Support documentation for the final assignment of the unit recapping all material discussed and highlighted in the lecture and in the stream chat window

1. Working to a Brief Week 6 – 15.06.2011 Assignment Guidance

2. Assignment As you are all aware, you have an assignment to hand in on the 24th of June which completes this unit and is one of your final assignments of the year Comprises of three (3) criterion that need to be met to allow you to achieve the grades in question for the unit The assignment is fairly large in size Hopefully you have all at least started to think about completing the documentation

3. Assignment Although I went through this material with you in the previous week’s lecture and also again in the chat channel due to network based issues, the following documentation can be used as a reference point to assist you in completing the assignment and handing it in on time. All the points discussed in the following slides are in reference to the lecture dated 15.06.2011 I do NOT want to have missing assignments as I will make you come in over the summer break to complete them to ensure you are up to speed with all work including resubmissions!

4. Assignment Budget Remember in the “24 Hour Power” brief, does it say in the document how much of a budget you have been given? Is it negotiable? Where does the £300 pounds come into play? Remember that is how much each individual (or team) pays to play the game in question What money do you make back in revenue? This is a business venture and the company WILL want to see that you have done the number crunching to support your claims. They don’t want approximations – they want PRECISE figures. Ensure you research correctly! Remember to include all cost outcomes ranging from Engine royalty costs (when your game makes more than X amount of money) to even how much the software will cost to allow you to develop the solution

5. Assignment Game Engines You want to be select in your choice – just because you found one on the internet doesn’t mean it’s the right one for your game. Hint: Look at similar games that have been produced – do you feel the engine would be suitable for your idea? Look into engines that are used in simulators such as flightsims – do you feel they could be of use to you to make it as realistic as possible? People are paying £300 to take part, I don’t think they want 8 Bit graphics do you? Be critical of your selection but don’t slander it either. You want the company to take your idea further and saying “This engine is good but it’s not as good as x” won’t give a great impression to the company

6. Assignment Concepts You need to provide drawings to support your game idea – where have you done something similar before (5.2) You need to be able to justify why certain elements are available and visible Do you need to include a HUD – It’s a simulation after all You can use the most of ONE real world image (a map, a speedboat dashboard etc) How will your game pan out? Remember to refer to the brief – it does say what is required It’s an ENDURANCE race – each race last’s 24 hours! (Think Le Mans 24 Hour)

7. Assignment Evaluation Do you see flaws in your design? Be critical of what you feel is good about your game and what is bad. For example if you had the opportunity to have a larger budget would you use a higher powered engine to increase graphical capabilities? Include discussions in where you feel improvements could be made Is there anything in the brief which you think is open to negotiation? Further project development? I DON’T want to see the excuse “If I had more time” in your document, you NEED to be professional – I want a professional inclusion, stating time does not cut it!

8. Assignment Technical Language You are writing a tendered response (you should ALL know what one of these is by now!) to the solution so ensure you use the correct amount of technical language Remember to address all outcomes from Aims and Objectives to game concept ideas

9. Assignment General Guidance You want to be as professional as you can be. You want to be direct with your proposal as you want the company to take you on! Be concise – don’t waffle if what you need to be said can be said in 500 words instead of 2000! It’s a business venture – they will want to see references! Cost of staff might be of interest Engine background and cost might be of interest If you think this is just another assignment you are wrong. Did you think it would be easy to get into the industry? This is something you could be doing on a daily basis

10. Assignment Further Questions? If you need further guidance regarding this assignment piece. Please contact me through the usual means I will be giving an overview of the assignment in the final session before submission deadline to dispel any fears or issues I do look forward to seeing some interesting and select applications from you!