Mine, Build, and Fly!

In a post-apocalyptic world, you've been given a mission to travel to space and search the galaxy for a new home for Earth's survivors. Construct and pilot your very own spacecraft to escape the planet and begin your journey through space!

Unity
C#
Team

A student team project with UCI's Video Game Development Club (VGDC).

  • Roles: Team Lead, Programmer, Gameplay Designer
  • Software: Unity, C#, Github
  • Team size: 7-15
  • Genres: Sandbox, Simulation, Sci-fi
  • Platform: PC
  • Dates: Jan - June 2024

Programming Contributions

  • Collaborated with other programmers using Git version control (GitHub)
  • Designed and implemented core gameplay mechanics:
Spacecraft building and piloting
  • Developed systems for players to construct and control spaceships.
  • Developed an adaptable grid building class enabling players to build freely on terrain or on any spaceship, regardless of its orientation.
Inventory management
  • Implemented a system for players to collect, store, and utilize various materials and tools.
  • Optimized code for future expansion: Utilized class inheritance to design tools with a hierarchical structure to efficiently manage pickaxes and gun variations, and facilitate future additions.
Character customization
  • Enabled players to personalize their characters' appearance.
  • Players can select from a variety of hair styles and hats and change the color of each accessory.
Character movement
  • Implemented movement mechanics for the player character, including run, jump, and jetpack functionalities.
  • Utilized Unity's blend trees to create seamless animation transitions.

Team lead Responsibilities

  • Spearheaded cross-functional team collaboration (programming, art, game design, UI/UX, writing, audio) to ensure a unified game experience
  • Facilitated effective communication through hybrid meetings and online tools like Discord
  • Channeled Agile methodology using week-long sprints and regular team meetings
  • Utilized a Kanban board in Trello to manage project tasks and efficiently track progress

Other Contributions

  • Devised the initial creative vision for the game and collaborated with designers to develop game mechanics and UI concepts
  • Facilitated effective communication through hybrid meetings and online tools like Discord
  • When needed, contributed to the creation of pixel art assets, including characters, animations, enemies, terrain, and UI elements

Background

 Build to Space began as a personal exploration of the building genre. Inspired to combine the building mechanics of Kerbal Space Program, Bad Piggies, and Roblox's Build a Boat For Treasure, I envisioned a game where players could construct and customize everything from spaceships to defensive structures, vehicles, and factories.

 Taking the lead within UCI's Video Game Development Club for two quarters, I transformed my initial prototype into a collaborative project. We worked together to develop the core building and piloting systems, allowing players to unleash their creativity as they conquer the challenges of reaching space.

 As the project remains ongoing, I will continue to work on the game individually. My focus will be on expanding building features and refining existing gameplay to balance difficulty and enhance the immersive experience.