Based on the lessons I learned from my honours project, I have been creating plans for a new horror game. The simple goal is to do more of the things that worked: robust sound design, breakdown of self and repetitive compulsion. All while improving what was lacking, like the feedback to the player and the cumbersome and hard-to-adjust AI. I’ve realised this project would be a good chance to learn the new features of Unreal Engine 5. So for the last week, I’ve been getting to grips with Quixel bridge, megascans and nanite to create the building blocks of the…
A couple of days ago, I posted Picnic to itch.io! Version 1.0 of my honours project is finally complete. This is an exciting milestone because now my focus can shift almost entirely to writing my dissertation. Download the game on itch.io! Furthermore, I am amazed that with no marketing, several streamers have already played Picnic! It shows how popular indie-horror titles are at the moment, especially if they are free and easy to pick up and play. I should consider this when making my next game, which may be another horror experience. To see people playing and enjoying the game is incredibly rewarding.…
This week, I’ve been writing the proposal for my honours project. Unfortunately, sitting in a library for multiple hours a day doesn’t make for an exciting blog post. So I thought I’d do another mini-case study inspired by my research like I did with Shrek Swamp Sim, where I talked about Freud’s concept of the uncanny. So today, I will discuss the Other, abjection and doppelgangers and how they relate to my favourite episode of Doctor Who, Midnight. Midnight aired in 2008, at the height of the David Tennent era. Although it seems like a simple bottle episode on paper, it’s a…
I have recently graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) in Game Design and Production from Abertay University and was named a TIGA Graduate of the Year in design. During my time at university, I have collaborated with industry clients, including Blazing Griffin and Cloud Imperium.
My proudest achievement is completing Factorio in under 15 hours.
James Muirhead 