game(?) idea
by Very Interactive Person · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 08/01/2002 (5:27 am) · 13 replies
I have a couple of ideas for future projects of mine... If I make them all, it'll probably take 20 years of my life... so I decided I'll post one of the ideas I'm sure I'll never realize here. Perhaps someone gets inspired by it and makes it ;)
So:
What about a 3D movie maker for kids? As a kid I've always dreamed to be a director and make my own movies. So the idea is a simple movie maker. The GUI should be extremely simple and easy to learn... the possibilities very limited. The can choose out of a library of models, and can let those do certain animations, and let them move along a defined path. The user also gets the ability to design the background (terain engine, but also indoor scenes). There 's offcourse also a database of sounds available. Also don't forget fx like particle effects etc.... could all be included.
The ultimate feature would then be to convert it all to AVI, or MPEG, about the only feature I don't see realisable with Torque... but everythings else can well be done using Torque.
Pretty lame I hear you say... yeh.. I wont deny that... but kids could have a great deal of fun with this. It even has an educational value... they practise PC usage and get interested in 3D, animation, movie making,...
I know there are some 2D versions of this around... dunno wether they were a succes or not, but I'm sure a 3D version would be a lot moire interesting and have a lot more possibilities.
So:
What about a 3D movie maker for kids? As a kid I've always dreamed to be a director and make my own movies. So the idea is a simple movie maker. The GUI should be extremely simple and easy to learn... the possibilities very limited. The can choose out of a library of models, and can let those do certain animations, and let them move along a defined path. The user also gets the ability to design the background (terain engine, but also indoor scenes). There 's offcourse also a database of sounds available. Also don't forget fx like particle effects etc.... could all be included.
The ultimate feature would then be to convert it all to AVI, or MPEG, about the only feature I don't see realisable with Torque... but everythings else can well be done using Torque.
Pretty lame I hear you say... yeh.. I wont deny that... but kids could have a great deal of fun with this. It even has an educational value... they practise PC usage and get interested in 3D, animation, movie making,...
I know there are some 2D versions of this around... dunno wether they were a succes or not, but I'm sure a 3D version would be a lot moire interesting and have a lot more possibilities.
#2
There could be many objects and environments to choose from in prefab form. Not only that, but why not make it expandable? Have an interface for users to add new objects and environments (certainly not for the kids, but who knows??).
You mention limited possibilities but I'm seeing unlimited possibilities. A well thought out design could make this semi-powerful without sacrificing interface. Plus, kids will suprise you. I have 3 and I'll tell ya, they suprise me pretty much every day.
08/01/2002 (6:43 am)
Bah, this is a great idea! People spend heaps of time getting their Sim in a certain situation just to watch it play out. Sheesh, this gives those types of people excellent control.There could be many objects and environments to choose from in prefab form. Not only that, but why not make it expandable? Have an interface for users to add new objects and environments (certainly not for the kids, but who knows??).
You mention limited possibilities but I'm seeing unlimited possibilities. A well thought out design could make this semi-powerful without sacrificing interface. Plus, kids will suprise you. I have 3 and I'll tell ya, they suprise me pretty much every day.
#3
@Madcap: Yeah, you're right, it could all be expandable... but then there's the possibility it becomes quit complex and looses its fun factor. The idea is Machinima, open for everyone... easy to learn and to handle. Ok, with the extra features its possible too, but you'll need a very solid design then.
And about kids surpising you. I know ;) , but when desiging something for kids you have to keep in mind kids learn by trial and error. Therefor you'll need a suggestive GUI and a good error handling. Something like this should very well work... I've seen kids do more complex things, but still when designing you'll have to keep these things in mind. Its a whole other audience, this is one off the reasons I do not give this idea a go.
08/01/2002 (6:57 am)
@Eric: Yeh, I know about machinima... what I suggest here is basically the same, only aimed at kids. Machinema can be quit complex...by simplyfying the concept it could become accesable for even new PC users (like kids). Good GUI and design are the key here.@Madcap: Yeah, you're right, it could all be expandable... but then there's the possibility it becomes quit complex and looses its fun factor. The idea is Machinima, open for everyone... easy to learn and to handle. Ok, with the extra features its possible too, but you'll need a very solid design then.
And about kids surpising you. I know ;) , but when desiging something for kids you have to keep in mind kids learn by trial and error. Therefor you'll need a suggestive GUI and a good error handling. Something like this should very well work... I've seen kids do more complex things, but still when designing you'll have to keep these things in mind. Its a whole other audience, this is one off the reasons I do not give this idea a go.
#4
It would be really neat to extend the 'game' into a little movie studio game. You would need to get funding and cast actors, have the sets built, manage the production, dealing with a strike by the set hands, etc...
After the "movie" is made, you can have them all posted to a community website and have others view and rate them. Movies that do well are considered 'hits' and the game would allow the director to move to the next level, get more funding for the next project.
You could start out very simple, and then have expansion packs that release new content for particular types of films (Dinosaurs and whatnot)
It could be much like one of the Sim games, only it produces and end product (a movie).
There could also be a kid version and an adult version, with the kid version being very simple and the adult version having all the bells and whistles.
Not to get too much into the business end, but you could end up work out deals with film distibutors where you release 'packs' of items and actors from upcoming films.
As a marketing angle for the studios, it might be pretty neat. There are already smaller game titles tied to entertainment properties (take a look at Wild Tangent).
Lego made a set a few years back that that allowed the creation of short films with a camera connected to a PC, and some cheesy editing software. It had set pieces, camera cranes and dollies.
It was insanely popular.
08/01/2002 (7:09 am)
I think it is a very good idea.It would be really neat to extend the 'game' into a little movie studio game. You would need to get funding and cast actors, have the sets built, manage the production, dealing with a strike by the set hands, etc...
After the "movie" is made, you can have them all posted to a community website and have others view and rate them. Movies that do well are considered 'hits' and the game would allow the director to move to the next level, get more funding for the next project.
You could start out very simple, and then have expansion packs that release new content for particular types of films (Dinosaurs and whatnot)
It could be much like one of the Sim games, only it produces and end product (a movie).
There could also be a kid version and an adult version, with the kid version being very simple and the adult version having all the bells and whistles.
Not to get too much into the business end, but you could end up work out deals with film distibutors where you release 'packs' of items and actors from upcoming films.
As a marketing angle for the studios, it might be pretty neat. There are already smaller game titles tied to entertainment properties (take a look at Wild Tangent).
Lego made a set a few years back that that allowed the creation of short films with a camera connected to a PC, and some cheesy editing software. It had set pieces, camera cranes and dollies.
It was insanely popular.
#5
08/01/2002 (7:18 am)
It's been done actually... I forgot the name of it. I remember playing it a few years ago. I got tired of it pretty quickly.
#6
But just because there is one doesn't mean there can't be one made to be better.
I like Joe's movie tie-in idea. Imagine a Jurassic Park4 tie-in where you can place different dinosaurs into your movie... or if you'd rather gear it towards kids, I can only imagine what a child would do to Lilo and Stitch. :-)
It's a neat idea...the key being a great UI and some neat F/X. Automate as much as you can, without taking away TOO much. For example: Doing the bulletime f/x or lasers.
In theory, you could even make it so that it CAN be further tweaked by those who want to... go from a basic drag-n-drop to being able to tweak the details.
08/01/2002 (7:29 am)
I've seen something, too, aimed toward kids... Barbie Movie studio or whatever.But just because there is one doesn't mean there can't be one made to be better.
I like Joe's movie tie-in idea. Imagine a Jurassic Park4 tie-in where you can place different dinosaurs into your movie... or if you'd rather gear it towards kids, I can only imagine what a child would do to Lilo and Stitch. :-)
It's a neat idea...the key being a great UI and some neat F/X. Automate as much as you can, without taking away TOO much. For example: Doing the bulletime f/x or lasers.
In theory, you could even make it so that it CAN be further tweaked by those who want to... go from a basic drag-n-drop to being able to tweak the details.
#7
08/01/2002 (7:44 am)
Great ideas there Joe ;) ... that could indeed make it a lot more interesting.
#8
08/01/2002 (8:29 am)
ouch, i remember centuries ago i played a demo of a 3d movie maker that was called (guess what) 3d movie maker (by our beloved micro$oft) that was nearly exactly what ward wants. there's a little description available at www.kidsdomain.com.
#9
Anyway.. that microsoft 3D movie maker doesn't run on my PC, I just tried downloading it and it gives an error.
Had a good laugh with some of the comments people posted there after they downloaded it. One of them being: "its a good game its gonna make me rich " (LOL)
08/01/2002 (8:52 am)
yeh.. like I said... I tought it was done before, just wasn't sure.Anyway.. that microsoft 3D movie maker doesn't run on my PC, I just tried downloading it and it gives an error.
Had a good laugh with some of the comments people posted there after they downloaded it. One of them being: "its a good game its gonna make me rich " (LOL)
#10
Remember I don't claim to be original or anything.. just can be done better. Defenelty after reading Joe's ideas.
08/01/2002 (8:54 am)
Oh and after reading a bit about it.. it seems awfully limited with only 45 characters and 15 background scenes... but its probably a good example of what I meant (I'm not sure since I cant get it to run offcourse... bah Microsoft)Remember I don't claim to be original or anything.. just can be done better. Defenelty after reading Joe's ideas.
#11
"I installed this program and it won't even open. The thing is, i can't even uninstall it."
-->sounds like the avarage Microsoft product lol... but explain me how you can uninstall something that never was installed LOL ;)
"the bad thing is if you want to create a scary movie... I dont know there's another version but I only had characters who looks looney! Ohwell..you can sill kill 'em! In evryone of my movies somebody gets killed... hehehe...."
-->no comments... kill kill kill the bastards
"patience is a requirement because absolutely every feature is outlined by the o-so annoying mascot McZee. I can't put into words how his deformed face makes me feel after seeing it so many times"
-->also typically Microsoft? remembers me to those moments when you smack your screen becuase the word/excell wizard is laughing at you.
"I am from Nepal.Before I didn't use this product..but when i was in singapore i heard about this product and i used it...and for your information now i got a nice job...to make cartuns...I recommened..this is nice program for ..who is making carton and others as well"
-->euh... I do not want to know what kind of cartoons they make in Nepal.... probably top quality ;)
"...your better off going with a dos movie maker then this. "
--> probably
" wish I could purchase it in real life but it seems like they do not make it anymore?"
--> yeh, that's one of the things with real life... you can't buy stuff. (??)
"yeah. 3dmm rules! HELLO. yes.... RIGHTO! PEE PEE. get it now. NOW. buy it somewhere. like ebay. or somewhere."
-->PEE PEE?yeh, sure .. its a kids program.. but.. PEE PEE?
"Me and my friends always play it because you can make stupid scenes with stupid people and make inappopriate videos"
--> I really don't wanna know what kind of movies this guy is making ;)
"being able to make some one run into the road and get run over dramatically, it just simply makes you laugh your socks off"
--> euh.. another case for the psychiatric institution?
k.. back to the topic now
08/01/2002 (9:15 am)
some more funny comments (found on Download.com) on that micro$oft product:"I installed this program and it won't even open. The thing is, i can't even uninstall it."
-->sounds like the avarage Microsoft product lol... but explain me how you can uninstall something that never was installed LOL ;)
"the bad thing is if you want to create a scary movie... I dont know there's another version but I only had characters who looks looney! Ohwell..you can sill kill 'em! In evryone of my movies somebody gets killed... hehehe...."
-->no comments... kill kill kill the bastards
"patience is a requirement because absolutely every feature is outlined by the o-so annoying mascot McZee. I can't put into words how his deformed face makes me feel after seeing it so many times"
-->also typically Microsoft? remembers me to those moments when you smack your screen becuase the word/excell wizard is laughing at you.
"I am from Nepal.Before I didn't use this product..but when i was in singapore i heard about this product and i used it...and for your information now i got a nice job...to make cartuns...I recommened..this is nice program for ..who is making carton and others as well"
-->euh... I do not want to know what kind of cartoons they make in Nepal.... probably top quality ;)
"...your better off going with a dos movie maker then this. "
--> probably
" wish I could purchase it in real life but it seems like they do not make it anymore?"
--> yeh, that's one of the things with real life... you can't buy stuff. (??)
"yeah. 3dmm rules! HELLO. yes.... RIGHTO! PEE PEE. get it now. NOW. buy it somewhere. like ebay. or somewhere."
-->PEE PEE?yeh, sure .. its a kids program.. but.. PEE PEE?
"Me and my friends always play it because you can make stupid scenes with stupid people and make inappopriate videos"
--> I really don't wanna know what kind of movies this guy is making ;)
"being able to make some one run into the road and get run over dramatically, it just simply makes you laugh your socks off"
--> euh.. another case for the psychiatric institution?
k.. back to the topic now
#12
It works fine on my WinME system.
It reminds me of games like Resident Evil. A few low-poly 3D objects and characters on what a pre-rendered background. It also changes the models size to match the perspective. So, if you put a model on the far side of the road it will appear tiny.
I hate to admit that I had trouble animating it. lol. You can choose different animations like walking, running, fainting, etc. I finally figured out that if you pic an animation and drag the model accross the screen it automatically adds the animation. lol
since it was written in 1995, graphics sucked.
on a TGE one:
I kind of think it would be neat to be able to import .bvh files from poser or places that do animations like that.
08/01/2002 (11:00 am)
LOL funny!It works fine on my WinME system.
It reminds me of games like Resident Evil. A few low-poly 3D objects and characters on what a pre-rendered background. It also changes the models size to match the perspective. So, if you put a model on the far side of the road it will appear tiny.
I hate to admit that I had trouble animating it. lol. You can choose different animations like walking, running, fainting, etc. I finally figured out that if you pic an animation and drag the model accross the screen it automatically adds the animation. lol
since it was written in 1995, graphics sucked.
on a TGE one:
I kind of think it would be neat to be able to import .bvh files from poser or places that do animations like that.
#13
Also, dont forget Disney's Stunt Island. Very much a similar thing. You play the part of a guy who does stunts and films em.. you play director AND actor.
Its a very good idea. But its a bit more to chew than I can handle right now.
Community possibilities for this kind of thing are insane.
Phil.
08/01/2002 (11:25 am)
Ive got plans to do something similar still myself.Also, dont forget Disney's Stunt Island. Very much a similar thing. You play the part of a guy who does stunts and films em.. you play director AND actor.
Its a very good idea. But its a bit more to chew than I can handle right now.
Community possibilities for this kind of thing are insane.
Phil.
Torque 3D Owner Eric Forhan
good luck, Ward. :-)