For the start of my project I am starting with all the preparations needed to have a straightforward and organized workflow. I have created my work breakdown structure, a well as blueprints for the initial build and level format. I prepared my method and listed out all of the hardwares and softwares needed for to execute my project. I still need to speak with my faculty advisor but at least I feel more prepared to present my proposal and plan.
I do feel like I started the semester a bit unprepared. I expected to be already working on the basic mechanics by week 3 and yet I still getting my schedule and gaming document together. It’s not too bad though, it would just mean I will need to take a week where I do double the work.
I think part of this delay has to do with this concerns of using unity. I have experience using unity in previous classes but I feel like I never really grasped how to use it, especially when it came to scripting. I think that because of this feeling I and trying to avoid taking that first jump into unity. It’s as if the moment I open the program I won’t know where to begin, and so I keep trying to push it back as much as I can. Yet, I really want to graduate knowing I overcame this feeling towards unity and scripting as a whole. So I’m going to make that one of my main task for this following sprint.
Another thing I do need to start finalizing is my budget and materials list. Ideally I want to have 2 identical midi keyboard controllers and a monitor. It’s been challenging to find two controllers that are within my budget and only have the features I need. I feel conflicted because I feel like I have to sacrifice some qualities to get what I need.
For instance, while researching different controllers, I found a model that is perfect for my project: A foldable midi controller. It was perfect because it didn’t have any extra buttons and it was easy to store. It was also within budget. The main issue it that it was only 49 keys. I feel like my game needs more keys to be more challenging, that way a player needs to put more effort in trying to hit the ball. Originally I envisioned this concept to use 88 keys to have more immersive gameplay. But this would require a larger screen and a wider build, which would go way over my budget. I really can’t see myself using 49keys, so I’ll keep trying to research and find a budget friendly 61 keyed controller.
Overall I feel like my progress I okay. It can definitely be better and if I push myself a little harder this following week, I could be where I originally expected myself to be. For the time being my main tasks are to speak with my Faculty Advisor, finalize the game document, and complete the basic mechanics for the game. Once I overcome my worries about unity, I’ll finally be able to jump into the more complicated aspects of my project.
