Making an Open-World Game in 1 Year

Making an Open-World Game in 1 Year

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Challenges of Game Development
3. Bug Fixing and Troubleshooting
4. Making Scripts Modular
5. Adding Elemental Components to Damage
6. Revamping the User Interface
7. Testing and Gathering Feedback
8. Introducing the Arena
9. Unforeseen Gameplay Discoveries
10. The Future of Mana Valley
11. Conclusion

Introduction

One year ago, I embarked on the Journey of creating my first game as a solo Indie Dev. After 365 days, the project has gained nearly 1 million views and garnered significant Attention. However, the road to success is not without its challenges. In this article, I will take You through the ups and downs of my game development journey, highlighting the major milestones, bug fixes, and improvements along the way. Join me as we Delve into the world of Mana Valley and discover what it takes to bring a game to life.

The Challenges of Game Development

Developing a game may seem like a straightforward process, but the reality is far more complex. Many people have the misconception that game development involves simply implementing a series of small ideas. However, the truth is that it requires meticulous planning, attention to Detail, and problem-solving skills. As an example, let's consider the development of the first enemy in Mana Valley, the Pomplu. Initially, the functionality of the enemy seemed to be in place, allowing players to attack, retreat, and alert each other. However, after 300 days, I encountered a bug where the Pomplu would walk through objects in the actual world. This issue took days to fix and required the use of a free asset called Go Painter, which allowed me to paint objects in the scene rather than within the terrain. This revelation was a significant breakthrough, as redoing every environment would have been a frustrating setback.

Bug Fixing and Troubleshooting

In any development process, bugs and inconsistencies are bound to arise. One such bug I encountered in Mana Valley was dealing damage, which had become inconsistent. While casual players might not have noticed this issue, it was a problem that needed to be addressed. The complexity of using visual scripting for AI made troubleshooting difficult, and attempting to fix it led to breaking other aspects of the game. To overcome this challenge, I decided to remove the visual part of my visual scripts, making the overall system more modular. By defining different behaviors through modules, I could easily Apply edits and new features to multiple elements within the game. This approach proved to be a game-changer, as it made it easier to add damage numbers, elemental components, and Create a more dynamic combat experience.

Making Scripts Modular

The decision to make scripts modular was a significant turning point in Mana Valley's development. Previously, all the functionality was contained within a single script, leading to limitations and difficulties when adding new features. By breaking down the scripts into modules, I created a more flexible system that allowed for easier implementation of new ideas. For example, I could use the same module for anything that takes damage, whether it be an enemy, the player, or an object in the world. This modular approach also paved the way for incorporating elemental components into damage calculations, making combat more engaging and strategic. Spells now have different elemental types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, adding depth and variety to gameplay.

Adding Elemental Components to Damage

To enhance the combat experience in Mana Valley, I introduced elemental components to damage calculations. This addition adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to battles. Each Spell is now associated with a specific element Type, such as fire, Water, earth, or air. Different enemy types have varying vulnerabilities and resistances to these elements. For example, a Fireball spell would do normal damage to fire and earth enemies, reduced damage to water enemies, and increased damage and critical chance to air enemies. This dynamic system encourages players to carefully choose their spells for each encounter, making combat more challenging and interesting.

Revamping the User Interface

The user interface (UI) plays a crucial role in providing players with information and enhancing their overall experience. In the case of Mana Valley, the initial UI design was functional but lacked certain elements I wanted to incorporate. After going back to the drawing board, I came up with a revamped UI that includes standard health and mana bars, slots for Potions and brooms, the display of the currently active spell, and the player's current level with a progress bar. The new design underwent several iterations with the help of feedback from fellow developers. Additionally, I introduced a new game element, which will be explored in a future video. The improved UI contributes to a more immersive gameplay experience and sets the stage for future enhancements.

Testing and Gathering Feedback

Testing and gathering feedback are integral to the development process, as they provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement. Up until this point, only two people have played the game: myself and a programmer who eventually stopped responding. In order to ensure that the game meets players' expectations, I have been meticulous in building the Core features before letting a wider audience test it. However, I have come to realize that this approach creates a cycle where the game needs to be impressive before people can try it, yet there are numerous elements that need to be in place for the game to be truly enjoyable. To break this cycle, I decided to focus on creating a vertical slice of the game, specifically an arena where core features could be tested. This self-contained mini-game allows players to experience combat, purchase items, and provides a space for testing new mechanics, enemies, and items. By releasing this arena to Patreon supporters, I aim to Gather feedback and refine the game further.

Introducing the Arena

The arena in Mana Valley serves as a dedicated space for testing and showcasing core features. Modeled as a circular platform with a Wave system, the arena allows players to engage in combat and earn rewards. Additionally, a placeholder block acts as a shop, where players can purchase health and mana potions. The arena concept aligns with the goal of creating a vertical slice of the game, showcasing key gameplay mechanics without the need for an entire open world. As development progresses, the arena will Continue to evolve, introducing new enemies, items, and challenges. The inclusion of a leaderboard adds a competitive element, encouraging players to strive for high scores. The arena will be made available to Patreon supporters, providing them with exclusive access to this unique game mode.

Unforeseen Gameplay Discoveries

During the development of Mana Valley, unexpected gameplay discoveries often arise. One such discovery came about through the revamped UI and the introduction of a broom slot. Players can now equip a broom and use a hotkey to toggle flying. This newfound ability adds an evasion tactic in combat, allowing players to navigate vertically and potentially escape certain enemy attacks. While this mechanic initially arose from a UI redesign, it presented an opportunity to introduce a unique gameplay element. Balancing this feature by incorporating a mana cost and creating enemies that can attack vertically adds depth to the game's combat dynamics. These unexpected discoveries serve as exciting additions to the overall gameplay experience.

The Future of Mana Valley

Looking ahead, the future of Mana Valley remains filled with both excitement and uncertainty. As a game developer, I yearn for the completion of the project so that players can finally enjoy the game. However, game development is a process that requires time, dedication, and constant refinement. My plan is to finish all the major features and then work towards releasing a demo that showcases the essence of Mana Valley. While the timeline for completion is uncertain, I am committed to delivering a game that lives up to players' expectations. Stay tuned for future updates and join me on this epic adventure through Mana Valley.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of game development is a challenging yet rewarding one. Throughout the creation of Mana Valley, I encountered numerous obstacles, from bug fixes to UI redesigns. However, each setback presented an opportunity for growth and improvement. The introduction of modular scripting, elemental components to damage, and the arena have enhanced the gameplay experience and set the stage for further development. As the future unfolds, I invite you to join me on this exciting journey and witness the evolution of Mana Valley. Together, we can create a game that captivates and delights players, one step at a time.

Highlights:

1. One year of game development as a solo Indie Dev.
2. Overcoming challenges and bug fixing.
3. Making scripts modular for improved flexibility.
4. Adding elemental components to damage calculations.
5. Revamping the user interface for a more immersive experience.
6. Testing and gathering feedback through the introduction of the arena.
7. Unforeseen gameplay discoveries and their impact.
8. The future of Mana Valley and plans for a demo.
9. The dedication and passion behind game development.
10. Joining the adventure through Mana Valley.

FAQ:

Q: How long did it take to develop Mana Valley? A: Mana Valley has been in development for one year, and it is still an ongoing project.

Q: Are there plans for a demo? A: Yes, the developer plans to release a demo once all major features are completed.

Q: How can I access the arena in Mana Valley? A: The arena is available to Patreon supporters, providing them with exclusive access to this unique game mode.

Q: Will there be additional elements added to the game? A: Yes, the developer plans to introduce new features, enemies, and items as development progresses.

Q: Can players fly in Mana Valley? A: Yes, players can equip a broom and use a hotkey to toggle flying, introducing a vertical evasion tactic in combat.

Q: How do elemental components affect combat in Mana Valley? A: Elemental components add strengths and weaknesses to spells, making the choice of spells crucial in each encounter.

Q: Is bug fixing a challenging part of game development? A: Bug fixing is a crucial and challenging aspect of game development that requires meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills.