Switchback Studio

This week we have something pretty different: a laid-back game about trail running!

This week’s game focuses largely on aesthetics and atmosphere, with relatively basic gameplay. I wanted to provide the player with something to keep them entertained, while still allowing them to take in the scenery I had created.

I was very torn on what direction to take this game in. On one hand, I could make it more “gamey” by adding obstacles, timers, and so on. On the other hand, I could commit to a more realistic recreation of trail running, focusing primarily on the scenery and environment but without much in the way of moment-to-moment gameplay. In the end, I didn’t think I could do the second vision justice within just one week, so I went with the first.

I had a lot of fun making the landscape and environment this week, and my one regret is that I couldn’t spend more time on it. The Landscape and Foliage systems in Unreal Engine are really effective and satisfying, and I would love to take more advantage of them.

That’s all for this week, see you in Week 7!