Gamification

Gamification of statically defined structures

We were working on a Gamification project. For this project we decided to look at the possibilities of a statically determined construction in a game environment. In recent years, first-year students have to make a model to simulate the construction they have designed. We want to convert this into a game environment, where every student can run the game. The main goal is for students to learn how various constructions work and how to make a construction stable. 

24-02-2021

The project has started and the first steps have been taken to get started in a game Engine. In these first weeks, we first decided which engine we would work with. In the end, Unreal came out as the best. In the following steps we will also use blueprinting in Unreal and C++ is not yet used.  

In addition, during this period we have been working on understanding the basics of Unreal and setting up a basis version of the game. Since students must eventually be able to place their own construction, this is an important part to start with. In order to have this working, this principle was initially implemented on the installation of walls and floors. In the end, this period gave the following results. 

Platform


For the creation of the game, two major game engines were looked into. Both engines have been tried out, mainly looking at the convenience of the engine itself.

·        Unreal engine 4

·        Unity

Status

  • The 2 different objects can be spawned and despawned
  • The 2 different objects can switch between different meshes.
  • The 2 different objects can be placed
  • The 2 different objects spawn a new item when the current item is placed
  • The 2 different objects can be snapped on their own as well as each other's
  • The 2 different objects can be rotated clockwise
  • No matter how an object is rotated, a new object should be able to snap on to it.

21-04-2021

The project has already made progress in the last 2 months. Not only have the functionalities been worked on, but also a number of first-year architecture students are involved in the project. 4 enthusiastic students from both Alkmaar and Haarlem were able to give their own input into the project. After all, it is meant for first-year students, and who better to tell what is important than themselves! On the basis of the feedback of these students, a decision has been made on what further work will be done and where priority will be given.

In addition, during this period, work was done on the user interface of the game. Some functionalities are not yet available, but have already been put in the user interface so that this can be added more easily at a later time.

Status

  • Columns and beams can be spawned and despawned
  • Columns and beams can be placed by the player
  • A new column or beam is spawned when the current item is placed by the player
  • The columns and beams can be linked together in their own way as those of each other
  • The columns and beams can be rotated clockwise
  • No matter how an object is rotated, a new object can always be linked to it.
  • The game can be paused
  • From the pause menu you can go back to the basic menu or the game can be closed immediately.

In progress

  • The ability to save the game in a slot
  • The ability to start the game from a slot
  • The objects placed by the player are also saved
  • Simulate physics at the touch of a button

Plan

  • The possibility of installing bases
  • A (transparent) preview of the object being placed
  • User screen with a hotbar o. i. d. with the elements
  • Adding rolling and hinged connections

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more about this project or would you like to contribute something? Please feel free to contact us!

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