Exilian

Game Design and Project Resources: The Workshops Quarter => Computer Game Development - The Indie Alley => Topic started by: Koobazaur on December 09, 2016, 11:37:48 PM

Title: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 09, 2016, 11:37:48 PM

(http://unboundcreations.com/images/experiments/Headliner-Logo-Rioter-Sub-700.jpg)
HEADLINER
Control public opinion. Start a riot.


Genetic engineering and civil unrest loom over Galixia
The State maintains peace via strict media control
You are the Chief Curator of a leading Newscast Channel
You are the HEADLINER


Your influence will change the streets of the city and your own family.


(http://i.imgur.com/bjMWUKW.gif)


(http://i.imgur.com/S8wtfb4.gif)


(http://i.imgur.com/13mRQn2.jpg)


{Website (http://gamejolt.com/games/headliner/181988)}

[almost-alpha]

Figured I'd open the door to Exilians who are interested! I trust you guys :)  There's a short survey at the end I'd appreciate if you filled out too.


THANKS!

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on December 10, 2016, 05:55:28 PM

Had a playthrough and gave feedback :)

I predictably went for the "calm everyone down" options, making me a terrible tabloid editor but generally the city and my family seemed to do fine out of it so I'm happy!

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 12, 2016, 03:50:53 AM

Nice, glad you enjoyed it :D

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on December 12, 2016, 03:00:13 PM

I think the only thing that frustrates me with story-games like this is that I always want some way to avoid the implicit trade-offs; in real life I'm the sort of stubborn idiot who refuses to accept, eg, that there's a trade-off between doing a job well and doing it morally, and just assume that I need to work out a better strategy if I can't make win-win situations happen. So in games where the trade-off is baked in, I usually go for quite a predictable strategy but it'll frustrate me a bit.

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 13, 2016, 03:20:03 AM

Yea I like to embrace the Walkin Dead developers mentality: "no good deed goes unpunished" ;p Witcher 3 was also good about having no good or bad choices, as everything is a shade of gray and you can never please everyone. Feels more realistic. And that's how life is - one of the points I was making in Headliner.

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on December 13, 2016, 11:59:21 PM

I'm just a stubborn idealist, if life doesn't work right my instinct is to try my damnedest to change the rules :P But yes, it works well for this sort of story-game.

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 15, 2016, 03:32:47 AM

Well, you can always ask for a refund ;D

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 27, 2016, 03:16:45 AM

If anyone is curious abut the dev process, here's a useful tip I learned on this project :)

Quote

Rapid Prototyping Tip: Defining data as code files


(http://koobazaur.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Rapid-Prototyping-Tip-Defining-data-as-code-files.jpg)


When you’re trying to churn out a game fast, it might make more sense to define your items, texts or conversation in code files. Here’s how to do it, an example from my current project.


Continue reading → (http://koobazaur.com/gamedev/game-design/rapid-prototyping-tip-defining-data-code-files/)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 27, 2016, 09:29:06 PM

Trailer coming soon :D


(http://i.imgur.com/auLeU2W.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on December 27, 2016, 11:08:20 PM

Ah nice :) And yes, I shall no doubt demand a 100% refund. Or even 200% or 5000% if I feel like it. ;)

Is the TV thing going to appear in future versions or is that just for the trailer?

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 28, 2016, 08:44:03 PM

Just the trailer.

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on December 28, 2016, 09:40:58 PM

Looking good, anyhow :)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on December 29, 2016, 02:50:34 AM

I revamped the player creation screen to fit with the game world better wooo:


(http://i.imgur.com/hvhpggj.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on December 29, 2016, 11:16:12 AM

Good, yes, that's a neat idea! :)

I disapprove of the lack of a nb option, but then again my impression is that Galixia isn't great on equalities legislation generally so that probably works with the theme :P

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on January 02, 2017, 03:28:11 AM

Gender just wasn't a theme for this project, so I didn't want to delve into it. I used the "traditional family model" to try to create a stronger bond between you and your family, since it's a pretty time-tested model and I didn't wanna mess it up.


Now interactive Credits  :D


(http://i.imgur.com/zezh9zT.gif)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on January 02, 2017, 11:20:08 AM

Aye, sure - because of the people I know and my real-space political views gender related issues are something that jumps out at me where it wouldn't for other people I think - it doesn't impact the game in general :)

That's a great credits screen, I approve!

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on January 10, 2017, 06:56:45 AM

Still going back and forth on whether I want to do an art pass before launching Alpha publicly... I'd prefer to get feedback and see if the concept has any potential, but some reactions lead me to believe the current placeholder art might be too much off a turn off for many people to even give it a proper chance :/ Don't wanna miss an opportunity for an interesting game due to temporary art.


So in the meantime, did a few art test/mockups for the street scene. Thoughts?


(http://i.imgur.com/wXlxFnR.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Clockwork on January 10, 2017, 03:36:22 PM

Finished playing it, gotta say the SOs use of language changes a huge amount. It's a little disconcerting. Other than that, great game dude :)


EDIT: and left a lengthy survey response, hope it helps :)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on January 10, 2017, 04:13:04 PM

The "realistic" and "blade runner" graphics options both look quite atmospheric :)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on January 20, 2017, 05:55:29 AM

By the way, I am looking for an artist to overhaul the artstyle if anyone is interested :)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on January 20, 2017, 12:50:49 PM

Alas, my ability at art is... limited, it's fair to say :P

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on January 21, 2017, 04:50:30 AM

Likewise... as you can see ;p

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 14, 2017, 05:54:34 AM

Long time no updated, haven't had luck finding an artist so decided to give it my own effort, drawing from some other references.


New dinner scene - thoughts?


(http://i.imgur.com/OC7LyaO.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/mjQFOau.jpg)


And here's a take with some DOF


(http://i.imgur.com/oDllcyg.jpg)


Feedback much appreciated :)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on March 14, 2017, 09:21:52 AM

It's good art :) Though arguably it feels a bit "dinner at a restaurant" and perhaps should be more "home-ish" in feel? Like wearing what appears to be a pearl necklace for an everyday dinner at home may be excessive! I think the more blurred/faded background is probably the better one.

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 15, 2017, 05:52:11 AM

Thanks! Yea I am not entirely happy with the woman, looks too much like Wilma from Flinstones haha ;)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 15, 2017, 07:46:36 AM

Tweaked the lady clothes, making her bit less like Wilma :P

(http://i.imgur.com/yelFXLO.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 15, 2017, 09:13:34 PM

And here's a take of my scene with a guy!


(http://i.imgur.com/bCl4xPh.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on March 15, 2017, 09:48:43 PM

I like the style :) I think the lady still needs some clothing tweaks, just the borders between different sections of clothing look a bit off somehow compared to how the fabric would actually hang, but it's an improvement in clothing style definitely. The guy looks good, though I'd maybe age him a little, he looks a bit boyish/teenage - perhaps a slight stubble and a bit of added breadth in the shoulders?

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 16, 2017, 12:35:22 AM

Thanks, those are all good points. I need a break tho, just added the daughter :p


(http://i.imgur.com/zQkIuni.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Clockwork on March 17, 2017, 10:31:58 AM

Not sure the clothes suit the daughter, they look too straight laced for the character. Could also add some nail polish. And umm... How come they have the mona lisa? Is this dude a modern Peruggia? :D

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on March 18, 2017, 12:59:21 AM

It's one of the spares from City of Death presumably :p (Doctor Who reference, sorry)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 19, 2017, 09:43:33 PM

Bah, I don't really follow Dr. Who sorry!


As for today's update, blocking out a new office scene for HEADLINER to vector artify...


(http://i.imgur.com/vWCaCWX.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on March 19, 2017, 09:49:27 PM

City of Death is a very old classic episode in which (spoilers):

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

a time travelling alien forces Da Vinci to paint several copies of the Mona Lisa in order to make vast quantities of money in the present day (the Doctor somewhat ruins this by going back to the 16th century and scribbling "this is a fake" on the back of all but the original in felt tip pen)

:)

Looking good on the office!

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 21, 2017, 06:52:24 AM

Working on the new Office... don't mind the desk, I know the perspective is botched :p


(http://i.imgur.com/N123NGx.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on March 21, 2017, 09:24:33 AM

Currently looks like it's mid-tableflip :P (Flipping the table and quitting your job should definitely be an optional alternative ending!)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 23, 2017, 02:44:21 AM

Haha, ragequit ;p


New office coming along :)


(http://i.imgur.com/Q7BELUs.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 24, 2017, 09:54:47 PM

New dinner scene is coded in (:


(http://i.imgur.com/rWiK01x.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 26, 2017, 06:04:49 AM

Watch them plebes outside, so feeble, opinions so malleable...


(http://i.imgur.com/1nr50YZ.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on March 28, 2017, 08:08:51 AM

aaand new office DONE :D


(http://i.imgur.com/7VIBw2t.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/CqaL1zV.gif)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on March 28, 2017, 05:26:31 PM

Good work :)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on May 12, 2017, 02:24:17 AM

Here's a bit of update on my progress and plans:

Quote

HEADLINER Exhibit at iFest and Release Plans


(http://koobazaur.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/iFest-2017-Headliner-with-Alex-header.jpg)


My next experimental adventure game about controlling the news, swaying public opinion and impacting your family, had its first public showing.


Continue Reading -> (http://"http://koobazaur.com/gamedev/devblog/headliner-exhibit-ifest-plans/")

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on May 13, 2017, 11:46:48 PM

Great stuff - looking forward to seeing more Headliner-ness :D

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on October 04, 2017, 10:12:40 PM

AND IT'S RELEASED!!!


If you do check it out, please please leave a review :) Thaaaanks!!!

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on October 04, 2017, 10:32:55 PM

Yay! Frontpage news item sorted :)

https://exilian.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5360

(May only have a day or so at the top as a lot of stuff's happening atm, but every little helps I guess :) )

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Koobazaur on October 11, 2017, 07:51:50 AM

Porting to Mac, progress happening :D Big thanks to Fluffy (https://fluffy.itch.io/) for lending me his Mac Mini to work on!


(https://i.imgur.com/F77myVo.jpg)

Title: Re: HEADLINER: Control public opinion, start a Riot
Post by: Jubal on October 11, 2017, 11:12:25 PM

Nice work! :)