An Orginal Game Concept Maybe ??
by Ian Roach · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 05/21/2002 (10:01 pm) · 4 replies
Hey guys ive been reading heavily Jeff Tunnels post on original ideas and innovation and it got me thinking about a concept i think would be quiet cool.
Unfortunely i dont have any of the skills to see this become a reality but if anyone would like to know more about the concept or indeed make something similar email me :)
Anyways here is the idea.
//------------- ARCHITECTURE --------------------------
This isnt really a game concept but more of a Architectural simulation. If anyone has ever played the brilliant little game called Bridge Builder (and Pontifax the newest incranation) you would have an idea of the type of simulation i would like to achieve.
The idea is to combine a simple Building tool with complex physics to get a complete simulation tool.
If anyone has ever used the house building features in the Sims game you would see how incredibly fun and rewarding it is to create original looking houses. My concept would go a little further becuase it would extend to huge story buildings (however tall you want) and also doesnt concentrate so much on your sim but more on your architectural design.
Some features
-- Hundreds of different shapes and designs ot fully customise any building , from old style to futurisitic.
-- Multiple Viewing modes and a fully rotatable screen to make sure everythign is perfect.
-- Ability to stress test buildings by adding in extras (such as hundreds of humans , or if a carpack a whole load of cars).
--Ability to create complex buildings (including interiors such as elevator shafts , offices e.t.c
-- Easy to use building tool to add in doorwars windows , floors e.t.c including multiple paint textures.
-- Extra ability to shape terrains for pools , underground carparks , gardens e.t.c
I believe the main fun would be that you could build your perfect design , go into wireframe mode and see where all your main stress points are. Then try adding a few people and see if it breaks.
Its kinda like lego. People just love to build things (And destroy them)
Further enhancements could be made by having simulations for all sorts of events , such as overCrowded elevators , fires e.t.c and adding in Ai to see how they react. (Granted its not really a simulation anymore but a little game)
The beuaty of it is you can scale it to different things. From an accurate architectural modelling sim (Unlike things such as autocad this would have actual physics effecting every wall , pylon e.t.c) to game simulations (Light A fire , come up with multiple ways for the little firemen to save the ppl , be a god like in black and white and choose to save or destroy the people)
Whats everyones opinions ?
Unfortunely i dont have any of the skills to see this become a reality but if anyone would like to know more about the concept or indeed make something similar email me :)
Anyways here is the idea.
//------------- ARCHITECTURE --------------------------
This isnt really a game concept but more of a Architectural simulation. If anyone has ever played the brilliant little game called Bridge Builder (and Pontifax the newest incranation) you would have an idea of the type of simulation i would like to achieve.
The idea is to combine a simple Building tool with complex physics to get a complete simulation tool.
If anyone has ever used the house building features in the Sims game you would see how incredibly fun and rewarding it is to create original looking houses. My concept would go a little further becuase it would extend to huge story buildings (however tall you want) and also doesnt concentrate so much on your sim but more on your architectural design.
Some features
-- Hundreds of different shapes and designs ot fully customise any building , from old style to futurisitic.
-- Multiple Viewing modes and a fully rotatable screen to make sure everythign is perfect.
-- Ability to stress test buildings by adding in extras (such as hundreds of humans , or if a carpack a whole load of cars).
--Ability to create complex buildings (including interiors such as elevator shafts , offices e.t.c
-- Easy to use building tool to add in doorwars windows , floors e.t.c including multiple paint textures.
-- Extra ability to shape terrains for pools , underground carparks , gardens e.t.c
I believe the main fun would be that you could build your perfect design , go into wireframe mode and see where all your main stress points are. Then try adding a few people and see if it breaks.
Its kinda like lego. People just love to build things (And destroy them)
Further enhancements could be made by having simulations for all sorts of events , such as overCrowded elevators , fires e.t.c and adding in Ai to see how they react. (Granted its not really a simulation anymore but a little game)
The beuaty of it is you can scale it to different things. From an accurate architectural modelling sim (Unlike things such as autocad this would have actual physics effecting every wall , pylon e.t.c) to game simulations (Light A fire , come up with multiple ways for the little firemen to save the ppl , be a god like in black and white and choose to save or destroy the people)
Whats everyones opinions ?
About the author
#2
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The thing about a game like this is it would have a very limited appeal. A person like myself who knows little about architecture and construction would probably find it rather escoteric and complicated. Stress test a building?
Not that it is a bad idea, but you would have to think carefully about how to add a broader appeal if broad appeal is one of your goals.
05/23/2002 (12:51 am)
Please don't pay any attention to the first reponse...lol. The only way it sounds similar to the Sim games is "you build stuff." By that logic "you shoot stuff" sort of games all sound the same..--------------
The thing about a game like this is it would have a very limited appeal. A person like myself who knows little about architecture and construction would probably find it rather escoteric and complicated. Stress test a building?
Not that it is a bad idea, but you would have to think carefully about how to add a broader appeal if broad appeal is one of your goals.
#3
06/05/2002 (9:14 am)
I agree with that Dude
#4
Keep us posted, this sounds like a good one :)
06/07/2002 (7:39 am)
I couldn't care less if it's an exact clone of something (which this isn't!), if I enjoyed the original, I'll enjoy the copy. I'm not gonna be an idiot and limit my fun :)Keep us posted, this sounds like a good one :)
Eli McClanahan