Cities of Lights: Steam Game Development Process
1. Pre-production
1.1. Define game concept and core mechanics
Outline the AI-driven NPC system
Design AI personalities and roles within the city
Plan AI learning and adaptation mechanisms
Design the ethical decision-making framework
Create a system of moral dilemmas and consequences
Develop a reputation system tied to player choices
Plan the city-building and expansion mechanics
Design resource management systems
Create progression tiers for city development 1.2. Create a game design document (GDD)
Detail the dual-mode gameplay (VR and flatscreen)
Specify UI and control differences between modes
Plan for seamless transition between VR and flatscreen
Describe the AI-human coexistence narrative
Outline main story arcs and side quests
Plan for branching narratives based on player decisions 1.3. Develop a project timeline and budget
Create a detailed development roadmap
Allocate resources for VR-specific development 1.4. Research and plan blockchain integration for ethical decision-making
Investigate blockchain platforms suitable for game integration
Design a system to record and validate player decisions on the blockchain
2. Set up development environment
2.1. Install Unreal Engine (latest version) 2.2. Set up version control (e.g., Git) 2.3. Install necessary plugins for VR development
3. Prototyping
3.1. Create a basic level layout for the Cities of Lights
Design a modular city grid system
Implement basic procedural generation for city layouts 3.2. Implement core gameplay mechanics
Develop basic AI-driven NPC interactions
Create simple dialogue systems
Implement basic AI pathfinding and behavior trees
Create a prototype of the ethical decision-making system
Design UI for presenting moral dilemmas
Implement a basic consequence tracking system
Implement basic city-building mechanics
Create placeable building system
Implement resource generation and management 3.3. Set up basic VR and flatscreen controls
Develop VR movement systems (teleportation and smooth locomotion)
Implement VR interaction mechanics (grabbing, pointing)
Create equivalent keyboard/mouse controls for flatscreen mode 3.4. Prototype the multiplayer functionality for collaborative city-building
Implement basic networking for shared city instances
Create systems for collaborative resource management
Design conflict resolution mechanics for player disagreements
4. Asset Creation
4.1. Design and create 3D models for the Cities of Lights 4.2. Develop textures and materials 4.3. Create or source sound effects and music 4.4. Design UI elements for both VR and flatscreen modes
5. Core Development
5.1. Implement game systems
Develop advanced AI-driven NPC behaviors and interactions
Create complex AI decision trees and behavior patterns
Implement AI learning systems that adapt to player actions
Create a robust ethical decision-making system with consequences
Develop a branching narrative system tied to ethical choices
Implement long-term consequences that affect city development
Implement detailed city-building and management mechanics
Create intricate resource chains and interdependencies
Develop city policies and ordinances system 5.2. Develop VR-specific features
Implement advanced teleportation systems with arc visualization
Create intuitive hand presence and gesture-based interactions
Develop VR-specific UI elements (e.g., holographic menus) 5.3. Create flatscreen-specific features
Implement advanced camera controls with multiple viewing modes
Develop keyboard shortcuts for efficient city management
Create context-sensitive mouse interactions 5.4. Implement save/load system
Develop a comprehensive game state serialization system
Create cloud save functionality for cross-platform play 5.5. Develop menu systems for both VR and flatscreen
Design intuitive VR menu interactions (e.g., virtual tablets, wrist menus)
Create equivalent menu systems for flatscreen with hotkeys 5.6. Integrate blockchain technology for ethical decision tracking
Implement secure blockchain transactions for major player decisions
Create a system to verify and display ethical choices across player base 5.7. Implement multiplayer features for collaborative city-building
Develop real-time synchronization of city states across clients
Create tools for player communication and cooperation
Implement systems for managing shared resources and responsibilities
6. Level Design
6.1. Create detailed levels based on the Cities of Lights concept
Design futuristic architecture and landscapes
Create distinct districts showcasing various AI specializations 6.2. Implement advanced lighting and post-processing effects 6.3. Place interactive elements and AI-driven NPCs 6.4. Design and implement ethical dilemma scenarios throughout the city 6.5. Create dynamic elements that change based on player decisions
7. Polish and Optimization
7.1. Refine gameplay mechanics 7.2. Optimize performance for both VR and flatscreen 7.3. Implement graphics settings for various hardware configurations
8. Testing
8.1. Conduct internal playtesting 8.2. Fix bugs and issues 8.3. Perform VR-specific testing (comfort, motion sickness prevention) 8.4. Conduct external beta testing
9. Steam Integration
9.1. Create a Steam Developer Account 9.2. Set up your game's Steam store page 9.3. Implement Steam SDK features (achievements, leaderboards, etc.) 9.4. Set up Steam VR integration
10. Certification and Submission
10.1. Ensure compliance with Steam's content policies 10.2. Prepare marketing materials (screenshots, trailers) 10.3. Submit the game for Steam review
11. Launch Preparation
11.1. Develop a marketing strategy 11.2. Create a launch trailer 11.3. Prepare press releases and contact media outlets
12. Post-launch
12.1. Monitor player feedback and bug reports 12.2. Develop and release patches as needed 12.3. Plan and implement post-launch content updates
Remember to iterate on this process as needed and always prioritize creating a high-quality, engaging experience for both VR and flatscreen players.
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