Development Log
Follow the my journey of creating "The Heritage Game". Name is not final. From concept to code, technical challenges, cultural research, and creative decisions this project, I will be discussing and detailing all of them here.
π― UI System Integration: HUD and Feedback Systems
Currently in the second week of UI system development, focusing on the initial and very basic HUD components and player feedback systems. The Movement and Combat framework I completed last week is now being expanded with charging indicators, pickup notifications, and combat feedback.
Week 2 Progress Tracking
Bow charging visual feedback integration. I might keep it the existing weapon system I have.
Collection feedback with rarity outline styling
Attack impact and damage feedback. Making the very basics ready for when I implement the Health and Damage system.
πΈ Week 2 Development Screenshots
Watch Progress Video
Bow Charge Camera
Setting up a different VCAM specifically for Bows and testing animation override. Also testing the UI integrations.
First Build
Making the first executable build to test initial performance. Works flawlessly.
Develpment Logs
I use the Debug.Log() statement quite a lot to verify that sections of my code runs and without fail.
Foundation Systems: Movement and Combat Framework
The first week I focused on establishing the core foundation systems that would serve as the backbone for all future development. This included implementing the basis of the advanced movement system with tank controls, setting up the combat framework, and creating the basic pickup system architecture. I did these, in my notebook. :)
Week 1 Completed Systems
Tank controls with dash-roll.
Basic weapon system and charging animation layers
Foundation for inventory management and item collection
Cinemachine setup with multiple camera modes
πΈ Week 1 Development Screenshots
Initial PLayer Character Setup
Using Unity's Character Controller and building off of it to make the Player Movement System
Weapon System Initial Setup
Importing placeholder Bow pickup model.
Animator Layout
I have tried optimizing the layout of the Animator to reuse as much as possible and reduce transition calls. Just don't look at the Parameter section...
ποΈ Cultural ARPG: The Heritage Game
An Open World action RPG celebrating Ghanaian cultural heritage through video games. Players embark on a spiritual and historical journeys, recounting the history of celebrated historical figures.
π Cultural Authenticity Focus
I try to have every aspect of the game be designed with cultural sensitivity and authenticity in mind. For now, the figure I have chosen to have the game be based on is Komfo Anokye. I have done some very basic "research" (reading through Social Studies books) to gauge the level of complexity the game will require. For the roadmap that I have, my technical prowess is enough.
π§ System Architecture & Implementation
The game features a sophisticated technical architecture of my Unity game development knowledge and prowess. I am applying all of my strength and technical know-how into this one. For now though, the character assets and animations you see in the pictures and videos are not mine. The ones you see are placeholders. They are from Realm Royale(RIP) and belong to Hi-Rez Studios. I will be making a character, when I start with modeling and creating my own weapon and character models. That being said though, I am terrible at making art, so if you have a design in mind, please do not hesitate to let me see it.
Development Phases Status
Combat, movement, pickup, animation systems
HUD, inventory, feedback, and menu systems
Environments, audio, and content creation
Optimization, testing, and release preparation
β Completed Systems
- Base Combat System Backend: The very core of the Combat System, I have done.
- Base Pickup System: Inventory Management with rarity-based outlines.
- Base Animation System: Weight-based animations involving Crouching, Sprinting and Walking.
- Movement System: Advanced tank controls with dash-roll.
- Camera System: Cinemachine integration with multiple camera modes.
π From Survey Data to Game Design
After months of collecting responses community through the GAVG survey, I've analyzed the data and extracted key insights that directly influence game design decisions. Took me months to create the development framework based on the community's preferences for action RPGs, cultural storytelling, and traditional aesthetics validated my development direction.
Key Survey Insights Implemented:
- Genre Preference: Action RPG mechanics with cultural storytelling. (Only one story so far)
- Visual Style: Authentic cultural aesthetics over generic fantasy.
- Gameplay Elements: Spiritual/magical combat systems. Asset store will come in handy.
π― Design Validation
The survey results confirmed that my approach of combining authentic cultural elements with engaging ARPG mechanics aligns perfectly with community desires. This validation allowed me to proceed with confidence into the development phase.
π Next Steps & Release Timeline
As I've already stated, I will be entering final year UCC schooling. Alongside developing 2 other Paladins fan games, I am going to be ultra busy. But that is not a deterent. I will focus the next 2 months (vacation) on this game and one other to maximize effort. But I am starting Internship tomorrow so development time will be cut by 80%.... (β―Β°β‘Β°οΌβ―οΈ΅ β»ββ»
Upcoming Milestones:
- 2025: Complete UI integration and menu systems
- 2026/2027: Environment creation and world building
- 2026/2027: Traditional audio integration and voice work
- 2026/2027: Beta testing with community members
- 2026/2027: Polish, optimization, and release preparation