Discover Middleport: A Journey into Heritage Gaming
As we immerse ourselves deeper into the development of Discover Middleport, our ambitious project to showcase the heritage of this vibrant community, we encounter a multitude of considerations that shape our approach. At the forefront of our minds are efficiency and accessibility, two pivotal elements that guide every decision we make.
When we initially conceptualized this project, we envisioned utilizing Unreal Engine, renowned for its stunning graphics and immersive capabilities, to breathe life into Middleport and its surrounding roads. However, as we delved deeper into the complexities of game development, we encountered a crucial realization: the importance of creating a game that is accessible.
In today's diverse gaming landscape, accessibility is key. We need to ensure that our game can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. From Android to Apple phones, PCs, and consoles, each platform presents its unique challenges. While Android devices offer simplicity, Apple's stringent app store policies and hardware limitations pose significant hurdles. Consoles, on the other hand, while powerful, may not provide the accessibility we seek for our small council-funded project.
After much deliberation, we concluded that a WebGL game or a PC-based game would be the most suitable options for our project. These platforms offer a balance between accessibility and graphical fidelity, ensuring that our game reaches a broad audience while maintaining the level of detail and immersion we envision for Middleport's digital landscape.
As we transitioned our focus to Godot, another powerful and free game engine, the learning curve was steep. However, with determination and expertise, our team quickly adapted, leveraging their skills to navigate the intricacies of the new software. Currently, our team is deeply engaged in the process of adapting to Godot's pipeline, meticulously crafting rows of terraced houses and building a comprehensive texture library using tools like Material Maker.
But our journey doesn't end there. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of Middleport, our team has delved into Middleport Archives, scouring old photographs and exploring the area firsthand. This research ensures that even in our simplified and stylized 3D world, we capture the essence of Middleport's unique charm.
As we continue to sculpt Middleport's digital landscape, we invite you to join us on this immersive journey into heritage gaming. Stay tuned as we progress through the next phase of development, bringing the rich tapestry of Middleport's history to life in a captivating and accessible gaming experience.
