Mysid Sim
At the University of Baltimore (UB) for Community-Focused Game Design the school had an outside client request an educational game about his particular field of research. Fall 2019 UB brought in a marine biologist focusing on Mysids and their role in the Chesapeake Bay. During this project I was the Lead Designer and Lead Programmer. I managed the team's efforts and time, dividing up work to better accommodate everyone's skill set and manage the production timeline.
As Lead Programmer I was responsible for the essential elements of gameplay. I coded the Mysid swarm behavior, giving them finite-state-machines to manage between swarming and non-swarming behavior. I also coded their flocking algorithm. Other elements I programmed are the simple fish AI, the conditions for the day and night levels, and the pollution effects. Otherwise I helped guide the other programmer's efforts and made sure their work would mesh smoothly with others' and my own code.
As Lead Designer I made sure the game maintained a consistent direction and focus. I also coordinated with the client, delivering milestones and adapting to feedback. I kept level design and art on track, coordinating their efforts and keeping a realistic timeline, adjusting as conditions changed or problems arose.
Download the original GDD Here.
The game is playable on Itch.io!