{"id":1519,"date":"2022-01-09T02:58:15","date_gmt":"2022-01-09T10:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/?page_id=1519"},"modified":"2022-05-30T16:00:17","modified_gmt":"2022-05-30T23:00:17","slug":"the-megastructure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/projects\/the-megastructure\/","title":{"rendered":"The Megastructure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video alignwide\"><video autoplay loop src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Reel.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">This level was created initially as a study of spatial composition and image composition that I decided to push beyond initial constraints with new ideas and iterations based on feedback I received from classmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Taking inspiration from a manga series I enjoy (Blame!), I tried to create a vast, maze-like, dark, decrepit structure that encouraged exploration with rewards and unlockable areas, but also had an intense atmosphere that kept Players on their toes while avoiding dangerous entities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Project Details<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211;  Created during my time in the Level Design for Games CGMA course<br>&#8211; Built in ~80 total hours over the course of 3 weeks<br>&#8211; Built with Unreal Engine 4<br>&#8211; Study of Image and Spatial Composition<br>&#8211; Study of Visual Language, Affordances and Landmarks<br>&#8211; Study of Identity and Purpose of Space(s)<br>&#8211; 3rd Person Open World Adventure gameplay<br>&#8211; Linear Level Blockout Exercise<br>&#8211; Blueprint Visual Scripting Exercise<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Level Brief:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">In The Megastructure, the player must traverse a gigantic, mechanical structure seemingly absent of human life in order to reach &#8220;The City&#8221;. While exploring the structure, players can find valuable loot and keys to utilize or sell as they overcome platforming challenges, bypass locked door to access optional areas, and avoid the dangerous cyborgs that haunt the many halls and chasms of The Megastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"gameplay-overview\"><strong>GAMEPLAY<\/strong> <strong>OVERVIEW<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Traversal.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Active Environment Traversal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">To help keep Players engaged while navigating between areas, various obstacles can be encountered while exploring the Megastructure. This ensures Players are <strong>actively interacting with the environment<\/strong> (and their controller) by requiring they mantle over, crouch under or move around obstacles in order to progress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-9 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Platforming.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Timed Platforming Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Short platforming segments need to be overcome in order to reach the City at the end of the level. These were included in order to add another movement-focused obstacle to <strong>challenge the Player<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I chose to have the platforms drop after a few seconds to add another layer of complexity to the challenge. The addition of a color-changing light above the platform is used to inform the Player when the platform will drop, providing a <strong>stronger visual cue to jump<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-12 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_LockAndKey.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Rewarding Exploration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Some locations include <strong>side areas<\/strong> that the Player can explore if they choose. Doing so can often <strong>reward<\/strong> them with helpful <strong>loot, atmospheric views, and sometimes a Keycard<\/strong>. If the Player finds the Locked Door the Keycard is for, they can gain access to additional areas or rooms containing helpful resources.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-15 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Stealth.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Tense Stealth Encounters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">In order to reach a Keycard, Players will need to utilize their moveset to <strong>sneak past the Megastructure&#8217;s security measures<\/strong> &#8211; a patrolling cyborg. This enemy patrols the Cryostasis Lab on a set path along a track (visualized with the yellow\/black checkerboard) and can capture the Player if caught in their vision cone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Objects are placed along the cyborg&#8217;s path to give the Player <strong>safer spaces to move between<\/strong> as they sneak past the cyborg and move through the Lab.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-18 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Chase2.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Surprise Chase Sequence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">After the Player is done in the Lab section of the level, a chase sequence was added as a <strong>high-octane ending moment<\/strong> with the cyborg enemies. This was done to signal to the Player that they wouldn&#8217;t have to worry about encountering this enemy anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I chose to set the chase sequence in the same hallway the Player enters the Lab area from in order to <strong>surprise <\/strong>(and <strong>eliminate some back-tracking monotony<\/strong>) the Player as they&#8217;re returning to the main path.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-21 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Interactivity.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Interactive Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Interactive elements such as vents, loot, ladders, buttons, squeeze-through spaces, and collectibles are present to make the level feel more alive and help the Player feel like their <strong>actions have impact<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"level-walkthrough-video\"><strong>Level Walkthrough Video<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"CGMA_Week6_Blame-inspired Level\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EWX7u6ucWNw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"pre-production\"><strong>PRE-PRODUCTION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-24 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Map.png?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"750\" height=\"496\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Map.png?resize=750%2C496\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Map.png?resize=1024%2C677&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Map.png?resize=300%2C198&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Map.png?resize=768%2C508&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Map.png?w=1245&amp;ssl=1 1245w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Map Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I wanted to create a space that the Player would constantly <strong>revisit <\/strong>as they explored and progressed through the level. This would help me <strong>show the Player their progress<\/strong> through the level regardless of their point of entry, as well as save some time and resources by being able to <strong>reuse the same space in different ways<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-27 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Beat Graph<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Thematically, I pictured this as a Sci-Fi\/Horror experience where the Player would have to traverse a dangerous area of the Megastructure in order to reach the safety of the City in the distance. I created a Beat Chart to help me <strong>visually plan<\/strong> when and where the <strong>tense moments<\/strong> I wanted the Player to experience occurred.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BeatChart.jpg?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"750\" height=\"372\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BeatChart-1024x508.jpg?resize=750%2C372&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1703\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BeatChart.jpg?resize=1024%2C508&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BeatChart.jpg?resize=300%2C149&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BeatChart.jpg?resize=768%2C381&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BeatChart.jpg?resize=1536%2C763&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BeatChart.jpg?resize=2048%2C1017&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-30 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Restrictions and Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">My goal was to create an interesting space to traverse that could <strong>push and pull the Player<\/strong> from start to end without them getting lost or turned around. Additionally, I wanted to incorporate large vistas so the Player could <strong>easily mentally map the space<\/strong> and view their progress towards the goal as they advanced.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Goals.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-33 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Defining the Setting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I was initially prompted with the word &#8220;canyon&#8221;, but wanted to diverge from the usual rocky\/mountainous setting and felt a man-made canyon would be more interesting to explore. Taking inspiration from a manga series I enjoy (Blame!), I imagined a <strong>vast, maze-like, dark, decrepit structure<\/strong> as I built out each space, ensuring each area had an <strong>obvious purpose and could easily be identified.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Setting.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-36 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAWk6_References.jpg?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"750\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAWk6_References-1024x621.jpg?resize=750%2C455&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAWk6_References.jpg?resize=1024%2C621&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAWk6_References.jpg?resize=300%2C182&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAWk6_References.jpg?resize=768%2C466&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAWk6_References.jpg?resize=1536%2C932&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAWk6_References.jpg?w=1875&amp;ssl=1 1875w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Reference Gathering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I started by collecting images from this striking manga series called &#8220;Blame!&#8221; and continued to bring in some more Sci-Fi structures that included vast spaces, taking note of <strong>how the spaces were arranged to lead the eye to a focal point<\/strong>. These references helped me compose my establishing shot to <strong>hint at future paths and spaces <\/strong>the Player could explore.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-39 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Metrics.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Defining Metrics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Crouch height was a metric I wanted to define so that I could include <strong>interesting obstacles<\/strong> like fallen over pipes or crouch-through structures, as well as floor vents the Player could hide in during stealth sequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Jump distance was used to ensure platforming sequences were spaced correctly so the jump felt <strong>fair and fun<\/strong>. Additionally, I used the same width for the hallways and pathways so that I knew the Player had enough space to move in and the camera wouldn&#8217;t be bouncing off of walls and other objects throughout gameplay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"level-blockout\"><strong>LEVEL BLOCKOUT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-42 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_FocalPoint.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Establishing Shot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Using the principles of image composition (ex. rule of thirds), I tried to create an <strong>enticing spatial composition<\/strong> with shapes that was used as an establishing shot for the level. The City Structure in the distance was my intended <strong>focal point<\/strong>, hinting to the Player that it was their destination\/end of the level. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-45 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Chasm.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Canyon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">The &#8220;Canyon&#8221; was the core area of the level that the Player would constantly <strong>revisit from different entry points\/viewing angles<\/strong>. To ensure the Player knew where to go at a glance, I used objects to <strong>frame navigable pathways and doors<\/strong> so they were easily visible when viewing the area from any of the possible entry points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-48 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Filtration.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Power Routing Tunnel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">This area serves as the first <strong>explorable space<\/strong>. To help <strong>direct the Player<\/strong> towards the exit and ensure they didn&#8217;t get turned around while exploring, I placed a large collection of &#8220;wires&#8221; that started from one end of the room and ended at the exit. With the additional use of lighting and framing, Players are able to follow these shapes with their eye and <strong>naturally be led to the exit<\/strong> door from almost any space within the area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-51 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Cryo.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Cryostasis Lab<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">This area supports a different gameplay style than what the Player has experienced so far &#8211; stealth! To <strong>hint the change of pace to the Player<\/strong>, I made the hallways leading to this area feel claustrophobic to slow the Player down as they approached. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I built the actual Lab space around the path I wanted the security cyborg move along, with little alcoves and objects throughout for the Player to hide behind\/in. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-54 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Bio.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Bio Lab<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">This section of the Lab supported another cyborg (surprise!) the Player had to <strong>sneak past<\/strong>, as well as lead back to the room that contains the Keycard needed to progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Additionally, a short cutscene where the Player witnesses the cyborg attack another humanoid discovered in the lab plays after successfully sneaking past the cyborg to <strong>hint at the chase sequence<\/strong> the Player encounters as they leave the Labs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"gallery\"><strong>Gallery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\r\n\t#foogallery-gallery-1685 .fg-image {\r\n        width: 150px;\r\n    }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"foogallery foogallery-container foogallery-default foogallery-lightbox-foobox fg-gutter-10 fg-center fg-default fg-dark fg-border-thin fg-shadow-large fg-shadow-inset-large fg-loading-bars fg-loaded-fade-in fg-hover-grayscale fg-hover-scale fg-hover-fade fg-hover-zoom fg-ready\" id=\"foogallery-gallery-1685\" data-foogallery=\"{&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;showCaptionTitle&quot;:true,&quot;showCaptionDescription&quot;:true},&quot;lazy&quot;:true}\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Establishing2.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1442\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Establishing2\/3158307883.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/w4_05.20.2021_15.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1690\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/w4_05_20_2021_15\/558070371.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Exploration.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1443\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Exploration\/2311854524.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/w4_05.20.2021_17.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1692\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/w4_05_20_2021_17\/4259567261.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Platforming.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1444\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Platforming\/65606012.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/w4_05.20.2021_19.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1691\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/w4_05_20_2021_19\/3558226381.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Platforming2.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1445\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2021\/11\/CGMA_Composition_Platforming2\/966138103.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAwk6_01.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1641\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/CGMAwk6_01\/1567829602.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/w5_05.28.21_18.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1696\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/w5_05_28_21_18\/19293769.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/w5_05.28.21_02.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1693\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/w5_05_28_21_02\/319413457.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/w5_05.28.21_03.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1694\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/w5_05_28_21_03\/2072998167.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/w5_05.28.21_04.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1695\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/w5_05_28_21_04\/2226058379.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/05.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1698\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/05\/1056344553.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/04.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1697\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2022\/01\/04\/2770243732.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"design-techniques\"><strong>DESIGN TECHNIQUES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-57 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Image and Spatial Composition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I was able to utilize spatial composition techniques to <strong>compose interesting entry views that guided the Player towards the level&#8217;s goal<\/strong>. Focus elements placed at various distances throughout the space were used to pull in the Player while tight spaces that require crouching were used to push the Player forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_SpatialComp.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-60 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Visual Language and Affordances<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I established a <strong>color-coded visual language<\/strong> to quickly communicate the purpose of an object to the Player so they could know what objects were interactive and in what way at a glance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Including objects such as wires connecting locked doors and the switch that unlocks them helped <strong>show the Player<\/strong> what they needed to do instead of telling them. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Affordance2.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-63 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Purpose of Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I wanted each area the Player encountered to have a sense of purpose and identity so they could mentally map the space easily. The use of <strong>important items, landmarks, and unique layouts<\/strong> helped create <strong>memorable spaces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_PurposeofSpace.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-66 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Guiding the Player<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I was able to <strong>guide the Player to the objective of each space<\/strong> with the use of focal points\/landmarks, enticing loot and shapes, spatial directive, and visual language (ex. doors that are obviously locked). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">With continued use of these techniques, I could lead the Player through the level without the use of UI elements such as waypoint markers. I found this made the level more<strong> immersive<\/strong> as there were fewer distractions preventing the Player from taking in the space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Guiding.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-69 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Player Agency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">I was able to implement a sense of Player Agency with the introduction of <strong>collectibles and side areas<\/strong>. This allowed Players that like exploring to find various items and\/or areas as a reward for being observant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-body-color-color has-text-color\">Additionally, the <strong>stealth sequences can be overcome in multiple ways<\/strong>. I found this let Players feel more empowered when faced with a challenge because they were able to choose their own plan of attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay loop muted src=\"http:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/CGMAMegaStruct_Agency.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center alignwide has-white-color has-header-overlay-color-background-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"post-mortem\"><strong>POST MORTEM<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\"><strong>What went well?:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I think I was able to create a relatively polished level blockout over the course of 3 weeks\/80 hours that encourages some fun exploration-based gameplay within an atmospheric environment. I&#8217;m quite proud of this one :] <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I got to push myself to incorporate elements of interactivity throughout the level such as hiding spaces (vents), collectibles (loot, keys), ladders, squeeze-through spaces, buttons that caused various things to occur in the environment, and even a pretty intense (even if it is pretty short) chase sequence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I received tons of valuable feedback over 3 different iterations of this level! It was great to hear what others thought of my level and how I could improve. I learned a lot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\"><strong>What went poorly?:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; Some places were a little lackluster or clunky. I think I was more focused on creating an expansive, cool-looking environment to explore that I lost valuable time I could&#8217;ve used to strengthen existing areas with more gameplay elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; The level turned out to be more linear than I was hoping for. I pictured the Canyon area being more of a hub that would let Players choose their path forward more freely, but I instead created a more linear level that had Players following along a mostly pre-set path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; There area quite a few areas where I forgot to take the Player camera into account. This caused the vents Players could hide in to be quite cumbersome and almost less helpful because the camera would be positioned right next to the Player or clipping through geometry when inside a vent, making it quite difficult to see the enemies and determine a good time to exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\"><strong>What did I learn?: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; If I could start over and do something different, I&#8217;d probably reduce the scale of the level and focus on gameplay challenges before worrying about how easy to read a space is. There&#8217;s some long hallways that are at the verge of feeling too long and boring, and I ran out of space to make any significant platforming segments due to filling my spaces with props to lead the Player before thinking about gameplay. This improved over each iteration, but still something I wish I had taken into consideration more at the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I learned a lot about how to use spatial composition, organization and node networks to naturally guide the Player through a space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"alignwide has-body-color-color has-text-color\">&#8211; I learned the value of having a clear and established visual language, especially in blockouts! I think I was able to get my ideas across much easier thanks to everyone playing my level being able to understand what an object of a specific color was for. For example, any object that could be traversed\/mantled was colored Yellow, any interactive object that required a button press was colored Purple, walkable surfaces were Orange, doorways were Purple&#8230; You get the idea :] I think this helped me get better, more valuable feedback from my peers as the folks playing my level were less confused and were able to give feedback related to the experiences I tried to convey instead of wondering how something was supposed to function.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary This level was created initially as a study of spatial composition and image composition that I decided to push beyond initial constraints with new ideas and iterations based on feedback I received from classmates. Taking inspiration from a manga series I enjoy (Blame!), I tried to create a vast, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1442,"parent":21,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1519"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1519"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1519\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1769,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1519\/revisions\/1769"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ericchocholacek.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}