As a critical element of the curriculum established by the Game Design Initiative at Cornell University (GDIAC), I was part of an eight-member team that developed a cross-platform desktop game named Fallen Flame. Our ensemble was bifurcated into two specialist subteams: one focused on programming, and the other on art. As a constituent of the programming subteam, my responsibilities extended to the creation of core game controllers, the implementation of various in-game models, and the management of the sound and input subsystems.
The game was architected utilizing the Java programming language, supported by the LibGDX framework. Contrary to using a ready-made commercial game engine like Unity, we opted to meticulously craft multiple aspects of the project. This included the design and implementation of an input handling system, a sound system, and a particle system. The project bestowed upon me invaluable experience in critical components of video game development.
Alongside the technical aspects of game implementation, my colleagues and I designed the entire framework of our game from the ground up, placing significant emphasis on gameplay. This demonstrates that the project was not merely a technical venture but also an endeavor of design. Through this process, we gained substantial insights into crafting a game that optimizes player enjoyment. Our final product manifests the knowledge we acquired.
In conclusion, we created a product that is a testament to our dedication and hard work. The final output (available on Windows and macOS) and associated codebase are publicly accessible on GitHub. This initiative was undertaken as a component of my minor degree in Game Design.