In the class MI 497: Game Design Studio, media and information students with enthusiasm for game design are given real-world opportunities to create digital gaming experiences for users. A team of six students from the class, ranging from 3D art, programming and design roles, created a game called "Bunny Skate," which reached #38 in the kid's 9-11 category on the App Store in December 2016.
"We wanted to create a fun mobile experience that anyone could play," said Sage Miller, a media and information senior. "Most feedback came from friends and family, however, we were able to connect with many gamers from across the world through Twitter and sent them early versions of the game."
The creators describe the game as an "endless skating adventure." The object of the game is to control the bunny and skate around an ice rink through a variety of environments, collecting carrots meanwhile avoiding wolves and other obstacles along the way. Once you have collected the carrots, you can use them to purchase a chest, which allows the player to receive a random hat throughout the game. The goal is to obtain as many hats as possible, with a number of 50 possible during the course of the game. Some of these hats hold a secret power that can assist your character through the course.
"I think the idea sparked from the time of the year and what fit for our scope of the project," said media and information senior Evan Jones. "We wanted to make a mobile game so we had to keep it simple and fun. We knew we wanted to release it around Christmas time so ice and other snowy environments were necessary."
Bunny Skate was approved and published on the App Store and Google Play just a couple of days before Christmas. The students said they are pleased with how the game turned out, but it was no walk in the park to create the successful finished product.
"We had a rough beginning. We started with a different kind of game and we struggled to find the 'fun' in what we were doing," said media and information senior Clark Ruiz. "But after four weeks, we scrapped that idea and started working on what would become the game you know (Bunny Skate)! It was great once we had the final idea, since we were able to polish something simple."
Miller said one of the greatest features of the game is that it’s accessible and easy for anyone to pick up and have fun with.
Each team member highlighted how important it is to collaborate with others and be on the same page. Trusting each other's skills while allowing each person to take charge of certain elements was critical to overcoming obstacles as a group and making it to the finish line.
"The collaboration between the team members was great," said Jones. "We all came together with our different strengths and used them to our advantage. I think teamwork and being able to work well with others will make you a better person in the long run."
Jones continued, "Communication is the key when working with a group. Making sure everyone was on the same page and on task was something that we did well."
For more information on Bunny Skate, visit here. Test your skills and download on Google Play" today.
Team Members:
- Clark Ruiz - 3D Art
- Evan Jones - 3D Art
- Alec Velthov - 3D Art
- Matthew Smith - Programming
- Homer Chen - Programming
- Sage Miller - Design