GENRE: ACTION SPORTS GAME
DEVELOPER: UBISOFT (ANNECY - LEAD STUDIO)
TEAM SIZE: 15
ROLE: WORLD DESIGNER + LEVEL DESIGNER
AGR was developed with the intention to focus on the support of Tools and the Custom PlayStation Engine.
We created a game while developing the engine and tools at the same time, giving feedback on the engine features and tools from a level design & game design perspective.
This project focused on the development of a custom game engine, rather than the creation of an unique game product
Prototype a game concept in a small feature group.
Researching what defines a good feeling racing game. (Game Metrics)
Design and realize a track layout with interesting gameplay moments.
Keep track of scope and critically discuss design ideas.
Whiteboxing, with use of Maya & Houdini
Fixing, level related bugs with programmers
ACHIEVEMENTS
Creating a game & level, on tech that was in the middle of its development.
Working with the limitations of a new custom engine.
The team got awarded 2nd place for its level/track design challenges, by the lecturers.
RECOGNITION
Part of the process in developing a custom racing engine for the PS4
Due to correct project managment, minimized risk of overscoping the project.
"Extremely good evidence of Trinh's improved ability to identify the relevant game metrics necessary for tuning and balancing specific aspects of the game, and describe how the data is to measured and analyzed. He did solid research on racing games to help guide his efforts, and this provided him with assurance that his basic track design would perform as needed - before it was even playtested!"
David Wessman (Design Lecturer, Ex-employee @ LucasArts)
With "Goran de Ruiter", I was one of of the two level designers on the project. Our tasks as level/track designers was to facilitate the custom engine and Houdini tool teams. Requesting features and tools to make our work as track designers easier. Allowing us to create a level in a short amount of time.
Racing game research & Track Metrics
One of my tasks was to research other racing games, understanding the aspects of what makes a racing game feel like a racing game.
Track metrics was also an important topic to research as later, during the whiteboxing phase, proved to be invaluable.
Whiteboxing / Creating the track
Our level editor was Maya, we created our track inside of Maya with help of a few Houdini tools, created by our dedicated Houdini artist "Feike Postmes". His tools would make our lives as track designer a lot easier. We would be able to draw and manipulate a curve and hit the bake button to create the track.Because of our extensive research in track metrics, our created levels would be playable right out of the box.
[EARLY GAMEPLAY FOOTAGE] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuucyUjKsqI&feature=youtu.be
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