Derek Paton

Developing an Interactive RPG Game Completely Independent from Graphics

This mobile RPG game, with blind and partially sighted accessibility, is set in a world that - not even two weeks prior to the start of the game - has been shrouded in complete darkness. Although the world’s population struggles to adapt to a new life of sightlessness, no town has been impacted as much as the already feeble Dreichmarnock. The town needed a champion and a champion they would receive - coming from a previously unlikely source as ‘The Blind Stranger’ entered the town. For this game, the player will be sent to investigate a local cave in search for answers about ‘The Great Darkness’, being pinned against Rust Monsters, Giant Spiders and Werewolves on their way to the City of the Werewolves. Some of the player's interactions will be influenced by the type of character the player chooses at the start of the game, with additional options provided depending on the events that take place.

Project info

  • Developer Derek Paton
  • Showcase year 2023
  • Programme Game Design and Production

Developing an Interactive RPG Game Completely Independent from Graphics

A mobile RPG game that can be playable completely without visuals. The game uses audio navigation and simple mobile interactions in a medieval choose your own adventure style.

Credits

'Developing an Interactive RPG Game Completely Independent from Graphics' is a 2023 Digital Graduate Show project by Derek Paton, a Games Design and Production student at Abertay University.

Project Motivation

I've been wanting to develop this game for two years but put it on the back burner because of other projects, so I was happy to finally jump at the opportunity. I was further motivated during my research when I noticed so many audio games had next to no roleplaying aspects and instead were a fairly linear experience. Therefore, when it came to 'Dorchadas', I wanted to create an experience in which the player could navigate around a town, interact with characters and have a main character with characteristics of their own choice - whether it's a strong brute with the tongue of the dragon, or a wise researcher with the ability to speak to animals. That choice would be up to the player, as my aim after university is to continue production and make this game not only a one quest experience but a full skyrim-esque experience for blind and partially sighted players.

Connect with Derek

Website - Twitter

Derek Paton

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