Visual Impact: Enhancing Player Feedback

Author: Daniel Ben Zvi

Date: 02/03/2024 EST

Blog Entry Part 1: The Suggestion

This week's focus was on elevating player experience through enhanced visual cues. Acting on the suggestion from our instructor, I took on the task of implementing a visual indicator for player and castle hits. The initial concept involved flashing the edges of the screen with a gradient red color to signify impacts. Implementing this required a thoughtful approach to prevent overlapping and ensure a smooth transition.

Blog Entry Part 2: Iterative Implementation

As development progressed, feedback from both the team and external sources suggested improvements. The decision was made to split the effect into two distinct regions: the entire screen edges for player hits and the minimap frame for castle hits. This iteration aimed at providing clearer and more contextual feedback to the player. Ensuring the effectiveness of this visual cue involved refining the timer logic, introducing SFX, and addressing potential disruptions to the gameplay flow.

Blog Entry Part 3: Refinement and Optimization

To enhance the overall experience, additional refinements were made. The flashing effect was carefully adjusted to avoid unnecessary disruptions, and a reset mechanism was implemented to maintain a seamless gameplay flow. The goal was to strike a balance between impactful visual cues and ensuring they complement rather than detract from the gaming experience.

This iterative process of implementing and refining visual cues not only addresses specific feedback but also underscores the importance of continuously seeking ways to improve player engagement and immersion.