A better focus. . .

So after thinking about what would work best for my dissertation I have another idea that could be worth considering. Basically, I was worried that my previous idea, the horror game, wasn't specific enough and wouldn't justify a particular skill set I need to show off. As the game would involve all areas of game design, it would be a poor example of showing off one particular ability. However I was aware a few other people on the course had the same fear, and I heard through the grapevine that a good format for displaying an aptitude with 3D modelling would be re-creating scenes, or environments, from films or books etc. I found this idea rather appealing and after some consideration I think I found a good environment to emulate in a 3D level.

Since I was a little boy, I have been in love with a film called "The Nightmare Before Christmas". A film by Tim Burton, and produced by using stop motion, the film and it's environments are incredibly stylistic and unique. Any fan of Tim Burton will appreciate his almost child-friendly macabre still, an eery and gothic, yet inviting, style. The film is set in 'Halloween Town', where all manner of monsters and creatures live to celebrate Halloween. The entire town should be a frightening place with it's dark stonework, dim lights and odd organic elements but is still very engaging with the audience. To re-create the center of Halloween Town could be striking and an interesting build. Use of lights, shadows, 3D modelling and particle effects could accurately convey the atmosphere of the area. Several building circle the iconic fountain in the middle of the scene, so the workload is realistic, and there is always more that be achieved if I find myself ahead of time. In my mind I see it as a potential and realistically achievable project but will speak to tutors to get a second opinion. Here is a screen shot of the proposed area to re-create for those not familiar with Burtons work.

The other thing that makes the project unique is the fact that this environment has already been re-created and published, in the game Kingdom Hearts. However I felt that in the game, the existing 3D modelled level was not as true to the original film. Since having been bought by Disney, and the game being a Disney product, the style was less gothic than the original Burton style suggests. If I were to create this town, I would make sure to make it true to the original and darker than how Kingdom Hearts portrays the town.

 

Again, this is just an idea, but one that I feel could be successful if I end up creating it. In the mean time I will continue to think about how this could be accepted as a dissertation, and what I could add to it to accurately convey my skills as a games designer.