Environment and Level Design Project

Explore digital drawing techniques using vector graphics to develop the aesthetic appearance of a hypothetical game background and environment. You are asked to consider and develop the design of the basic screen appearance within the game you are concepting this semester. You will create an environment that demonstrates design principles, incorporates layers and tiling in your process, and further investigate the use of vector graphics to create assets and illustrate a game concept. All environment graphics should be designed larger than they will appear in game and cropped using a “clipping mask”. Print layout will include full environment design, mobile device mockups, and organized assets in a tile set format. Sketches will be transferred to vector graphic to create a 2D assets for a side/vertical scroll “tapping”, "clicker" or “infinite runner” style mobile game. You will focus on the use of flat, solid color, layered, vector graphic shapes. This project will be incorporated into your future project work and can be refined after the project is complete.

Objectives:

  • Develop ability to use vector graphics in visual design
  • Develop ability to use vector graphics in concept development
  • Explore design process, iteration, and versioning
  • Explore generation of graphics for tile sets and repeated elements
  • Explore presentation of artwork through print and websafe images

Requirements:

  • Project Includes:
    • Harmony or Disharmony of shape in relation to “Character”
    • Visual Depth: foreground, middle ground, background
    • Objects: hazard/enemy, obstacle/wall/barrier, items/awards
    • Tiling: elements that repeat or tile
    • Optional: include “Character” from Project 1
  • One Page Layout Includes:
    • Complete screen layout for one level/screen
    • Key of assets, tiles, and repeated elements (Tile Set)
    • Color and Pattern swatches
    • Mobile device mockup examples
  • Final Layout to fit on 13" x 19" paper
  • Submit Project at Deadline
    • Submit one PNG (Web Safe)
    • Submit one PDF (print/archive)
    • Final Layout Template Vertical/Horizontal

Evaluation:

  • 50 points – Requirements
    • Meets Requirements
    • Project Appears Complete
    • Illustrations are Well-Developed
    • Basic (30pts) - Mid Level (40pts) - Advanced (50pts)
  • 200 points - Execution
    • Demonstrates Correct Use of Vector Tools
    • Vector Tools Applied in Appropriate Ways
    • Shows Evidence of Understanding Assigned Processes
    • Basic (150pts) - Mid Level (175pts) - Advanced (200pts)
  • 200 points - Presentation
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Visual Design Principles
    • Shows Evidence of Attention to Detail
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Aesthetic Presentation
    • Basic (150pts) - Mid Level (175pts) - Advanced (200pts)
  • 50 points – Solution
    • Evidence of Self Expression
    • Evidence of Creative Approach
    • Evidence of Risk Taking
    • Basic (30pts) - Mid Level (40pts) - Advanced (50pts)

Example Project

project example