00. brainstorm: practical first steps

1. template think-over:

• gamekit templates for the jam - pretty sure they are outdated and that my go-to template is better suited for my own usercase
• check my current projects because some stuff is broken
• Jack: test adding cutscenes and how much it enchances the gameplay (can be a lazy crutch for storytelling and combat to gloss over my lack of technical knowledge)

1. As it went in other times, I have:

• 1 day to think aobut the theme
• 4 full days to work on the idea (make a map, set atmosphere, implement gameplay, insert story pop-ups) *2-3 days to troubleshoot and package

1. Version/pov choice:

UE4.27/5.6? 2d/3d? VR? 1POV/3POV?

• I never properly worked with 4.27 so it’s too much new info. The only real pro of this is just browser gaming, nothing else, especially because i don’t work in 2d yet. Unless i wanna go for 2d prize, and i don’t. So, dismissed.

• I never worked with vr so testing for cardboard game is high risk but can be a high reward situation. It also affects building the template, so this 📌 should be decided early. Once i’m done with inicial planning, concentrate on testing android VR cardboard setup (uses VRidge, SteamVR and a phone).

• Using 3d template for custom 1pov is probably the best -no need for the character & more immersion. But limits storytelling and can affect combat etc animations negatively. If I figured out POV switch, it owuld be the perfect solution. *btw with current template there was some issue with turning animation or smth.

What can be prepared (not actual game related):

• itch.io placeholder page (done) - overlooked point some people waste time on at the last day instead of packaging their game properly, I’ve seen it irl in the jams, so I do it before jams.
• not important, but i need to update my main website because it shows super old cv instead of my current gamedev stuff.

preparing template:

• write down a list of assets i use
• don’t forget to insert my & UE logo video (looks cool when loading lol)
• can do custom steps
• can edit audio in animations
• should to edit E pop-up UI
• safe zones - green area for enemy interaction used to get errors in previous UE versions, pay attention to that
• insert menu music, ambient locaiton stuff, all the basic sounds like finish level and buttons
• i still didn’t add an instructions pop-up/pause menu thing
• check for walls/bounds. i have an issue when character sees a bit through the walls etc
• think of a video gameplay recording that will be done. This helps with pinning down the aestetics & remembering to view the project from gamer’s pov instead of my own wants as a dev.

To learn: • I NEED a cutscene

• single 4 channel texture map - whatever exactly it means lol
• how to make a specific atmosphere for the sky because i never can seem to pin down the idea i have in my head. maybe it requires vfx or smth