“EcoSystem”
by Lucas, Ngoc, Leyth, and Krystal
Find the first draft here: https://lwcoding.itch.io/ecosystem (PW is: lizardman377g)
Fig 1. Image of P3 game’s progress and playtest by Alex
Overview
The first digital prototype introduces a grid-based ecosystem simulation, featuring different terrain types (rock, grass, water) and three animal species:
-
Duck – a prey species requiring access to grass and water
-
Lion – a predator species with higher health and thirst, requiring access to prey for food
-
Gazelle – a prey species requiring access to grass and water
Each animal has individual stats (health, thirst) and unique movement logic. Players can select and drag animals to set their pathing, while predators use automated pathfinding to chase prey. The Next Turn button advances all animals simultaneously by one step.
First Digital Playtest – 11/09
Player: Alex, a college-aged student who likes animals and video games
Observations:
- Alex had a hard time understanding how to play & what the goal of the game was
- He was unsure whether the goal was to help animals survive, balance the ecosystem, or simply observe behaviors.
- CHANGE: We need a better tutorial and a way to highlight the goal. Possibly add a short tutorial and highlight the player’s objective (keep x, y, z alive)
- Alex liked the puzzle-esque vibes of the game, noting that the pathing mechanic is complex
- Alex wished there were better graphics and visuals
- CHANGE: Add better sprite images and map design
- Alex found that it was impossible to run away from the lion once it was “locked” into you. It was also hard to know what the lion was going to do next.
- CHANGE: We could possibly add more information about how the lion can move so you can plan around that
Questions for Staff
-
What’s the most effective way to teach the mechanics early on. A short interactive tutorial, tooltips, or a “first mission” scenario?
-
How can we make the system feel dynamic enough for multiple playthroughs (e.g., random starting conditions, new animal types, or environmental changes)?
-
How should animal needs (hunger, thirst) impact animal behavior?
- Do you know any similar games? Do you have any general advice for us?
