Computer Game Progress Report Template - CMPS 80K - Foundations of Interactive Game Design

Computer Game Progress Report Template - CMPS 80K

In general, the format for the progress report is the same as for the work breakdown structure. Changes to the previous document are noted in blue below.

There are three main elements to your work breakdown template, tasks, a time estimate for each task, and the person(s) assigned to the task. Your template should include the following elements:

Name of your group, and the name of all members of your group. It is important for you to include the names of all group members, so we can correctly assign grades.
Title of your game
A table, consisting of four columns:

Task

Task Description

Time Estimate

Date Completed

People Assigned

A brief name that describes the current task. Examples include:

"Create room artwork"
"Create sprite artwork"
"Create sprites and objects in Game Maker"
"Create jumping mechanic (platform games) in Game Maker"
"Create rooms in Game Maker"
"Create paths in Game Maker"
"Perform playtesting"
"Write final documentation"

A more detailed description of each task.

Example:

"Use Photoshop to create the artwork for the game sprites, including the giant slugs, and mutant deer."

"Create the paths for the giant slugs, walking redwoods, and mutant deer objects."

"Playtest the game with 5 volunteers, while team members watch and take notes."

This is an estimate of how much time you think this task will take. Typically this will be expressed in total hours. For example, if two people will do the task, and you think it will take them 2 hours to complete the task, then you would write 4 hours as your estimate (2 people * 2 hours). If you have already completed the task, write down the actual time it took you to complete the task.

This is the date by which the task should be completed. If you have already completed a task described in the previous work breakdown document, indicate "completed" in this column, and write down the actual time it took to perform the task. Mentally note whether this was longer, shorter, or the same as your time estimate.

Note that the final project is due Monday, March 10.

Which person, or persons are assigned to the task. If there is only one member of a group, you can omit this column.

Creating artwork.
Creating the soundtrack.
Preliminary level design
Performing work inside Game Maker. Possible work breakdowns include creating specific rooms, or creating sprites/sounds/objects/paths/rooms individually, then integrating them.
Regular group meetings.
Submitting the functional prototype of your game (due Friday, February 15).
Writing the progress report for your game (that is this document, due Friday, February 15).
Playtesting of your game.
Tuning the play of your game.
Writing the final documentation for your game (due with your game, Monday, March 10).

If you have modified the scope of your game to improve your ability to complete the game on time, please describe the reduction in scope after the table. This can include things like having fewer choices of player character, fewer levels, fewer monsters, etc.