First person WL game?

First person WL game?

Trar 19 Nov 2013 05:31

I'm thinking a game for the Library like Containment Breach would be a good idea, but it would naturally be quite different. If we ever make one, I think it should have a focus on exploration and wonder, this being the Library, but I would also suggest puzzles and an element of horror in order to keep things interesting. Or more interesting, at any rate. I'd like to see some other ideas for a first person game here, including how to actually make one.

I'm thinking we could use either the Unity engine CB used or the Source engine, as seen in countless custom levels for the Half-Life and Portal games (not to mention Garry's Mod). The latter, AFAIK, would have the advantage of being playable in the aforementioned games and being able to use their assets, not to mention a proven physics system. Unity might have comparable physics but I'm not sure.

The end goal of the game could be reaching the Library. And here's an oddball idea I had: the player coming across a farmhouse, hearing an emergency broadcast and having to seek shelter because a tornado is bearing down on the house.

Re: First person WL game?

thedeadlymoose 19 Nov 2013 05:41

Do we… actually have anyone who actually could make one…? :o

Re: First person WL game?

Bunton 19 Nov 2013 15:19

No, but it's good to brainstorm for when and if we do have someone capable of making one and interested in doing so.

Also:

an element of horror

I'm not sure about this. Horror is not really a main focus of the Library, or if it is, no more than romance, comedy, paperwork, religion… we deal with a lot of things, and focusing on horror specifically (which is the Foundation's schtick, really) seems odd.

Also, focusing on things other than horror would help differentiate any Library game from CB, which is something that needs to be considered.

Re: First person WL game?

Pixeltasim 19 Nov 2013 14:16

As a long time game developer, let me say that games are a huge endeavor. You can use all the pre-made assets you like but you need someone who has experience with level-design (I'm not even that good, it takes years to make playable levels), at least one programmer (preferably more for a first person 3D game, but one can do it if they are completely dedicated, which is very hard to find btw), and multiple artists, animators, and people who generally have years of experience in 3D game development. Even with a full team of professionals, it can take years to make a first person game, Containment Breach was made by someone very experienced with Unity, and I don't think we have anyone like that. (My experience with Unity is limited, I can do stuff with it, but I'm not amazing) Basically, games are extremely technical, difficult, and time-consuming.

This said, I would love to see this game made and would happily offer my knowledge on the subject to anyone interested, but my own projects and lack of experience with 3D and FPS games would hold me back from playing a lead role in the creation. (I largely do 2D platformers, and I did an FPS once and I did not enjoy the experience.)

Re: First person WL game?

Trar 19 Nov 2013 17:49

Pixel: Yeah, I figured this would take a long time to come to fruition. I have little experience on Source and even less in Unity. (Which is to say I booted up Hammer SDK once or twice. AFAIK it's easier to get into than Unity, but that's just my view.) Maybe if we could snag some of the talent behind CB we could stand a chance of making this before the decade is through, but I'm not holding my breath. Our efforts right now would be better spent brainstorming.

Bunton: You're right on the horror aspect. We can throw that part right out. You're also spot on about the brainstorming aspect. It occurs to me we might need a couple of voice actors if we're going to have the Library in the game, or a small town, or something.