Reflection

What was successful

Theo’s comments on the music.

“It feels familiar but uncomfortable at the same time”

This is encouraging, as the aim of the music was to be simple and repetitive, with a layer of uncomfortably. This is also interesting, as Theo heard the music, without playing the game as an experience.

I got Maria to test the game. Her comment was that she thought people might give up while inside the labyrinth. I found this an interesting proposition. I think it ties into the repetition element, the sounds, though changing, are all very similar, however, as an ‘art piece this is what I was going for. She also said it’s cool and sounds good, so that’s a positive response.

Improvements

The build I uploaded is not a state I would consider complete.

I would like to implement a system where the user can select their own audio files, which will be spacialised in the environment randomly, as opposed to the current system, where the audio files (a sampled recording I have imported myself).

I would also like to change the ‘Thread’ instrument in the game, make it occur more often, and tie its playback to more mechanics in the game. I think it would also be interesting to include more interactive elements and random elements (such as rats moving around the labyrinth) and add more of a compositional reward for completing the labyrinth.

Concluding Thoughts

I would like to continue working on this project and may work on it during the holidays. I would like to expand the library theme, perhaps have bookshelves in the corridors of the labyrinth that contain interactive elements and more varied sounds.

The combinations and language system that I wanted to explore is also something I would like to implement.

I acknowledge that my writing and blogs/documentation have been very lacking for this project. I’ve founds it really hard to be motivated to write, especially on top of all the other writing, but I have actually found it interesting when comparing it to the experience of making the work. sometimes the writing of blogs helped me decide what approach to take, while other times when I have written less, allowed me to experiment with creating without feeling disrupted. I do understand the necessity for marking and the many advantages of this documentation process but i guess im just a bit drained.