Project info
- Developer Michael Palka
- Showcase year 2025
- Programme Game Design and Production
Synopsis
Have you ever wondered what makes games fun, satisfying and juicy to play? My honours project will help you unlock the secrets of the subtle techniques used in games everywhere! Add and remove game feel features, whether visual or auditory, as you please during gameplay and see how each feature impacts the feel of this little game feel playground I have made.
This project explores the integration of immersion and game feel design theories to create fun and satisfying combat in a hack 'n' slash game. By examining elements like emotional engagement, feedback systems and player-in-game character interaction, the research aims to improve combat mechanics through responsive controls, tactile feedback and visual/audio cues. My artefact will demonstrate a slow progression of adding in elements of game feel using Swink's building blocks to show how impactful it is in games, and aims to provide a framework for other designers and developers to follow when in need of trying to make their game more enjoyable.
What motivated you to develop/create this project?
I was always captivated by fast-paced action games and wondered how they were constructed. I always believed that what makes a game great is the interactivity between players and games. With this, designers can create meaningful stories and evoke feelings within players. The honours project gave me the opportunity to explore game feel and immersion and to show what I have learnedt. This will serve as a foundation for what I will remember forever as I now understand what it takes to create "juicy" games.
What has been a highlight of your time at Abertay?
The best thing about Abertay is the opportunities it can give to students. There were several great and insightful talks by professionals from the industry, and I was able to meet so many talented and like-minded peers to work with.
What are your hopes and future ambitions for after graduation?
I hope that after graduation I will be able to join a studio with like-minded passionate people that I can create games with. I've always wanted to belong in a team to slowly work towards something fun and meaningful.
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