Optimizing Building System and Implementing Ghost Buildings for Enhanced Gameplay

 "Optimizing Building System and Implementing Ghost Buildings for Enhanced Gameplay" 

Author: Miguel Martinez Olivares

Date: June 22, 2023

    The Problem During this week of development on Realm Rumble, I faced a challenge related to implementing ghost buildings. While working on the building system, I introduced a feature that displayed a ghost version of the building to show players where it would be placed before confirming the construction. However, I realized that I still needed to find a way to determine if the placement of the ghost building was valid or invalid. This problem had the potential to confuse players and disrupt the strategic decision-making process, affecting the overall user experience.

    To tackle the issue of validating the ghost building placement, I explored different approaches and devised a plan to ensure its accuracy. Firstly, I integrated a raycasting system that detected collisions and obstacles in the game environment. This allowed me to check if the intended position of the ghost building was obstructed or violated any gameplay rules.

Next, I implemented a visual feedback system that changed the appearance of the ghost building based on its validity. When the placement was valid, the ghost building would appear transparent or in a specific colour, indicating that construction could proceed. Conversely, if the placement were invalid, the ghost building would display visual cues such as a red tint or shaking animation, alerting the player to choose a different location.

By providing clear visual feedback, players could quickly determine if their intended building placement was valid or if adjustments were needed. This improved the decision-making process and reduced frustration caused by mistakenly constructing buildings in invalid locations.

Implementing the ghost-building feature with a validation system enhanced the strategic aspect of the game. Architects of Caelum could now plan their building layouts more effectively, optimizing resource management and tactical positioning. Testers appreciated the addition of the ghost-building feature and the validation system, as it added an extra layer of depth to their gameplay experience.

In conclusion, by addressing the challenge of validating ghost-building placements, we enhanced the overall gameplay experience in Realm Rumble. The implementation of the raycasting system and visual feedback not only improved player understanding but also added strategic value to the decision-making process. With these optimizations, architects of Caelum can confidently plan and construct their buildings, leading to a more immersive and satisfying gameplay experience.