Game Development Intern

Objective: Develop a detailed game concept and project plan for a new Unity-based game project. This task focuses on planning and strategizing the core concept, gameplay mechanics, and feature set. The intern will learn to conceptualize game ideas while understanding project management techniques to successfully plan development.

Expected Deliverables:

• A comprehensive game design document (GDD) in PDF or Word format.
• A project plan outlining the timeline, task breakdown, and milestones.
• Visual sketches or simple diagrams of game flow and level layouts.

Key Steps:

1. Brainstorm and finalize a unique game concept that can be implemented in Unity.
2. Create a detailed design document covering game storyline, character profiles, mechanics, art style, sound effects, and environmental design.
3. Develop a project timeline and task breakdown using tools such as a Gantt chart or a simple table. Include anticipated challenges and risk management strategies.
4. Prepare sketches or diagrams that illustrate the overall game flow and level design ideas.
5. Review and refine the document to ensure clarity and completeness.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Depth and creativity in the game concept.
• Clarity and thoroughness of the game design document.
• Realistic and well-structured project planning with clear timelines and milestones.
• Practicality and feasibility of the proposed approach.
• File submission quality and adherence to the defined deliverables.

This task is designed to take approximately 30 to 35 hours of focused work. The detailed design document will not only lay a strong foundation for the game development process but also help in building essential planning and documentation skills that are critical in the real-world game development industry.

Objective: Design and implement the core game mechanics using Unity. This task requires you to translate the game concept into a functional prototype with basic gameplay functionalities, emphasizing coding practices and feature integration.

Expected Deliverables:

• A functional Unity project folder containing the implemented game mechanics.
• Script files demonstrating code organization, logic, and user interaction.
• A short video (or series of screenshots) walkthrough explaining the implemented functionalities.

Key Steps:

1. Set up a new Unity project following best practices in project organization.
2. Implement key game mechanics such as player movement, collision detection, scoring, and basic AI behaviours.
3. Create modular scripts (in C#) to handle game logic, input handling, and UI interactions.
4. Ensure code quality with comments and proper variable naming conventions.
5. Perform unit testing by simulating various scenarios to ensure mechanic stability.
6. Record a demonstration video or prepare annotated screenshots that illustrate the working mechanics.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Functionality and stability of implemented game mechanics.
• Quality and organization of the Unity project.
• Code clarity and proper use of object-oriented principles.
• Quality of the demonstration video or screenshots.
• Overall alignment with the specified deliverables.

This challenge is estimated to require approximately 30 to 35 hours, offering practical hands-on coding experience and enhancing your understanding of Unity's development environment.

Objective: Enhance and optimize your existing Unity game project by debugging issues, improving performance, and adding secondary features. This task is dedicated to refining code efficiency and creating a more polished user experience.

Expected Deliverables:

• An updated Unity project folder that reflects improvements in performance and additional features.
• A detailed report (PDF or Word document) listing identified issues, steps taken for debugging, and performance benchmarks before and after optimizations.
• Annotated code comments highlighting changes and optimizations.

Key Steps:

1. Conduct a thorough review of your previously implemented core mechanics to identify any bugs or performance issues.
2. Utilize Unity's profiling tools to measure frame rates, memory usage, and CPU load, and identify bottlenecks.
3. Refactor the code to improve performance and resolve the identified issues.
4. Add at least one enhancement feature such as improved enemy AI, power-up mechanics, or advanced UI interactions.
5. Prepare a detailed report documenting your debugging and optimization process including before and after performance metrics.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Effectiveness of bug fixes and performance optimizations.
• Quality and clarity of the detailed report documenting the process and results.
• Innovation in the additional feature added.
• Code documentation and structure improvements.
• Overall professional presentation and file submission quality.

This task is designed to be completed in 30 to 35 hours and builds on your prior work by introducing problem-solving and optimization practices that are essential for advanced Unity development.

Objective: Prepare a thorough testing and documentation package for your Unity game project. This task requires you to simulate a beta testing phase, compile user feedback, document known issues, and suggest potential improvements. You will also design a user feedback form and incorporate automated testing scripts.

Expected Deliverables:

• A testing report (PDF or Word) that includes a list of tests conducted, known issues, and recommended enhancements.
• An accompanying Unity project folder containing integration of automated testing scripts (if applicable) and simulated user feedback collection features.
• A designed sample user feedback form (in a digital document format) that captures relevant user experience insights.

Key Steps:

1. Create a comprehensive testing plan covering gameplay, UI, performance, and compatibility tests.
2. Execute the testing plan systematically, documenting encountered bugs, performance issues, and any inconsistencies.
3. Develop or integrate automated unit tests and, if possible, integration tests using Unity Test Framework.
4. Design a detailed user feedback form that includes rating scales, open-ended questions, and multiple choice questions relevant to game usability and user experience.
5. Compile all findings into a well-organized testing report and include recommendations for future improvements.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Thoroughness and realism of the testing process and debugging efforts.
• Clarity, detail, and practicality of the testing report.
• Quality and usability of the automated testing scripts and user feedback form.
• Attention to detail in documentation and presentation.
• Adherence to the task's requirements and submission guidelines.

This final week task is intended to be completed in approximately 30 to 35 hours of work and integrates testing, documentation, and feedback analysis skills. It prepares you for real-world game release processes where comprehensive testing and documentation are crucial for success.