I’ve been feeling reinvigorated after LuffJam and messing around with new tools.
A few months ago, I drew up and semi-coloured an initial first level design for the first level, a small house.
However, I’m no artist, and definitely lack spacial conception, so I took my first piece and made a mock up in the Sims 4. Being able to visualise the space with more realistic proportions really helped me understand the flow, and I made a few adjustments at this step to better reflect how I want the level to look.
I also spent a lot of time trying to find a decent 3D modeler program for my tablet that doesn’t cost a fortune (or at least have a free trial before I’m suckered into paying for a subscription. In despair, I started going back and forth on whether to try and do 3D objects or do 2D sprites and try for a 3D look.
My original vision was a 2.5D platformer, inspired by Little Nightmares and similar styles of games. With this in mind, I decided to stick with my initial plan and challenge myself by making 3D objects.
I ended up giving up on trying to find a modelling program on Android and downloaded Blender on my PC. I had originally hoped to be able to make assets on my train commute into the city on my office days, or while sitting on the couch watching Grey’s Anatomy or season 2 of the One Piece Live Action.
After some playing around with Blender and a few explanatory videos on the basics, I made my first asset for Project Ascendency: this broken table to be used as an obstacle.
I know I could purchase and use premade assets, and that no one would care, but there’s something I can be proud of knowing that I’ve made everything from scratch (or Blender’s default cube). And at least by making my own objects and materials, I know that everything is human made and not AI generated.
I’ve made several more objects since, and the wonders of Cloud-based storage systems mean I can spend my train rides and TV time painting textures for my objects.
My goal for May is to make all the essential items for the house, then start attempting development in Unity in June. I’ll be able to check that everything works the way I want as I go, and hopefully build something solid. Smaller objects and decorative pieces will come later in the process.
If you‘re reading this, thanks! I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day or night, and as my friend ShotgunMcpayne says, treat yourself with kindness and grace.
- Zoë