Time Plan Shift

I decided to create a 6 week plan for the first section of my dissertation and now the time has come to make another 6 week plan. I gave myself a few weeks between to finish any tasks I was struggling with and to make the presentation for the 1st feb.

I had time during the past few open task weeks to implement some simple changes to the game, such as a crosshair and a cursor lock so that players can use the mouse to click, pick up and move objects. I will add these tasks to the last 6 week plan for less confusion.

The task I found most troubling is mainly the lock and key system. This has been a problem for a while as I am not particularly efficient with code so I asked a fellow student for a little help here. Together we got the doors working to a pretty decent standard. The player doesn't retain information between scenes unfortunately This will become an issue when I link more rooms together.
Another issue I found which Il be looking to rectify is the fact that my playtesters were able to just run into rooms find the key and then move on, there was no true reason to not just charge. Especially when the keys were just laying around. I will be looking to implement a better system to hide keys, such as putting them in draws or even behind a set of objects (in a toy box for example) to utilise the ability to pick up objects.

These were the only issues during this time so all other tasks were completed in time.

For the next 6 weeks I will be working on making these first two rooms that I have created working to a decent standard in terms of slowing the player down with the use of atmospheric techniques.
I will consider the use of some sound effects, footsteps and breathing, rain, lightning Etc
I will write a list up for the sound effects in the task plan.


Task plan

4th - 8th Feb
Models
Simple toys x3
Toy Crate
Sound effects - Rain

11th - 15th Feb
Models
(With drawers) Desk, Cabinet, Table, Shelf unit
Code/Animate drawers to open

18th - 22nd Feb
Tv animation
Sound effects
Tv Static

25th Feb - 1st Mar
Textures for models - Bedroom and lounge
Sound effects
Footsteps, breathing

 4th - 8th Mar
Update any missing textures
Hide the key in both rooms - Under toys - In drawers

11th - 15th Mar
Sound effects
Radio, torch on off
Polishing any extra tasks

Working

I have spent the last week getting a working lock and key system and considering how the player is going to be finding the next key.
I have finally got the start of a working code to go from one scene to the next when the player has a key in hand. I need to refine the code a little so that the player remembers when he has a key as he chnges scenes but for now its working.
I also considered how keys can be found. Much like in the tv show the crystal maze Im considering multiple ways to hide the key and give the player something to think about as they walk through each room.


Ross, Out.

Lock and door

I have recently been playing with code for a lock and door system. Needless to say all my efforts have not been successful as of yet. I will be extending this task as ongoing until I can figure it out. Doing this task in one week was optimistic for me anyway.

Otherwise all other tasks are up to date and ready for the next six week plan which I will be writing up shortly.