In-Class Workshop: AI Project Plan (for a video game)

Input:

1. Project Summary:
   1. I want to create my first game and be able to sell it on Steam. I will use Blender and substance painter as tools to create models and texture them. I also plan on using Chat GPT and YouTube to find code. This will be for the entertainment industry.
   2. I want to make a small single-player game on my own in Unreal Engine 5 and put it on my resume. 
2. Needs Assessment:
   • Many of the current and future needs in the gaming industry are people who can 3D model, animate, texture and code.
   • How can AI address these needs with a focus on generative AI technologies.
3. Skills and Technology Overview:
   • The only generative AI skills and technologies required to meet identified needs are ChatGPT
   • My current skills are 
     • Motion Capture
     • Key frame animation
     • 3D modeling
     • Texturing
     • Rigger
   • I need to develop my skills in coding.
4. Learning and Development Plan:
   • I don’t need a budget for materials or any courses.
   • I can get all my courses from YouTube and Chat GPT.
5. Application and Impact:
   • Substance painter is for creating textures
   • Blender is for modeling and animations
   • Unreal Engine 5 is for putting everything together as a game with code.
   • I will know If I can get the funding to create a bigger and greater game and the gamers will have found another indie developer.
6. Project Timeline:
   1. Create the idea of game.
   2. Create models, animations and textures using Blender and Substance painter.
   3. create code for game using Unreal Engine 5 and Chat GPT.
   4. Test game so I can polish it.
   5. publish game on steam.
7. Budget:
   • I am not paying any money to be able to create things in these programs. I already paid for substance painter with no subscription, blender is free and Unreal engine 5 doesn’t require me to pay until I’ve made a million dollars. Steam requires that I pay $100 to publish a game which is no big deal.
8. Evaluation and Reflection:
   • The project’s success will be if it gains 10,000 sales. The price of the game will be $1. I am not expecting a lot of sales or attention but this is a good baseline for success.
   • Include a plan for reflecting on the learning process, challenges faced, and how obstacles were overcome.

Output:

Skill Development & Learning Plan

Coding Skills:

• Objective: Learn to program in Unreal Engine 5 using its scripting languages (e.g., C++ and Blueprints).
• Resources: Use free online resources such as YouTube tutorials on Unreal Engine 5 coding. ChatGPT can help clarify concepts, debug issues, and provide coding examples.
• Timeline: Dedicate specific blocks of time each week for learning and practicing coding.

Integrating AI Technologies:

• Generative AI for Game Development: Use AI tools to assist in generating code snippets, debugging, and perhaps even creating basic game assets or narrative elements.
• ChatGPT: Utilize ChatGPT for generating dialogue, story plots, or solving specific coding problems.
• AI-based Plugins: Explore AI plugins available for Unreal Engine 5 that can automate or simplify tasks like texturing, animation, or environmental design.

Game Development Phases

Idea & Concept Development:

• Objective: Develop a clear, concise game concept that includes the main theme, gameplay mechanics, and storyline.
• Tools: Mind mapping tools, storyboarding, and initial sketches using digital art software.

Asset Creation:

• Modeling and Texturing: Use Blender for 3D modeling and Substance Painter for texturing. Employ your skills in 3D modeling, rigging, and texturing to create detailed game characters and environments.
• Animation: Implement both motion capture and keyframe animation techniques to bring characters and elements to life.

Game Coding and Integration:

• Objective: Program game mechanics, player interactions, and other functionalities within Unreal Engine 5.
• Generative AI Assistance: Use AI to suggest code optimizations or troubleshoot issues as you integrate assets into the game engine.

Testing & Polishing:

• Objective: Ensure the game is functional, enjoyable, and free of bugs.
• Process: Conduct both closed alpha tests (personal tests) and beta tests (open to selected users) to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.

Publishing:

• Objective: Launch the game on Steam.
• Steps: Prepare all necessary marketing materials, such as trailers and screenshots. Pay the Steam Direct fee to publish your game.

Budget & Resources

• Cost Analysis: The main cost will be the Steam Direct fee ($100). All software tools are either already owned or free.
• Additional Costs: Consider potential expenses for marketing, additional hardware for testing, or freelance help if needed.

Evaluation & Reflection

• Success Metrics: Aim for 10,000 sales at $1 each as a measure of success.
• Reflection: Regularly document the development process, challenges faced, and solutions found. Reflect on what learning methods and tools were most effective, and how obstacles were overcome.

Timeline Overview

• Month 1-2: Learning and conceptualizing game idea.
• Month 3-6: Asset creation and initial game coding.
• Month 7-8: Integrating assets and coding with Unreal Engine 5.
• Month 9: Testing and making adjustments.
• Month 10: Final preparations and publishing on Steam.