Devlog#4:Sprint1_1

After numerous issues and time constraint we were unable to make our core building mechanic good enough for the game to be enjoyable. Instead, we decided to give a new spin to it: instead of collecting blocks to build a tower, players must now collect trash and burn it in their incinerator to score points, and the team to reach a certain score is the winner. As there are no more blocks present in the game, it would only make sense to change its name from 'Block Jocks' to 'Dumpster Fire'.

This new version allows us to keep most of our mechanics (carrying items, throwing, punching, powerups, special blocks) despite changing the core mechanic (scoring points). Pieces of trash have different score values and weight, and special blocks now activate by throwing them in the incinerators.

The arena has been inverted: there is now a trench in the center where all objects will spawn. This is to prevent players from quickly throwing trash in their incinerator from the center, forcing them to get closer.

As our old art style no longer fit the setting of a trash compactor, we decided to change it quite a bit: we now use handpainted textures for both props and the environment, and have modeled objects instead of tetromino shapes. Props now also feature different roughness values (there is no roughness variation within one object, but there is a different global object value based on its material).

We started on the definitive version of the game, coding in Unreal C++, unlike the prototyping that was done using blueprints. 

The current build already has character movement, picking up objects, throwing objects, the incinerator destroying objects and point system. 

Art wise we focused on the most important visuals of the game: the trash props and the arena. Numerous trash objects, including trash bags, metal scrap, wheels and metal beams, have been modeled and implemented in the game.  We also modeled a few props to decorate the arena, namely the big support beams at the edge of the window, and ventilation units for the walls. The floor has a handpainted tileable texture.

Next week we will implement the multiplayer system, death + respawning, and the punching mechanic.