Illuminating
Systems - Puzzles - Magic - Prototype
Mechanical Magic!
A gameplay mechanic with puzzle solving in mind, but lots of alternative potential too! The magic system revolves around a device called the Illuminator, which has two discs where one chooses the magic school, and the other selects the effect or form that spell takes.For example:
Thermomancy + Absorb = Ignites the target.
Invigoration + Take = Withers/breaks the target.
Current build is a demo with a selection of the designed spells.
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Role: Systems Designer
Project Type: Student
Team Size: Solo
Format: Prototype, Unreal 5
Duration: Part-time 3 months
Project Documentation
Personal Contributions (hover over!)
Additional Inputs
Roles & Responsibilities
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Using Blender to make functional placeholder assets.
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Designing control inputs with UX in mind.
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Sketching and designing the Illuminator's look and interface.
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Testing the prototype with every feature added or changed to track issues.
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Version control using Git with the Fork client.
Systems Design and Iteration
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Created every aspect of the mechanic from concept to engine, always considering the player experience.
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Designed creatively, intertwining science and fantasy without stretching the game grammar understanding of the typical player.
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Reviewed and revisited each facet of the system constantly to maintain a good level of balance for game feel and to monitor functionality.
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Project Planning
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Devoted time and effort to the research and planning stage to reduce the time and decision making needed in-engine.
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Documented the development process including initial plan and in-engine progress.
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Visual Scripting with Unreal Blueprints
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Scripted the controls and all behaviours of the Illuminator and its magical effects.
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