The Not So Great Depression

Super Thorny PigeonWilliam Lopez, Brandon Hackett, Ian Henderson,

Thomas Hoffman, and Lisa Lee

DescriptionEvery civilization has its beginning and end. The one that you knew and loved is fast approaching its own end. The global economy completely collapsing within itself, the many people of the world have scattered into worldwide panic. You’re one of the panicking many, however, you’re not about to lie down and let the end of the world happen, are you? The world may be sledding downhill, but you still have a chance to survive: so long as you take the actions to. Your story and setting are for you, the player, to decide. The common thread in each tale: the financial decline of the world around you, and the panic of masses. All you are trying to achieve is survival, but so are several others. No matter the case, and no matter the scenario, trust no one; alliances are but temporary in trifling times, everyone wants to be the last one standing.

But, will you be that last one standing?

The Not So Great Depression is a game for PCs based around strategic survival. Players, in local amounts from two to four players, and online amounts from eight to sixteen, will be playing against each other. The goal of the game is survival, which extends into being the last one standing. Survival comes in many forms, and players can practice this with the way they play the game. Attack, steal from, or even consume other players’ chances of survival. Players will employ all of these options, and more, in order to be the last player, and survivor, that wins the game.

Designer’s Intent

Target audience: Teens to young adults (ages 13~27)Target experience level: Players with an intermediate level of

experienceFormat of game: DigitalPlatform(s) of game: PCGenre of game: First-person, strategic, survivalMode(s) of game: Multiplayer (Locally: 1~4; Online: 8~16)Setting of game: Post-financial apocalypse

Mechanic — Locate/Find

Mechanic — Attack

Mechanic — Steal

Mechanic — Duplicate

Mechanic — Consume

Visual

Another Visual

And Another Visual

Similar Game — Borderlands 2Similarities:

● Six character classes● Vending machines● Presence of “artificial alliances”

Differences:● Presence of “realistic” character classes ● Vending machines are used for

“duplication” than shopping● More manageable item system

Image Description:In the image to the right, we see a

player coming across one of Borderlands 2’s numerous vending machines. These vending machines serve as a means of shopping for new guns and restocking ammunition.

Similar Game — ARMA 3Similarities:

● First-person gameplay perspective● “Last man standing” gameplay mode● Minimal starting gear

Differences:● Presence of “class system”● Presence of “situational objectives”● More challenging aspects via minimal

transportation options

Image Description:The image to the side depicts a

player (of ARMA 3) who has just killed another player in-game. As a result, the game describes on-screen how many players have died in-game, and how many remain.

Similar Game — 7 Days to DieSimilarities:

● Day and night cycle● Permadeath● Post-apocalyptic setting

Differences:● Balanced experience, for newer players● More realistic and relatable situations● Simplistic “item recipes”

Image Description:The image to the side depicts a player

approaching “cotton”. Cotton is one of many in-game materials used for different purposes in 7 Days to Die.

ReferencesFull Sail University. (n.d.). Assignment 4: Bon Appetit!

Retrieved April 28, 2015, from: https://orgsync.com/login/full-sail-university

Lopez, W. (2015, May 1). Borderlands 2 [image captured files].Retrieved May 1, 2015

Chacos, B. (2013, June 11). Hands on with ARMA III and DayZ, PC gaming's E3 vanguards. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2041459/hands-on-with-arma-iii-and-dayz-pc-gaming-s-e3-vanguards.html

LCBradley3k. (2014, August 20). HUNGER GAMES! - Arma 3 Battle Royale Multiplayer Survival [video file].Retrieved May 1, 2015, from: https://youtu.be/89tU6RYljfs

Astral Game Servers Ltd. (n.d.). 7 Days to Die Hosting from just 0.00 per slot.Retrieved April 28, 2015, from: https://www.astralgameservers.com/7daystodie.html

Beardedbob. (2014, December 28). 7 Days to Die 10.4 Gameplay Part 1 - Searching For A New Pad (Solo “Twitch Commentary”) [video file].Retrieved May 1, 2015, from: https://youtu.be/1RqjM1zqkjc