Light in the Darkness - Game design and development focus

Key Features

  • Genre: Atmospheric Horror
  • Gameplay: Single-player, exploration, and survival
  • Setting: Dark forest with a focus on mood and atmosphere

Download link: 

Documentation

Gameplay video:

Awards:

🏆2nd place in Game design award for GradEX 2024

Project Overview

Light in the Darkness is a short atmospheric horror game in which a child lost in a dark forest must collect light while being pursued by a menacing figure. This game was created as my final year project, developed individually using Unreal Engine 5.2.

Development Focus

This project encompassed several key areas of game development:

  • Level Design: Detailed creation of the game environment and map layout to enhance the player experience.
  • Mechanics: Development and implementation of game mechanics, including light collection and evasion of the antagonist.
  • User Interface (UI): Design and integration of in-game UI elements for seamless player interaction.
  • Assets: Adaptation and creation of visual models, such as trees, to fit the game’s aesthetic.
  • Animation: Setup of models with animations and creation of cut scenes.
  • Blueprint Creation: Extensive use of Unreal Engine’s Blueprint system for game logic and interaction.

Skills Developed

  • Unreal Engine 5 Expertise:  Advanced proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, particularly in Blueprint scripting, level design, and UI integration.
  • Game Mechanics Design: Strong ability to conceptualize and implement engaging game mechanics.
  • 3D Modelling and Animation: Experience in adapting and animating 3D models to enhance game realism.
  • Cut Scene Development: Creation of immersive cut scenes to drive narrative and atmosphere.
  • UI/UX Design: Competence in designing user interfaces that are intuitive and enhance the player experience.