University Project with Professor Justin Johnson
Prompt - Independent Game Study with a Narrative on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Type - Solo
Software Used - Unity Engine
Language - C#
Timeline - 15 Weeks
Assumptions is an Independent Game Study I worked on during the fall of 2023. With a professor overseeing my progress, I used Assumptions to learn game design, programming, and the overall game pipeline. It was also designed to be a continuation of RSD, my first game project, and "Neurodivergent Narratives in Gaming," my presented work at ECGC.
I needed extra studio credits to graduate in a timely manner since I transferred to my Art & Design major during my sophomore year, so this study was a time for me to learn directly from an expert in game design. The project was also self-paced, which furthered my skills in scope management, time management, and general motivation.
Concept Work
Originally, my design was going to focus on things outside of the scope of my skills: a multi-hour experience set in a world where therapy helps magical maladies. Completing this project helped me not just increase my skills, but manage my scope for future projects.
The first test renders of the house I planned. I knew I wanted the game to be played in a house with items to be picked up, but I was unsure of how exactly the rooms and spaces would look. I originally took inspiration from 2D top down games where each room in the house would be isolated and loaded in, with doors leading to unknown spaces. I found, though, that I preferred the strangely long, uncanny hallway space that ended up in the final product.
My first designs of the house space.
My first designs for the character.
The first drawing I made that helped me settle on an art style and narrative direction.
Final Product
