Junior Game Designer

Task Objective: The goal of this task is to have you develop a comprehensive and original game concept. You will brainstorm and document the concept, outlining key features, target audience, narrative elements, and unique selling points that differentiate your game from others in the market.

Expected Deliverables: A detailed game concept document in PDF format (approximately 10-15 pages) that includes: a game overview, storyline, character descriptions, core gameplay mechanics, and a market analysis section. Diagrams or sketches (in-line or appended) that support your concept are also expected.

Key Steps:

• Brainstorm various game ideas and select one that resonates with you.
• Create an outline covering game narrative, objectives, and mechanics.
• Conduct secondary research on similar games and incorporate a competitive analysis.
• Design initial sketches or flowcharts to illustrate gameplay progression.
• Compile your ideas into a structured document with clear headings and sections.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Originality and creativity of the game concept.
• Depth and clarity of the documented concept.
• Logical structure and organization of the document.
• Quality of supporting sketches and diagrams.
• Attention to detail and overall presentation.

This task is designed to take 30-35 hours and requires you to engage in deep creative thinking, research, and practical documentation. Your file submission must be self-contained and not rely on any external platforms. Use publicly available research as needed, and ensure that your final document is polished and professional.

Task Objective: The aim of this task is to design and document engaging gameplay mechanics for your game concept. You will create prototypes (using available game design tools or paper prototypes) to visualize and test the proposed mechanics, with the final deliverable being a detailed mechanics design document along with your prototype submissions.

Expected Deliverables: A comprehensive document (in PDF format, approximately 10-12 pages) explaining each gameplay mechanic, a storyboard or flowchart for the player experience, and a prototype file submission (this could be a simple interactive prototype, video demonstration, or annotated images demonstrating how gameplay elements function).

Key Steps:

• Identify key gameplay mechanics that are central to your game’s success.
• Outline and diagram the flow of player interactions and game progression.
• Create a simple prototype using free tools such as Twine, Unity (free version), or hand-drawn sketches scanned into digital format.
• Test your prototype internally and adjust based on observations and insights.
• Integrate all documented insights into your design document, ensuring clarity and completeness.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Clarity and detail in explaining each gameplay element.
• Practical demonstration of mechanics through the prototype.
• Logical flow and usability as illustrated in the storyboard or flow diagrams.
• A comprehensive reflection on testing outcomes and iterations made.
• Overall professionalism and organization of your submission.

This task should require approximately 30-35 hours of work, combining creative design with prototyping skills. Ensure that your submission is complete and self-contained, with all files clearly labeled and appropriately referenced in your document.

Task Objective: This task focuses on the creation of a detailed level design and environment layout for a specific section of your game. You are expected to conceptualize a game level that enhances the overall gameplay experience by considering both gameplay flow and aesthetic design. The deliverables will showcase your ability to merge functionality with creative storytelling in level design.

Expected Deliverables: A level design document (in PDF format, about 10 pages) that includes floor plans, schematic layouts of the level, key landmarks, and gameplay hotspots, accompanied by environmental sketches or digital renders. Ensure that your design clearly demonstrates the player’s journey, obstacles, and interactive elements within the level.

Key Steps:

• Review your game concept and determine where a key level can be integrated.
• Sketch a rough draft of the layout on paper or using digital drawing tools.
• Assign interactive elements like puzzles, enemy placements, and reward zones, ensuring a balanced gameplay experience.
• Prepare digital representations of your level using free tools or scanned sketches.
• Document the design process, including your rationale and iterations, in a well-organized PDF file.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Detail and clarity of the level design document.
• Creativity and integration of game mechanics within the level layout.
• Visual quality and coherence of sketches or digital renders.
• Logical progression and challenges within the level that enhance gameplay.
• Professional presentation of the final deliverable.

This task is expected to take you between 30-35 hours, requiring a mix of creative design work and practical documentation. The submission should be complete and self-contained, utilizing only publicly available resources or your own original work.

Task Objective: This task is centered on critically evaluating and refining your previously developed game elements. In this final week, you will conduct a thorough review of your prototypes, gameplay mechanics, and level design, applying iterative improvements based on your own testing and analysis. The final deliverable should present a refined version of your earlier work with detailed explanations of the changes and improvements made.

Expected Deliverables: A final evaluation and iteration report in PDF format (around 10 pages) that includes a summary of feedback (even if simulated), documented changes or enhancements made to your prototypes, and a justification for each change. Additionally, you should include updated versions of your prototypes (screenshots, video demos, or interactive files) that reflect the improvements.

Key Steps:

• Review all previously submitted work including game concept, mechanics, and level design.
• Conduct self-testing sessions and document areas that can be improved.
• Create a detailed list of iterations and enhancements based on your analyses and testing insights.
• Revise your design documents and prototype files to reflect these changes.
• Compile your evaluation, revisions, and final prototypes into a comprehensive, coherent report.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Thoroughness in identifying and addressing areas for improvement.
• Clarity and logical organization of the iteration report.
• Quality and effectiveness of the changes made to prototypes and designs.
• Consistency and coherence between initial designs and subsequent iterations.
• Overall professionalism, originality, and self-contained nature of the submission.

This week’s task is intended to take approximately 30-35 hours and is vital for demonstrating your ability to critically evaluate your work, iterate effectively, and refine game design elements. Your final submission should be entirely self-contained and clearly articulate your design journey and improvements.