Group 2 Team 4 (VOEC Game Review)

Summary

The presentation delves into the artistry behind 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter,' exploring roles such as game artist, sound designer, level designer, and game programmer. It highlights the game's stunning visuals, achieved through photogrammetry, and its immersive soundscape crafted by Marcin Przybylowicz and Nikolai Stroinski. The level design allows players to engage in detective work across various scenes, while the game’s mechanics prioritize exploration and storytelling. Additionally, the role of the game producer is discussed, detailing the game's development timeline and marketing strategies, culminating in favorable sales and reviews. Overall, it showcases the collaborative effort that makes this horror adventure game unique.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a horror adventure game focused on exploration and discovery.
• 🎨 Game artists are responsible for creating the visual components of the game, including characters, textures, and environments.
• 📷 Photogrammetry is a key technique used in the game to create realistic 3D models from photographs, enhancing the game's visuals.
• 🎶 The sound design, created by Marcin Przybyłowicz and Nikolai Stroinski, plays a crucial role in establishing the game's atmosphere and emotional impact.
• 🗺️ Level designers are tasked with creating engaging gameplay environments and puzzles, allowing players to explore in a non-linear fashion.
• 🔍 The game prioritizes environmental storytelling and player freedom, allowing for personal exploration without combat constraints.
• 💻 The Vanishing of Ethan Carter initially launched on PC in 2014 and has since been released on multiple platforms, including PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
• 📅 The game production involved careful scheduling, marketing strategies, and community engagement to build anticipation.
• 📈 Sales figures indicate that the game performed well, with over 60,000 copies sold in its first month and over a million by late 2017.
• 🌍 The game received positive reviews, particularly in Western Europe and the United States, highlighting its artistic achievements and immersive experience.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a game artist in the development of 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter'?

A game artist is responsible for creating the 2D or 3D visual components of the game, including character designs, textures, colors, lighting, and environments. They aim to produce visually appealing graphics that enhance the player's experience.

How does the use of photogrammetry contribute to the game's realism?

Photogrammetry allows developers to create highly detailed 3D models by taking overlapping photographs of real objects and converting them into digital representations. This technique helps achieve a lifelike visual quality that enhances the immersive experience of the game.

What unique sound design techniques were employed in 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter'?

The sound design features an immersive soundscape created by Marcin Prevlovic and composer Nikolai Stroinski, utilizing ambient sounds to enhance the atmosphere. The music complements the gameplay without becoming repetitive, effectively supporting the game's eerie and unsettling tone.

What are the main gameplay mechanics introduced in 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter'?

The game focuses on exploration and environmental storytelling rather than combat. Players investigate mysteries by piecing together memory fragments and solving puzzles that require both observation and interaction with the environment.

How is the game structured in terms of levels and scenes?

The game consists of multiple scenes, each presenting different types of gameplay elements, including exploration, detective work, and puzzles. Players can choose to engage with these scenes in a non-linear fashion, allowing for personal exploration of the narrative.

What platforms is 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter' available on?

Initially released on PC, the game has been made available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, following its remastering with Unreal Engine 4.

What challenges did the developers face in marketing 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter'?

The marketing team opted for a more subtle approach to avoid revealing too much about the storyline, using animated GIFs, trailers, and screenshots to generate interest without spoiling the experience for potential players.

What is the significance of the game’s setting in Red Creek Valley?

Red Creek Valley serves as the primary setting for the game, and its landscapes were inspired by real locations in Wisconsin and Poland. This attention to detail contributes to the game’s immersive environment and enhances its storytelling.

How does the level design impact gameplay in 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter'?

Level design is crucial as it influences player engagement and interaction with the game world. Each level incorporates specific gameplay mechanics that challenge players to solve mysteries and puzzles, enhancing the overall experience.

What were the sales outcomes for 'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter' after its release?

The game sold 60,000 copies in its first month and surpassed one million sales by the end of 2017. It received favorable reviews, particularly for its visuals and sound design.