WHAT ARE MY DESIGN GOALS?
In this section I have outlined my goals that I Intend to achieve from this experience:
For Players
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I desire for the experience to provide players with a method of escapism and/or distraction. I want them to feel as though they can put on their Virtual Reality headset to distract them from what might be happening around them.
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I looked into coping mechanisms for those who suffer with Anxiety, and distraction techniques was recommended, explaining the benefits of music/audio and tasks which require full focus such as colouring books, films and puzzle games.
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I hope for players to be able to resort to my game in order to immerse themselves into something distant from reality therefore distracting them from what they might be worried about or struggling with. Components of anxiety combine to create the feeling of fear, dread and worry. Something that stood out to me is becoming overwhelmed in situations which require decision-making, confrontation or responsibility. I would like to create an experience that help people adapt to situations like this, by gradually applying pressure and becoming comfortable in their environment.
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I would like players to feel motivated to carry on playing, be determined to succeed and encourage them to challenge their friends.
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The game must require full focus and players must pay attention to detail in order to be successful. This immerses players into their virtual environment.
Environment
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The environment must appeal to users. For me I am most attracted to the visuals in a game and I believe the art style plays an important part in evoking emotion and really engaging players. I want the environment to compliment the gameplay so to be kept basic, but still fascinate and appeal to players.
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Must require a range of interactions to progress, but they must relate to the theme/have relevance.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:
It was essential for my game to have several interactive elements and an objective players must work towards. Because of this players have complete control in their environment and feel overwhelmed by the pressure and responsibility they have been given. This encourages players to focus in order to perform well and therefore take players minds off what might've been making them feel worried or anxious.
Outer Mind puts players in the position of pilot astronaut, where they are required to fly the ship safely, taking into consideration other elements around them at the same time. Pressure will be gradually applied allowing players to adapt to their conditions, which can help in real life situations if handled correctly. The interactions around the spacecraft must be taken seriously to ensure players get the best results possible, but this requires concentration and focus. Overall the immersive interactive environment will be playful and challenging while providing players with action and adventure they have never experienced before.
GAMEPLAY LOOP
ACTIVITY/RISK
Multitask between controls to dodge and destroy increasingly fast asteroids before they cause maximum damage to your spacecraft. Interact with your crew and objects in a microgravity environment, keep systems in check, as well as executing simple repair tasks in outer space.
REWARD
Perform repair tasks to reduce the amount of damage caused and extend your journey time. Engage with, learn and feel the effects of real astronaut procedures.
OPPORTUNITY
Learn the functions of a spacecraft. Feel the effects of microgravity environments. Multitask strategically to keep yourself and your crew safe for as long as possible. Challenge and compete with friends to earn your place on the leaderboard.