by Michelle Chan
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
IASC3F00 - Second Life Progress Photos
Here are some shots of people working hard, and some progress shots of our simulation.
Team
Brad
Christian
Cory
Michelle (who no longer looks like this)
Sarah
An empty part of the island pre-poly-invasion
Racetrack
Characters
Fire
A blue version of fire, potentially water
Ghost things in a part of the track. I like to think they are Haunters (Pokemon).
Lab
If you're a mad scientist and you don't have teddy bears keeping your brain-in-a-jars company, you're probably doing it wrong. As you can see, Michan is no longer a squat blue gnome, but Batman-head-in-a-jar.
The Shipwreck
(Cybertar Abonwood is a dummy character for guests to play)
by Michelle Chan
Team
Brad ChristianCoryMichelle (who no longer looks like this)SarahAn empty part of the island pre-poly-invasion
Racetrack
Characters
FireA blue version of fire, potentially waterGhost things in a part of the track. I like to think they are Haunters (Pokemon).Lab
If you're a mad scientist and you don't have teddy bears keeping your brain-in-a-jars company, you're probably doing it wrong. As you can see, Michan is no longer a squat blue gnome, but Batman-head-in-a-jar.The Shipwreck
(Cybertar Abonwood is a dummy character for guests to play)
by Michelle Chan
IASC3F00 - Authorship vs. Narration
A discussion of a class that I recorded a video of, but have unfortunately misplaced.
When speaking in a literal, real-world sense, how do we control our lives? Do we author it as we go, or do we simply narrate our journey?
For those who are religious, they may feel that the authorship of their lives is in the hands of a divine one. In this sense, we merely narrate what has been given to us as the story of our lives by another being. Religious or not, things may be placed into our lives that we simply cannot control and in this way, our authorship is very limited, if we had any to begin with. It can also be an implicit part of life that individuals feel differently - when we are backed into a corner, feeling helpless, perhaps it is then that we lose whatever authorship we had over our lives because we willingly give it up.
In disagreement with this, however, is the idea that we would not move forward in life if we did not author ourselves. We would not seek education or work, we would not see the things we feel we need as people.
Narration is much simpler. Whether or not we actually author our lives and our futures, we still live it and narrate life to ourselves. Our actions are merely the implementation and thus, the storytelling of our authored lives.
by Michelle Chan
When speaking in a literal, real-world sense, how do we control our lives? Do we author it as we go, or do we simply narrate our journey?
For those who are religious, they may feel that the authorship of their lives is in the hands of a divine one. In this sense, we merely narrate what has been given to us as the story of our lives by another being. Religious or not, things may be placed into our lives that we simply cannot control and in this way, our authorship is very limited, if we had any to begin with. It can also be an implicit part of life that individuals feel differently - when we are backed into a corner, feeling helpless, perhaps it is then that we lose whatever authorship we had over our lives because we willingly give it up.
In disagreement with this, however, is the idea that we would not move forward in life if we did not author ourselves. We would not seek education or work, we would not see the things we feel we need as people.
Narration is much simpler. Whether or not we actually author our lives and our futures, we still live it and narrate life to ourselves. Our actions are merely the implementation and thus, the storytelling of our authored lives.
by Michelle Chan
IASC3F00 - Language
As a part of class discussion, we reached the topic of language. The most passionate of participants split into two sides - the English language should continue to "evolve" (side A), and the English language should remain the same (side B).
Side A, Brad, felt that the English language should continue to move in the direction of today's common "chat speak". Abbreviations (TBH, FWIW, AFAIK, AFK*) save time and effort, and are of universal knowledge. Language has been evolving for thousands of years, and it makes no sense for it to stop now. Only a few decades from now, language should be so different that the English language we use now will be seen as archaic. People can be more concise and will be able to easily understand each other, eliminating the hassle of diction confusion. Language is not an art form and should not be held captive in old ways. Since it is a part of many people's everyday lives, especially for those who type online very often, it should become a common practice in society. People should not be reprimanded for using it in academia or other serious situations.
Side B, Casey and I, feel that the English language is indeed an art (was I the only person who had "language arts" classes everyday in elementary school?). Abbreviations are NOT common knowledge and many people need to ask or look up what they mean. To take a language that has been moving forward for thousands of years and break it back down into three-to-five letter abbreviations is insulting and degrades it hundreds of years - sending our progress and knowledge of language and literature backwards. Just because "a lot of people" (not everyone) use chat speak, does not justify its significance for the rest of the world; some people use chat speak online, and some do not. For some, it does not save time or effort, or they choose to present themselves as more than stereotypical, lazy-typing chat users. People should most definitely be reprimanded for using such language in serious situations. It is unprofessional and holds no validity, nor should it, in academic submissions. There is a time and a place for chat speak, and that is on chats if people so choose.
How many people would take this seriously? (Click for full size)
*To Be Honest, For What It's Worth, As Far As I Know, Away From Keyboard
by Michelle Chan
Side A, Brad, felt that the English language should continue to move in the direction of today's common "chat speak". Abbreviations (TBH, FWIW, AFAIK, AFK*) save time and effort, and are of universal knowledge. Language has been evolving for thousands of years, and it makes no sense for it to stop now. Only a few decades from now, language should be so different that the English language we use now will be seen as archaic. People can be more concise and will be able to easily understand each other, eliminating the hassle of diction confusion. Language is not an art form and should not be held captive in old ways. Since it is a part of many people's everyday lives, especially for those who type online very often, it should become a common practice in society. People should not be reprimanded for using it in academia or other serious situations.
Side B, Casey and I, feel that the English language is indeed an art (was I the only person who had "language arts" classes everyday in elementary school?). Abbreviations are NOT common knowledge and many people need to ask or look up what they mean. To take a language that has been moving forward for thousands of years and break it back down into three-to-five letter abbreviations is insulting and degrades it hundreds of years - sending our progress and knowledge of language and literature backwards. Just because "a lot of people" (not everyone) use chat speak, does not justify its significance for the rest of the world; some people use chat speak online, and some do not. For some, it does not save time or effort, or they choose to present themselves as more than stereotypical, lazy-typing chat users. People should most definitely be reprimanded for using such language in serious situations. It is unprofessional and holds no validity, nor should it, in academic submissions. There is a time and a place for chat speak, and that is on chats if people so choose.
How many people would take this seriously? (Click for full size)
*To Be Honest, For What It's Worth, As Far As I Know, Away From Keyboard
by Michelle Chan
Christian's Relic Raceway Progress Post #5
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
We are putting the final touches on the game before it is due. The last round of testing should be done on Friday of this week since we couldn’t do it last week. The second questionnaire was finalized last week so all we need is to gather some people to test it. In the game, the scientist is being finished up and the plot of land where our game takes place is isolated by a wall that Cory put up using the administrative account. This way we won’t interfere with the other project on the island.
We are putting the final touches on the game before it is due. The last round of testing should be done on Friday of this week since we couldn’t do it last week. The second questionnaire was finalized last week so all we need is to gather some people to test it. In the game, the scientist is being finished up and the plot of land where our game takes place is isolated by a wall that Cory put up using the administrative account. This way we won’t interfere with the other project on the island.
Christian's Relic Raceway Progress Post #4
Friday, March 26, 2010
We had planned on having the final round of testing today before the project is due in a couple of short weeks but it did not work out so it will need to be postponed till next week. Brad showed everyone the trailer for the game that he had made using FRAPS. It is on Youtube where he uploaded it. Meanwhile, in Second Life, the Air Temple is pretty much complete and the Air Goddess has been made easier to get to. We changed the long spiral staircase into a drop that leads to a teleport to the Final Lab. We had learned from testing that the spiral staircase to the Goddess just took too long and left the players bored.
We had planned on having the final round of testing today before the project is due in a couple of short weeks but it did not work out so it will need to be postponed till next week. Brad showed everyone the trailer for the game that he had made using FRAPS. It is on Youtube where he uploaded it. Meanwhile, in Second Life, the Air Temple is pretty much complete and the Air Goddess has been made easier to get to. We changed the long spiral staircase into a drop that leads to a teleport to the Final Lab. We had learned from testing that the spiral staircase to the Goddess just took too long and left the players bored.
Christian's Relic Raceway Progress Post #3
Friday, March 19, 2010
We held our first round of testing today. Though the game is not complete, we do have enough of it done for a decent test. I completed the questionnaire over the holidays so we distributed it and had a group of 5 people go through the game and see what they thought of it. There is quite a bit more to do because the Air Temple and Air Goddess are not completed and neither is the movie in the Final Lab but we are making good progress.
We held our first round of testing today. Though the game is not complete, we do have enough of it done for a decent test. I completed the questionnaire over the holidays so we distributed it and had a group of 5 people go through the game and see what they thought of it. There is quite a bit more to do because the Air Temple and Air Goddess are not completed and neither is the movie in the Final Lab but we are making good progress.
Christian's Relic Raceway Progress Post #2
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
We decided it would be best to change the Tuesday Seminar time into lab time to work on the project. We also discussed the puzzle in one of the temples and if it was necessary or not and how it could be simplified. There was also talk of how we could find solutions to the scripting problems.
We decided it would be best to change the Tuesday Seminar time into lab time to work on the project. We also discussed the puzzle in one of the temples and if it was necessary or not and how it could be simplified. There was also talk of how we could find solutions to the scripting problems.
Christian's Relic Raceway Progress Post #1
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Our 3F00 game project is progressing steadily and after some consideration, it was decided that we would scrap the name of MythoRas Isle for a better sounding "Relic Raceway." We all felt that the name didn't really fit and it was just a matter of us finding one that we all liked and that fit the game. In actual fact, MythoRas Isle was always more of a temporary title because we couldn't agree on a name when we first discussed it.
Our 3F00 game project is progressing steadily and after some consideration, it was decided that we would scrap the name of MythoRas Isle for a better sounding "Relic Raceway." We all felt that the name didn't really fit and it was just a matter of us finding one that we all liked and that fit the game. In actual fact, MythoRas Isle was always more of a temporary title because we couldn't agree on a name when we first discussed it.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Relic Raceway Update #5
Testing Phase 2
So we did our second test. Our first test was a technical test of what we could do and that was carried out as a group. This second test was an aesthetic check. We had a few people do a simple run through of the game with someone from the group in the room to put things into context. Players were then walked through the main points of the game and asked to complete a simple questionnaire about what they saw. Overall the experience and feedback was good. We found some problem areas and have since fixed them. One person had a problem with the camera but that was because of their unfamiliarity with second life controls. One thing we need to remember for our next test is to put more cars up for testers to use.
The next test is hopefully going to be this Friday and it will be and full prototype of our game so we won't have to be in the room with them. After people are done we hope for them to complete another questionnaire for feedback so we can fix the minor changes we need to before the final due date.
So we did our second test. Our first test was a technical test of what we could do and that was carried out as a group. This second test was an aesthetic check. We had a few people do a simple run through of the game with someone from the group in the room to put things into context. Players were then walked through the main points of the game and asked to complete a simple questionnaire about what they saw. Overall the experience and feedback was good. We found some problem areas and have since fixed them. One person had a problem with the camera but that was because of their unfamiliarity with second life controls. One thing we need to remember for our next test is to put more cars up for testers to use.
The next test is hopefully going to be this Friday and it will be and full prototype of our game so we won't have to be in the room with them. After people are done we hope for them to complete another questionnaire for feedback so we can fix the minor changes we need to before the final due date.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Relic Raceway Update #4
So here is the fourth blog post on a game in Second Life called Relic Raceway. Our class is trying to create a adventure racing game using the tools available in Second Life. This is the fourth update.
Today I am updating in class and we are all working on our induvidual task. Brad and our project cordinator are working on a dummy who will end up being a ship captain. It seems harder than it looks. I am doing this blog post then get back to modeling whatever needs to be done. Christian is nowhere to be found but hopefully doing something productive and Sarah is working on the design document meking it nice and pretty.
Today I am updating in class and we are all working on our induvidual task. Brad and our project cordinator are working on a dummy who will end up being a ship captain. It seems harder than it looks. I am doing this blog post then get back to modeling whatever needs to be done. Christian is nowhere to be found but hopefully doing something productive and Sarah is working on the design document meking it nice and pretty.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Relic Raceway Update #3
So here is the third blog post on a game in Second Life called Relic Raceway. Our class is trying to create a adventure racing game using the tools available in Second Life. This is the third update.
We continued to work on the design document and Sarah and Michelle have been taking pictures/videos of our work process. This is all towards the five pieces of work evidence or something like that. I've decided to do them as blog post on our progress.
Brad has cotinued to create prototype levels and has now created a prototype earth/fire level. It looks good but the scripting with the puzzel and levers may be deficult. Also I'm not huge on the model for the fire/earth guardian/deity thing since it is just a retexture ice one.
We continued to work on the design document and Sarah and Michelle have been taking pictures/videos of our work process. This is all towards the five pieces of work evidence or something like that. I've decided to do them as blog post on our progress.
Brad has cotinued to create prototype levels and has now created a prototype earth/fire level. It looks good but the scripting with the puzzel and levers may be deficult. Also I'm not huge on the model for the fire/earth guardian/deity thing since it is just a retexture ice one.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Relic Raceway Update #2
So here is the second blog post on a game in Second Life called Relic Raceway. Our class is trying to create a adventure racing game using the tools available in Second Life. This is the second update.
On our first day back we discussed the design document. We looked over at an example provided and it looked like alot of work but I'm sure we can get it done.
Next we discussed our name. Mythos Ras Isle just seemed like a little bit of a stretch and we wanted something more inviting to players. So we decided on Relic Raceway and that is what I renamed this blog. I will also be adding that little paragraph to every post at the top introducing anyone who isn't familiar with the project.
On our first day back we discussed the design document. We looked over at an example provided and it looked like alot of work but I'm sure we can get it done.
Next we discussed our name. Mythos Ras Isle just seemed like a little bit of a stretch and we wanted something more inviting to players. So we decided on Relic Raceway and that is what I renamed this blog. I will also be adding that little paragraph to every post at the top introducing anyone who isn't familiar with the project.
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