Connected Games DEVLOG 5 (Mar 24 - Apr 6)

Fixing the Layout

The original layout given to the programmers had several problems with it. It was made on the wrong version of Unity and with assets not already in the game, so it wouldn't load properly at all. Due to this, I had to create a new layout in the correct version of Unity with the correct assets. I worked with the programmers to make something that worked, and I got on the GitHub so I could create this layout in the game engine. I also made sure to play around in the layout a few times to make sure that it felt good to move around in. I made the layout slightly oversized to help aid the player in feeling like a small house cat. It also gives all 4 players room to breathe along with making sure the NPCs can have good pathing.

This is an illustration of the layout I came up with:

Here is the layout in engine:

There is an issue where parts of the floor will send the cats flying, but I think I know what's causing the issue and I'll be fixing it when I revisit the layout.

Testing

While creating the presentation, I was working with the programmers. We tested out the game together, all being able to connect and play on the same server. From there, we were able to break objects, test the NPC, jump, run, and eat food. This all updated on everyone's views at the same time, so that part of testing was a success. Everyone was also able to go all around the level without much issue aside from the aforementioned floor that made people start flying if they ran into it. The hunger bar was also added and it functions.

We'll have to keep testing when more is added to the game.

Presentation

I put together the visuals and the script for the design portion of the presentation. I also created illustrations that were seen in my previous devlog that were used all throughout it. I helped film the video that was shown in the presentation as well. I also delivered the design portion of the presentation in class. It went very well and I was much more satisfied with this presentation than the previous one. I feel as if we made a lot of progress and worked together to create something special.

Next Steps

I'll have to keep refining the layout. I'll have to make it taller and enclose it, add in platforms and furniture, and work with the programmers to make it functional. I'll also be aiding with testing the game. I'll also be placing spawn locations for food and breakable objects. Aside from helping refine the game, I'll be refining the GDD as well. It's at a good point content wise, it just needs to be made to match our game stylistically. More visuals in it couldn't hurt as well.