The time has finally arrived for our much-anticipated public playtesting week. As we approached the culmination of our efforts, I was disheartened to learn that our Monday lesson was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. However, this unexpected turn of events gave me a valuable opportunity to reflect on everything I’ve learned and applied throughout this semester. In celebration of this significant day, I chose to wear a suit, adding a sense of formality.
In preparation, I meticulously compiled all my work, including a thorough review of my pitch and the vertical slice of our game, in case I encountered any questions or discussions regarding our project. This preparation felt essential, especially given the challenging nature of our creation.
The games showcase was upon us, and I was nervous and excited at having made it this far in my semester. Our exhibition took place in the cosy WSA café, where we were busy making the final tweaks to our game. We conducted thorough bug testing to ensure a smooth gaming experience and gathered all necessary assets to enhance our presentation.
Once the exhibition officially began, I felt pride as players and teachers engaged with our game. Their enthusiastic reactions confirmed that our hard work had paid off! The art style captivated the audience, drawing them into the game world, while the intricate storytelling kept players engaged throughout the experience. I also calculated the average game duration, around 14-15 minutes. While this might seem lengthy for a single session, it’s fitting for a murder mystery game where player immersion is key.
We received some insightful feedback from our players, which I’ll summarize here:
Player 1 (Non-game enthusiast):
She found the storyline long yet immersive, stating she felt genuine involvement. The moment she had to decide who was guilty created a valuable moment of hesitation, precisely what we intended, as we aimed to make the game challenging and not too predictable.
Player 2 (Maja, the game’s founder):
She enjoyed the sound effects accompanying the narrative box, which added an engaging layer to the storytelling experience.
Player 3 (Year 1 student):
This player appreciated the narrative’s depth and the dynamic movement of perspective, contributing to a more immersive experience.
Player 4:
She particularly liked the user interface design, especially how the narrative box popped up, as it enhanced her interaction with the game.
Seeing my team come together and enthusiastically navigate the game filled me with pride. The exhibition’s success and admiration for my outfit made this day even more special. Reflecting on this experience signifies a pivotal moment in my life at WSA. I’ve learned invaluable new skills, collaborated with fantastic teammates, and been supported by outstanding teachers like Vanissa, Sophie, Ross, and Adam throughout my journey. It feels remarkable to look back and recognize how everything has come together perfectly at the right time, especially when considering how far we have progressed since our first playtesting session.