Adam Parker
The Bog Roll Knight (2020)
While studying Video Game Design at the University of South Wales, we were given a brief by Tiny Rebel Games to create "The 2020 which wasn't." due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting all the world's activities. The game had to be between 8 to 10 minutes long with a novel interaction system.
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We were randomly selected into teams in the Video Game Design course and paired up with artists from the Game Art course. We arranged team meetings to discuss ideas and bring forth problems so the team could tackle them together.
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The University of South Wales so well received our game that they showcased our project on their Itch.io https://uswgames.itch.io/
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A playable version of the game is located at https://uswgames.itch.io/the-bog-roll-knight
Typing Mechanics
After my idea was outvoted, we split into groups to create prototypes of chosen game ideas. I was in charge of prototyping The Bog Roll Knight gameplay, so I implemented features of a textbox typing mechanic where players must type in a word to solve the puzzle. This mechanic further expanded so players could solve puzzles, riddles, and mathematical problems.
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After showing this prototype to the lecturers, they liked the idea of an education puzzle-based game and having most of the mechanics prototyped already, so they recommended that we lead with this game idea instead.
Mathematic Route
Since the team had two programmers, we split up to tackle different subjects: English and Mathematics.
I was in charge of the mathematics route and researched essential math skills: addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals and percentages.
I randomised the values that the player will need to work out the values so that the game has replayability.
Cinematic Fly Through
I made a cinematic for the game so that the player can see the essential parts of the game. This cinematic could have acted as a trailer or intro for the game, but the team later decided it was better to scrap this due to the video snapping too much and moving too fast.
Castle Level Design
I assisted the level designer by doing the castle-level design. The player will enter the castle differently based on the English or Mathematics learning subject. Players climb to the second floor in the English route, whereas the math route will take the players through the servant entrance.
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I made multiple versions of the level and was advised to make the castle smaller due to the amount of content needed to fill the space of the castle. I made the changes and used the concept art as the wall decorations to utilise all artwork made by the artists to fill the space in the castle.