Challenges

Smashed Bros.

Some of these ideas were determined following the post-mortem, after the Digital Design Document had been completed.

Events Challenge Repeated exposure to the same level can eventually lead to fatigue, especially when the layout remains unchanged. A question that emerged after completing the Digital Design Document was how to maintain novelty in each session

Events

Challenge

Repeated exposure to the same level can eventually lead to fatigue, especially when the layout remains unchanged. A question that emerged after completing the Digital Design Document was how to maintain novelty in each session while encouraging long-term engagement.

Action

Seasonal variants became a long-term consideration to visually alter maps and introduce minor gameplay shifts. For example, winter settings could include ice surfaces that affect movement, as shown in the first illustration above. Time-of-day adjustments were also proposed, with night versions incorporating fluorescent alcohol spills to indicate recent conflict and assist in player tracking, as depicted in the second example. Another direction involved temporary weather systems. Typically, players recover sobriety by locating water sources like fountains, but during rain, environmental saturation could automatically restore it over time, altering pacing and strategy, as shown in the final panel.

Result

While the collection of ideas introduces some feature creep, these concepts outline potential enhancements that extend replay value without rebuilding entire maps. Even without full implementation, such additions offer lightweight methods to refresh familiar environments and shift player decision-making.

Directing Players Challenge During pre-production, it was revealed that there was potential confusion about where players were expected to go to reach the opposing base, which risked disrupting the flow and pacing of matches. Action To prov

Directing Players

Challenge

During pre-production, it was revealed that there was potential confusion about where players were expected to go to reach the opposing base, which risked disrupting the flow and pacing of matches.

Action

To provide guidance, a network of capture points was introduced in the form of bars. These locations serve as strategic and visual waypoints that gradually lead toward the opponent's stronghold. Upon capturing one, a group of non-playable character patrons associated with the establishment is converted to the controlling team. Some remain as defenders, while others patrol the route between the capture point and the enemy location, engaging in weak attacks before returning to their origin to reload.

Result

The system helps players understand directional flow through environmental cues. The movement of allied patrons establishes a natural visual path, encouraging players to follow their progression. The combination of capture points and non-playable character behaviour enhances clarity while maintaining immersion and player agency.

Districts Challenge Maintaining a consistent visual theme across the map was a priority, yet a single aesthetic presented drawbacks. Uniform environments made it difficult for players to identify their location, potentially complicating team co

Districts

Challenge

Maintaining a consistent visual theme across the map was a priority, yet a single aesthetic presented drawbacks. Uniform environments made it difficult for players to identify their location, potentially complicating team communication and navigation.

Action

To create clearer visual landmarks, level meshes could be rearranged to give each bar location a distinct identity. One could showcase clean, upscale architecture, while another might appear neglected or unsafe. Existing assets from the refined section can be reworked to appear weathered by adjusting placement and rotation. Street elements, such as vehicles, can be overturned or broken apart to produce new environmental layouts.

Result

The contrast in visual design enhances player orientation and supports faster recognition of specific map zones. Unique environmental cues enable clearer team communication, as players can now more easily identify and describe their surroundings.

Symmetry Challenge Although symmetrical layouts offer easier balancing, they often lack visual interest. The task was to enhance aesthetics without compromising fairness or creating navigational confusion. Action Instead of modifying the st

Symmetry

Challenge

Although symmetrical layouts offer easier balancing, they often lack visual interest. The task was to enhance aesthetics without compromising fairness or creating navigational confusion.

Action

Instead of modifying the structure of the layout, it was decided that art assets were to be varied while maintaining equal space occupation within the level editor grid. As shown in the image, identical areas on either side of the central dividing line were filled with distinct objects, such as vehicles in different colours. This preserved mechanical balance while improving visual contrast.

Result

Theoretical application suggests that balance remains unaffected while visuals benefit from added variation. If early testing reveals that colour changes are insufficient, further adjustments may involve swapping assets with similarly sized alternatives, like a road construction barrier, to maintain spatial integrity while elevating visual diversity.

Thematic Challenge Post-mortem discussions highlighted that the Digital Design Document could further embrace its alcohol-centric motif. Enhancing the stage with features that better reflect a drink-infused environment presented both creative a

Thematic

Challenge

Post-mortem discussions highlighted that the Digital Design Document could further embrace its alcohol-centric motif. Enhancing the stage with features that better reflect a drink-infused environment presented both creative and mechanical challenges. The question was, “How would this be done?”

Action

The current map resembles a standard club district, but additional features were considered to push the concept further. Examples include a beer slide that functions as both a shortcut and a weapon refill point, or interactive elements like fire hydrants that erupt when struck, providing temporary sources of water for sobriety recovery.

Result

Integrating thematic elements directly into gameplay promotes stronger immersion by linking mechanics with setting. Features that alter player interaction with the map create dynamic opportunities, but careful evaluation is required to ensure such additions remain do not overwhelm the experience.

Return to Previous Page Section