uprising

Game Design Process for Sprint 1: Game Concept and Design

Task 1.1: Concept Development

Setting and Plot

The game's setting is an abandoned research facility in the Arctic where a deadly virus outbreak has turned the scientists into zombies. The player aims to find a cure and escape before becoming infected.

This setting was chosen because it is both isolated and dangerous, creating a sense of tension and suspense. The zombie outbreak also provides a clear threat to the player, motivating them to progress through the game.

Character Roles and Abilities

The player character is a skilled marksman with superior accuracy and long-range weapons. This makes them well-suited to taking out zombies from a distance. However, they are also vulnerable to attack if they get too close.

This character role was chosen because it provides a good balance of challenge and reward. The player's marksmanship skills give them an advantage over the zombies, but they must also be careful not to get overwhelmed.

Zombie Types and Behaviors

The game features three types of zombies: slow-moving, fast, agile, and tank-like. Each type of zombie has its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Slow-moving zombies are easy to outrun but can overwhelm players in large numbers. Fast and agile zombies are more difficult to escape, but they are also less durable. Tank-like zombies are the most difficult to defeat but also the slowest.

This variety of zombie types helps to create dynamic and challenging encounters. The player must use their marksmanship skills and the environment to their advantage to survive.

Special Infected Zombies

In addition to the three basic zombie types, the game also features special infected zombies with unique abilities. For example, some zombies may be able to spit acid or explode upon death. These special infected zombies add a strategic element to encounters, forcing players to adapt their tactics accordingly.

Task 1.2: Art Direction

Visual Style and Art

Classic horror films like Alien and The Thing inspire the game's visual style. The environments are dark and atmospheric, focusing on creating a sense of dread and suspense. The character designs are realistic and detailed, focusing on capturing the horror and terror of the zombie outbreak. The zombies themselves are designed to be both grotesque and believable.

As a solo developer, I am responsible for developing and maintaining the game's visual style. To ensure that the visuals are consistent with the overall vision for the project, I am responsible for all aspects of the game's visuals, including character design, environment design, and prop design. I work to create a cohesive and engaging visual experience for the player.

Game Design Relationships

The concept development and art direction tasks are essential to game design. The concept development task defines the core gameplay mechanics and the overall setting and tone of the game. The art direction task brings the game to life by creating the visuals the player will see.

The two tasks are closely related, as the art direction must be consistent with the overall vision for the game as defined by the concept development task. For example, if the game is set in a dark and atmospheric world, then the art direction should reflect this.

The game's success ultimately hinges on the ability of the concept development and art direction teams to work together to create a cohesive and engaging experience for the player.