#interact19 project

[vegansorceress]

Twitter

I never enjoyed using Twitter until I started using it almost 100% exclusively to interact with the writing community. I never knew how many writers there were on Twitter, but there seem to be new accounts devoted to agents, writing advice, published authors, pitch contests, publishers -- you name it -- cropping up every day. 

It is the #1 form of social media that I use to connect with other writers.

Some of my favorite writers, such as V.E. Schwab and Patrick Rothfuss use Twitter religiously to connect with fans. They post fan art, start funny dialogues and keep fans up-to-date with goings on. I find out about new book releases this way, too. 

Some agents I admire host Q&A sessions where anyone can tweet at them and ask questions about the industry and they will respond. A lot of agents are super active on Twitter and it’s really helpful to look at what they are interested in as I am building my list of agents to query this coming summer. 

I have learned so much on Twitter about the writing community, writing life, and author life in general. It has been really helpful for me. Because of Twitter, I even had an agent discover my blog and contact me personally to ask me to submit once I am done with my MA programme. 

Twitter might seem dumb or useless to some, but when used as a way to market yourself, connect with others in the publishing industry, and learn more about writing -- I have found it to be seriously helpful. 

Overall, my experience with Twitter has been really positive. 

[sheila-interactive-blog]

I came across this quote and think it reflects where I am at with my individual project.  Maybe some of you might be rolling your eyes at this point!

[nastassia-interactive-blog]

My Gaming World

After looking at what kind of games I am interested in and why in my last post it was easy to see what kind of game I should be designing. 

A little bit about the world I am creating this project within....

Subland has been built underneath Edinburgh in 2038 by survivors. Above, the city is overrun by monstrous machines and bio-mechanical people who have lost their minds. The only thing these monsters care about is metal and power - they’ll do anything to get it and return it to The Creator who resides at The Core, deep within Subland. 

Subland consists of three main ‘segments’ that are the biggest and most advanced pockets of civilisation, with a handful of other ‘clusters’ throughout which are smaller camps of people. These are all interlinked by mazes of tunnels built as needed for people to travel around.

In the crumbling of humanity, a new religion formed: Neo-Oculism. Residing below the Royal Observatory, Neo-Oculists are divided into three tiers: seers (general believers), Zeniths (committed followers and helpers) and Eyeless (devoted priestlike sect). They are led by the teachings and prophecies of The Lens. In short, they are watching and studying, waiting for the descension of the God they believe will save them from this technology ruined world and take them to a ‘pure land’. They do not believe in the merging of metal upon flesh as has ��corrupted’ humanity so all are free of the prosthetics that have become commonplace on people in 2038. 

In this sect of the survivors I want to place the player, giving them three avenues to explore. They will discover what has happened to the world and more importantly, how their role and their decisions will affect the outcome. 

This is part of a larger transmedia project, the novel of which I am working on for major project. This novel follows another aspect of Subland, only scratching the surface of the potential of the Neo-Oculists’ involvement. By integrating a game, it can unlock this part of the world without crossing the other story or interfering with it. It just adds meaning if you chose to experience both which is my understanding of the best use of transmedia (I have been using A Creator’s Guide to Transmedia Storytelling by Andrea Philips for a deeper understanding and it has been fab, I highly recommend it to anyone doing anything transmedia!)

With all this in mind, I am focusing on platform now. At this point I have chosen PC and more specifically, Steam. I’ll go into the reasons for this in my next post and after this week’s class on platforms that may change my mind or help my reasoning, let’s see! 

[remember-the-flames-blog]

Interactive Media Project: The First Path

Over the next couple of months I will be developing a project proposal for my module in Interactive Media. There are a wealth of potential paths to go down for this project. So to focus my view, I’ve chosen to work on a concept for a game, since I’ve been a “gamer” for most of my life.

I’ve basically always been a Playstation player. One of my first memories is playing the PS1 version of A Bug’s Life, which connected me to the film in a whole other manner. Browsing my smallish collection of games reminds I played a lot of platformers as a youngster - such as Spyro. I got so many hours out of that game. The world felt so big and exploring areas is definitely something that I still appreciate even today.

Like a lot of high school kids, I had my phase in online gaming, but recent years I have got more into playing single player games that focus on story. Which makes sense considering I am studying screenwriting. Narrative design for games is something that appeals to me and it excites me that I have an opportunity to explore that area during this module.

Recently I have been rather busy, so haven’t played as many games as I would like, but two I’ve enjoyed recently are God of War and Detroit: Become Human. God of War is based on Norse mythology, an area I already had an interest in, so it was fun to have the myths weaved into the story with some changes that kept me on my toes. Detroit: Become Human is a game based around androids becoming sentient. The game utilised story branching, with certain decisions (often made in a split second) affecting the end result of the story. Both these games are action-adventure games, which I feel is the genre I enjoy most - so I hope to develop a concept that reflects this.

In saying that I enjoy abstract, almost surreal works in other forms of art and I plan on exploring a few more abstract games in the coming weeks. I would like to develop a game that forges an emotional connection, in perhaps a slightly more unique manner. But we shall see. Memory is a topic that greatly interests me. What shines brightest? What fades quickest? Small moments. Big moments. Perhaps tying into dementia. Exploring someone’s mind.

I have tendency to get carried away, but I’ll keep working on narrowing down where I want to go with this proposal. Thoughts are beginning to bubble.

[vegansorceress]

My Project Proposal Concept

For my project I have two ideas floating around. Both deal with veganism and food.

Idea #1: A vegan walking tour of Edinburgh. I went on one in Dublin that was absolutely fantastic. It was rich with culture, history, and of course -- delicious vegan food. I have not found one in Edinburgh, surprisingly, with all of the vegan restaurants here. 

As a tourist or a person new to the vegan scene, it’s a great way to get acclimated with a city, see some sights, and enjoy some vegan eats.

Idea #2: EcoHub = AirBnB meets Happy Cow.

A one-stop-shop for eco-friendly accommodation, experiences, and veg restaurants. 

[sheila-interactive-blog]

This sums up where I am at with my individual project!!!

[vegansorceress]

Paper Sail Experience

I chose to experience Paper Sail this week and really enjoyed it. I thought it was extremely interesting and relaxing. It continually amazes me what types of interactive experiences that are available. 

I thought it Paper Sail was definitely better suited for a mobile device than a computer, as mobile devices tend to be more ‘hands on’ and feel more intimate than a computer.

Nothing really happens with this ‘game’ beyond sailing around a little paper boat under a starry night with ethereal music playing in the background. It reminded me slightly of the equivalent to one of those sand boxes with a miniature rake that people put on their desk at the office. It’s a way to relax and tune out from the traditional games with plots and dialogue. 

Overall, I enjoyed experiencing Paper Sail. 

[vegansorceress]

Interacting With Interactive Media

It is an interesting concept that interactive media can be without the use of technology. A game amongst friends -- or classmates, as we saw last week, can be a way to interact with the internet of things. Whenever I have thought of interactive media, my mind always goes to tech. But the game exercise was an interesting way to show that this is an incorrect assumption. For my personal project it is about connecting things (homes, restaurants, experiences) through technology. Technology can be wonderful if you are using it. However, when it starts to use you -- that’s where SciFi becomes real life. For example, one thing that has been in the news of late is Elon Musk’s neural lace. Not only do I find this terrifying, but the fact that people are already working on this and Musk is acting like this will be out for the public *soon* -- is kind of jaw-dropping, but shouldn’t be surprising. I personally believe him to have nefarious motives (what could possibly go wrong with implanting the internet into your brain?) But this is a way to literally interact with the internet. If it is implanted into our brain, we would in a sense, be merging with technology.

http://nautil.us/blog/-will-this-neural-lace-brain-implant-help-us-compete-with-ai

[sheila-interactive-blog]

Individual Project

This is a short blog on my individual project.  I am still trying to firm up my ideas on what I can do.  I am also slightly worried because I feel all my colleagues are perhaps ahead of me and I am still in the ideas stage.  This is part of the reason for the delay in blogging about my individual project is because I didn’t feel comfortable writing a blog because I feel everyone else is ahead of me.   I also thought it might make me look stupid that I have too many woolly ideas.  Anyway, we were told to be honest in our blogs so here goes. I have been thinking about what I enjoy doing and have a few ideas as follows which I am considering:

1.    A game based on the future set in the year 3033.

2.    Creating a user-friendly ‘Skyscanner’ style internet search engine for the property market. In Scotland one has to go to a number of sites like ESPC, Rightmove, Prime Location, Zoopla etc. to find properties because they are not in one place.  This is because ESPC only lists properties sold by their member solicitors and excludes estate agents like Savills and Rettie, which use other platforms like Rightmove to advertise their properties.  Although Zoopla claims to cover the whole market, I do not find it user-friendly.

3.    Something interactive related to hiking / long distance walking

4.    Something interactive related to travelling.

5.    Something interactive related to pets / animals / cats / dogs.

6.    An Interactive Spiritual Site with positive, real-life heart-felt stories which inspires people – a bit like ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ idea.  It can include stories and quotes that leaves people feeling uplifted and inspired.

7.    A game where female characters are ruling the world/universe.

Brian and David have also been very helpful with their feedback / comments and support so I also using what they have told me to research my ideas. Thank you Brian / David :-)

[sheila-interactive-blog]

Individual Project 4: Cowbird, Tiny Buddha and Louise Hay...

So for my individual project, I have been looking at Cowbird (http://cowbird.com/faq/) – a now defunct website which is a catalogue of real life human experiences.  David Griggs suggested I look at this as part of my individual project.

The project was started by artist and computer scientist to Jonathan Harris in 2011 to create a digital archive of shared human consciousness.  

I looked through the website, watched some TED talks by Jonathan Harris which were interesting.  However, Cowbird is more about a diverse range of human experiences.  

I want my website / project to be about inspiring people, helping them overcome challenges and how they go onto achieve things in their life.  I also like the Tiny Buddha website (www.tinybuddha.com) and may try and incorporate those ideas and also Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life concepts.  It’s all still in progress but my aim is to keep it simple as simplicity always works best.  And no, I haven't changed my mind yet as per my last posted image.

[sheila-interactive-blog]

Individual Project 2: Inspiration.

Here is brief outline of my individual project (or what I hope it will be).

My idea is to create a website with inspirational real life stories.  These are real life motivational stories around faith, hope, love, courage, determination, karma, angel stories etc.  Its purpose is to leave people feeling energised and inspired.  I envision it being like a self-help website, that encourages people to fulfil their potential and discover their own path in life.  

I am also thinking about tying it in with mental health / psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy and perhaps providing these to organisations that work with mental health issues like charities, NHS, GP practices etc.

I may even turn it into a Kindle / online book full of stories and will also consider other platforms.  Still thinking and more to follow...

[sheila-interactive-blog]

During my research into the gaming world, this week,  I came across this very inspirational article on gaming.  This has given me food for further thought on my individual project. I think I want my project to be uplifting and inspirational so this article is giving me more food for thought.

[nastassia-interactive-blog]

How will we play your game?

Since last week’s platforms class, I’ve been exploring and thinking about what platform my project will be best suited for and how I can make the most of the mechanics it brings. 

As I mentioned before, I previously had an idea of what I wanted to use and why. Although I spent a lot of time questioning and analysing this decision alongside the discussion from class, I am happy to say I haven't changed my mind. 

So let’s get into it...

My interactive story (is it too much of a stretch to call it a game?) will be designed for PC and more specifically, Steam (or maybe a browser). This means it could reach a wider audience and is more accessible as you don’t need a specific console to play it. It is part of a wider transmedia project so in this sense it will be easier for people who may have visited the website to then stay on the same platform and open the game to play it rather than losing part of the audience because they don’t have the console or can’t be bothered. 

The long term goal would be on the Subland website there is a map of Subland and when you click on The Observatory area it’ll take you either to the browser game or the Steam game. If you keep your website open it’ll update your findings which will alter info on your account and things you see on the site.

This is quite audience focused and my reasoning on a mechanics level is again about accessibility. Steam is known more for smaller games and people would more readily try out a game on there than they would on the playstation where it is known more for huge AAA games. 

The suggestion in class was that we are moving towards a world where anyone will be able to play any game on any platform they choose. While I don’t disagree, this doesn’t mean that it’s not important to consider your audience of a particular platform. I do however think that the different mechanics platforms can bring is an interesting element. I want my players have a degree of free roaming in the world, allowing access to certain areas depending on what decisions or storyline they are following. Exploring is a big part of the purpose of my game, as is uniting different audiences by bringing readers to the gaming world and vice versa. This means the mechanics should be simple and fairly unrestrictive as it is about discovery and story. 

For this reason, I think PCs allow the easiest and biggest range of motion using the keyboard or mouse to move and click on things of interest. If you are more comfortable with a console controller, you could also plug one in to a computer anyway. 

[sheila-interactive-blog]

The Vacuum - this is where I am at with my individual project!

[vegansorceress]

Project Proposal

Imagine you are traveling to a new location, but you want to stay in eco-friendly housing/lodging but do not know where to begin. You might also want to dine at an eco-friendly restaurant and/or participate in an eco-friendly experience whilst you’re there.

That’s where EcoHub comes in.

A website and app that is designed to connect you with eco-friendly accommodation, dining, and experiences. Similar to AirBnb, EcoHub focuses directly on eco-friendly experiences. Whether it’s staying in a solar-powered, home, eating at a vegan restaurant, or taking a hillside walk with a local guide -- EcoHub can provide you with the connections you need to the top environmentally friendly travel experience, at all price ranges. 

My plan is to create a website with app capabilities to provide these three simple connections. The idea being that, similar to AirBnb, a user would have to provide their driver’s licence/background check to be an EcoHub member -- and the accommodation/experience/provider would pay a small fee/EcoHub would take a small percentage of each booking. 

I imagine a simple-to-user interface. As of now, this is my project proposal.

[vegansorceress]

Project Post

After speaking to Brian last Thursday, I am going to move forward with my EcoHub idea. As far as technical scope goes, I will need a website, at the very least. I think there is app capability as well, but for this project, the website would need to come first as the app would be simply an extension of the website. 

The website will be  similar to AirBnB blended with Happy Cow, but it will instead strictly focus on eco-friendly housing, experiences, and restaurants for travelers. 

My next steps are to research competitors and how easy/costly it would be to set up this website/business.