Starting a video game project can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience. With so many possibilities, it’s easy to either hit a creative block or be flooded with too many ideas. Neither extreme is helpful. The key is to narrow down to a concept that is both engaging for players and manageable for the development team, following the #SMARTgoal approach.
Simplifying the Gameplay Fundamentals
Choosing the right fundamentals is crucial. Should it be a fast-paced FPS? Multiplayer? These questions guided my initial exploration. I aimed for a cooperative or versus experience but quickly realized that the fast-paced nature of the game made it less enjoyable in multiplayer settings. The essence of a fast-paced FPS lies in mastering movement, speed, space, and quickly dispatching enemies.
Challenges in Multiplayer vs. Single-Player
In single-player mode, players often feel more powerful than their enemies in 1v1 situations, with complexity arising from facing multiple AI opponents. However, multiplayer games differ significantly. Many fast-paced multiplayer games have struggled to maintain player interest over time.
Shifting Focus: From Multiplayer to Single-Player
My goal isn’t necessarily to make a game that makes history but to create something I love, that the community enjoys, and that fosters a sense of shared experience. I’m open to co-creating it with the community to ensure it resonates and is played enough to sustain and nourish the player base.
The First Prototype and Learning Curve
My initial prototype of a fast-paced multiplayer FPS was far beyond what I could achieve alone. Recognizing this, I decided to pivot to a single-player focus. Single-player games are technically easier to build and offer more room for trial and error in design.