2. What is a concept?
A concept is an idea, for a game, gameplay, a
character, assets, etc.
An idea with a story behind it, a feeling, a mood,
a history..
3. Where do you start?
At the beginning..
Think of a backstory and sketch, sketch some
more, and then some more just for good
measure..
5. Sketching
Sketches don’t have to be perfect, it is a way to
put your ideas out of your head and on to paper.
Sketch a lot, really. Not just one, but 10 or 20.
So, always bring paper and pencils to this class.
9. Silhouetting
Use this to see if your object, character.. or
whatever you are designing is visual appealing.
Use silhouetting to see if your art pops.
17. Artwork
Artwork is for you, your lead, boss, concept
owner or paying customer. It lets them see what
you came up with.
And more importantly, can give you a go. So you
can finally open 3D studio max and create your
vision.
23. Assignment
You're at the Game Developers Conference and you meet a game designer who says he works for
Medieval Games Studio (note: this is a fictitious company name). You and he strike up a
conversation, and you ask what he's working on:
"I can't say. I'm under NDA right now," he replies. "But I can tell you that we're in the very early
stages of preproduction for a next-gen console game."
You firmly decide that this will not stop you from networking with this guy. "Without saying
anything about the game," you say, "can you tell me vaguely what kinds of challenges your team
is facing at this stage in development?"
"Sure," he chirps. "The artists are fleshing out early concept sketches for characters and NPCs.
Oh! The designers and artists have been working together to come up with a new object in the
game that will essentially be a crate, without being a ‘crate,' if you know what I mean."
"Neat. Maybe I can help you come up with some ideas! What's the game about again?"
"I can't say," he reminds you.
24. Assignment
Given what you do know, make a list of 10 items that could replace a standard "crate" in a game
that your new friend can pitch in the next design meeting.
Consider what information you do have:
• The company is called Medieval Games Studio. This might tell you something about the kinds
of content the company is likely to be working on.
• You want to provide a range of ideas, since you really don't know what the game will be.
• "Crates" need to be simple objects which, in and of themselves, don't take up a lot of
memory (read: low poly count).
• Crates are used for storing, blocking, building, climbing, throwing, smashing, and more! The
object needs to be versatile, movable, stackable, and stable when situated on the floor.
Come up with a list of 10 items and sketches. You may add a few words to each item about the
source of inspiration or explanation for why it would work -- but be brief!
