Why does a product designer make games? As a solo game developer, I have to be a part of every step of the process including graphic design, level design, 3d modeling, coding, marketing, sound design, etc. I not only get valuable practice in these individual skills, but I experience applying them in a greater cohesive project.
The virtual space has limitless possibilities making it the perfect for testing wild interactions, stories, and experiences with low consequence. Such as an umbrella flying like a jellyfish around a city block.
Through creating my first released game, Umbrelli Fish, the importance of a projects scope became clear. With a grand vision that kept growing and growing, I had to let the essential elements guide me so I wouldn’t spend weeks buried in one detail.
Umbrelli Fish Process:
Experiencing the process for myself, I have an appreciation for teamwork because of the time it gives members to concentrate on smaller details making bigger experiences possible.
A prototype of a smaller bumper cars experience that will focus on one mechanic, changing the player when another car is hit.
After getting some people to play it, I will see where it goes from there. I want to see if its an experience worth spending my time on, or to leave it and take the experience gained with me on my next adventure!
I use the pseudonym Guardian for my games and game assets which can be found on my itch.io page, a marketplace for digital art focused on Games.
I also have a twitter to share my game related projects @dev_guardian
If you want to see where my game dev journey started take a look at my game assets. Coming Soon!