Skate to Home

Concept statement: 

You missed your bus home and are helplessly lost in the city. But don't worry, you have your skateboard with you. Make your way through the city streets, dodging obstacles, and collecting dropped money while racing against the clock. Will you make it back home ON TIME after completing 5 levels? 

Genre/category:

Platformer casual games – similar to games like Samurai Gunn 2 released in 2021 (SCRAMBLER, 2021),  Pizza Tower released in 2023 (Tour De Pizza, 2023), and other great platformer games. Skate to Home is a role-playing game where the player takes control of a character known as a skateboarder and navigates through different levels with a familiar street background where the player needs to jump on the platforms, collect items, and avoid obstacles. 

In comparison to Samurai Gunn 2 and Pizza Tower, Skate to Home differs in several aspects. While Samurai Gunn 2 and Pizza Tower are action-platformers, Skate to Home is primarily categorized as a casual-platformer game. Skate to Home emphasizes avoiding obstacles and puzzle-solving, whereas Samurai Gunn 2 emphasizes fast-paced combat, and Pizza Tower emphasizes exploration and combat.

Like Pizza Tower, Skate to Home is a single-player experience with no multiplayer mode. However, unlike both Samurai Gunn 2 and Pizza Tower, Skate to Home is a more casual game, with a slower pace and less emphasis on combat. Instead, Skate to Home's gameplay is centered around navigating levels, collecting items, and solving puzzles.

Overall, while Skate to Home shares some similarities with Samurai Gunn 2 and Pizza Tower in terms of being a platformer game, it differs in terms of gameplay mechanics and focus.

Concept creation process and influences:

The game is based on my personal experience of skating back home after missing the bus and being unable to afford a taxi. In such situations, skating has always been a source of adrenaline for me, especially when I’m racing against time. The rush of wind in my face, the swishing sound of my skates, and the pounding of my heart as I try to reach home before it’s too late. I still remember the days when I used to miss the bus and skate furiously down the road, hoping to make it back in time. Along the way, I would collect coins dropped by generous strangers, who were probably amused by the sight of a young kid skating at breakneck speed. Despite the thrill of the chase, I couldn’t always make it home on time. Sometimes, I would arrive late and have to face the consequences. It was during those moments that I realized the importance of punctuality and being responsible. That’s why the idea of getting home on time is not just a game, but a life lesson that I hope others can learn from too. 

 Skate to Home came with the idea of my passion to level up my skateboarding and make it into a game until I ended with something that genuinely initiated my interest while walking back home after missing my bus. I came up with the idea of combining three games into one unique game. Firstly is an endless runner game: Subway Surfer (see Figure 1)

Figure 1: Gameplay screenshot from Subway Surfer. The image demonstrates what the game interface looks like when the player plays the game

Subway Surfer is a popular endless runner mobile game where the player controls mischievous kids who must evade the subway inspector and his dog by running along tracks, collecting coins, and power-ups while dodging obstacles. The more the player goes, the more addictive the game is, fueling the urge of collecting more money while dodging the obstacles. However, this game is a 3D game and I want to make something more simple, hence I have imagined a simpler version of  Subway Surfer might look like

• Angry Birds

Figure 2: This is how an Angry Birds interface looks like according to Blandford (2013)

GamesRadar staff (2022) describes Angry Birds (Figure 2) as a mobile game that centres around puzzle-solving, requiring players to launch a set number of birds strategically at pigs in order to demolish structures. Each bird in the game possesses a distinctive ability, and the game’s intricate level designs and deliberate pig placement ensure a challenging experience. Additionally, the game’s supply of birds is limited for each level, adding another layer of difficulty for players

• Flappy Bird

Figure 3: Photo Flappy Bird  gameplay from a report by Johnson (2014)

In 2013, Flappy Bird (Figure 3), a widely recognized mobile game, was introduced, featuring a bird that players controlled as it navigated through a sequence of pipes without making contact with them. Despite its simple graphics, the game’s gameplay was highly engaging and quickly gained popularity. However, due to concerns about its addictiveness, the developer withdrew the game from app stores. Despite my efforts to complete the game, I was unable to do so due to its challenging nature, despite having played it in 2013. 

The idea behind creating an addictive game involves combining elements from popular games such as Subway Surfers (Figure 1), Angry Birds (Figure 2), and Flappy Bird (Figure 3). The game will have endless running movements similar to Subway Surfers and challenging obstacles inspired by Angry Birds (Figure 2), while incorporating simple graphics and movements from Flappy Bird (Figure 3). To make the game even more challenging, a timer will be added. This concept is inspired by the simple and addictive gameplay mechanics of these popular mobile games, which Skate to Home also draws inspiration from by incorporating similar mechanics like avoiding obstacles and collecting items.

Like Samurai Gunn 2 and Pizza Tower, Skate to Home is a platformer game with modern-style graphics and simple controls. However, while Samurai Gunn 2 and Pizza Tower emphasize fast-paced action and combat, Skate to Home is a more relaxed experience that emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving.

My inspiration for this game came from my daily routine of skating home when I couldn't afford an Uber every time I missed the bus, which usually led to sacrificing my free time for other activities. This experience made me realize that one thing can lead to another and influenced me to create a game that is both fun and challenging. To increase the game's level of difficulty and addictiveness, I suggest adding a timer since most of the games I drew inspiration from lack a time limit. This would add a new level of challenge and motivate players to improve their score

Audience and competitive analysis: 

Skate to Home's engaging and diverse gameplay mechanics are sure to appeal to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to avid puzzle solvers. It's intuitive controls and simple graphics make it an ideal choice for players of all ages, while its challenging obstacles and puzzles ensure a satisfying gameplay experience for those seeking a more cerebral challenge. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement, keeping players engaged and interested throughout the game

Skate to Home is a game that can appeal to a wide range of players due to its simplicity and cartoonish graphics. Specifically, younger players may find the game particularly exciting and accessible, as it offers an immersive experience that encourages exploration and creativity. At the same time, more experienced gamers will appreciate the game's unique approach to the casual game genre, as its challenging puzzles and obstacles provide a satisfying and rewarding gameplay experience.

Whether players are seeking a quick and fun gaming experience or a more challenging adventure, Skate to Home delivers. With its unique approach to completing the game and engaging gameplay mechanics, Skate to Home is sure to be a hit with players of all ages and skill levels.

The game's mechanics are straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible to players of all learning abilities. However, that doesn't mean the game is too easy or lacks excitement. Skate to Home features various obstacles and challenges that players need to overcome, requiring quick reflexes, and strategic thinking. From dodging obstacles to performing stunts, every level presents a new and exciting challenge. The game’s cartoonish appearance and simple graphics add to its appeal, making it a hit with teenage audiences. 

While Skate to Home is an enjoyable game for casual gamers, it may not appeal to players seeking complex gameplay and challenging concepts. However, for those looking for a fun and addictive game that can be played in short bursts, Skate to Home is a perfect choice. Overall, Skate to Home stands out from the competition with its unique approach to completing the game and offers an enjoyable and accessible gaming experience for players of all ages.

Given the booming casual gaming market, there is a significant demand for engaging and accessible games that can be played on the go. Skate to Home perfectly fits these criteria, with its intuitive controls, simple graphics, and diverse gameplay mechanics that cater to a wide range of players. Additionally, with the rising popularity of mobile gaming, Skate to Home has the potential to reach millions of players worldwide, generating significant revenue for the investor.

Furthermore, Skate to Home's unique approach to completing the game creates a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps players engaged and interested throughout the game. This means that players are more likely to return to the game, increasing its replay value and boosting its potential revenue. With a dedicated team of developers and marketers, Skate to Home has the potential to become a household name in the casual gaming industry, and the investor could be a part of this exciting journey.

Game treatment and concept art:

Skate to Home's theme is centred around the feeling of wanting to return home after a long day of working/studying, which is relatable to many people. The game's visuals and sound effects capture the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of a typical neighbourhood in the afternoon, creating a sense of nostalgia and comfort for players. This relatable theme and environment, combined with the game's engaging gameplay mechanics 

1. Back story:

Skate to Home follows the story of a young skater named Alex, who just finished a long day at school. In his free time, Alex dreams of using his skateboard as transportation to save money on transit fees. On this particular day, he finds himself rushing home to attend a tutoring class to help him achieve his goal of getting into a top university.

As Alex skates through the city streets, he encounters various obstacles and challenges, from dodging pebbles to navigating through the streets. Despite these challenges, Alex remains focused on his goal, determined to make it home on time to study. As he rides through the streets, he feels the wind blowing in his face, the thrill of the ride, and the anticipation of what's to come.

The game's objective is to help Alex make it home safely while overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way. As players progress through the levels, they will experience the same challenges Alex faces in his journey. With simple and easy-to-understand gameplay mechanics, Skate to Home is accessible to players of all skill levels. It's a game in that players will want to get back home on time with their skateboarding skills to help Alex achieve his dream

2. Items: Skating home at sunset, you stumble upon glittering coins in the deserted streets, making for a thrilling and uncommon experience. In this game, coin collection is essential, with the number of coins determining the player's score and success.

3. Checkpoints: The core concept of this game is to move frantically through a challenging course. However, constant movement can sometimes be exhausting, and players may lose interest quickly. To avoid boredom, I’ve incorporated numerous checkpoints throughout the game, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. Each level will have two checkpoints: one at the start and the other at the final destination. Players must jump on these checkpoints to respawn if they fall or lose a life. If a player makes it to the first checkpoint but dies halfway through the level before reaching the final checkpoint, they will revert to the first checkpoint and restart the level. But don’t be fooled - this game won’t be easy. There are no lives to lose, and a single mistake could mean the end. It’s game over if you crash into an obstacle, so make sure to use those checkpoints to your advantage! 

4. Obstacles: So far, this game might sound like a walk in the park with no lives to lose. But don’t let your guard down just yet! To add an extra layer of challenge, I’ve added random obstacles like water puddles and pebbles that can appear throughout the game. These obstacles will move around occasionally, making it harder for players to avoid them. One wrong move could mean the game is over. And if you do end up having to restart a level, don’t worry - your previously collected scores will still count towards your total score. However, your score for that particular level will be reset, so make sure to stay focused and avoid those pesky obstacles!

5. Player Control: The gameplay of this game might seem simple at first glance - all you need to do is move left, right, and jump over obstacles. But don't let the simplicity fool you! I've added a tricky twist to the controls to keep players on their toes. While the controls are based on familiar keycodes, players will need to be extra careful because one movement can be triggered by two different key codes. You won't know which keycodes to use until you start playing, so be prepared to do some quick thinking! But that's not all - there's also one keycode that will enable a special movement. I won't give away what it is, so you'll have to play the game and find out for yourself. Can you master the controls and navigate through the obstacles with ease?

6. Key Features: 

•  Immerse yourself in a thrilling solo role-playing experience where the difficulty ramps up with each level you conquer.
•   The game features simple mechanics, easy-to-use controls, and cartoon graphics for all audiences
•   There are no lives to be loose
•   Checkpoints in every game level 
•   Embark on an exciting journey home, where every coin you collect along the way contributes to your score and helps you rise to the top of the leaderboard.

7. Concept Art: 

Figure 4: This illustrates how the game is expected to be like according to the video “Skate King (platformer game made with PyGame (Python)) - trailer" (2021) 

Although my game idea was inspired by an existing game (Figure 4), I plan to add my own (Figure 5) unique twist to make it distinct from the original.

Figure 5: This is just a rough sketch of the game's appearance, as the sprite for the player and obstacles will be modified according to the game settings

The game (Figure 5) is designed to take the player on a thrilling adventure through the bustling city, with each of the five levels depicting a different part of the journey. To add an extra layer of excitement, each level will have its unique visual representation, immersing the player in the immersive experience. It's important to note that the player's ultimate goal is to reach home, which is located on the outskirts of the city, making the journey even more challenging and exciting.

Are you looking for a game that will capture the hearts and minds of players around the world? Look no further than Skate to Home, an innovative and engaging game that combines stunning visuals, addictive gameplay, and a relatable storyline to create an unforgettable gaming experience. With each level offering a new challenge, players will be on the edge of their seats as they navigate through obstacles and collect coins to boost their scores. And with a leaderboard system that rewards the best players, Skate to Home is a game that will keep players coming back for more. But what really sets Skate to Home apart is its accessibility - with simple controls and easy-to-understand mechanics, anyone can pick up and play this game, regardless of their skill level. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual player, Skate to Home is the perfect game for you. So don't wait, just try Skate to Home 

This is what the start scene game looks like (Figure 6)

Figure 6: This indicates the simple design of the game UI

Next is a series of different background pictures, that represent different game levels and their meaning

Figure 7: This will be the first-level theme background for the game. The source is taken from Pinterest (2021)

This depicts a familiar setting (Figure 7) where one usually catches the bus near the outskirts of the city centre, and this will be the starting point of the game where the player has missed their bus.

Figure 8: Source is taken from (Barontieri, n.d.). This will be the second-level theme background for the game 

The game background (Figure 8) depicts the player's journey through the city to reach their home, which is located on the outskirts and not in the city centre. 

Figure 9: This will be the third-level theme background for the game, source is taken from Pinterest (2021)

This (Figure 9) indicates that the player is approaching the outskirts of the city centre and is getting closer to their home.

Figure 10: This will be the fourth-level theme background for the game. The source is taken from Pinterest (2021)

This (Figure 10) image represents that the player has reached the city centre, marking the halfway point in their journey back home.

Figure 11: The image displays a beautiful sunset in the city streets (Alpha Coders, 2021). This is the fifth-level theme background for the game

This final game level's background (Figure 11) is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement as the player approaches home. Completing this level within the designated time frame will result in victory for the player.

Figure 10: Behold, feast your eyes upon the glorious appearance of the skater!

This is what the skater looks like (Figure 10), note that I will re-draw those pictures to make them into good sprites 

References: 

Alpha Coders. (2021). [Sunset in the city streets]. Retrieved from https://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=1142232

Barontieri, F. (n.d.). Portrait of a Woman. [Digital artwork]. ArtStation. https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ELz5eK

Blandford, Rafe. “Angry Birds Seasons Xbox Live.” All About Windows Phone. 2013. http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/reviews/item/16952_Angry_Birds_Seasons_Xbox_Live.php.

Cyber Alchemist. 2021. “Skate King (platformer game made with PyGame (Python)) - trailer”. Cyber Alchemist.

GamesRadar staff. 2022. Angry Birds: The game that launched a billion downloads. GamesRadar+. https://www.gamesradar.com/angry-birds-the-game-that-launched-a-billion-downloads/.

Johnson, E. 2014. Flappy Bird, Candy Crush still making much money. Pacific Standard. https://psmag.com/economics/flappy-bird-candy-crush-still-making-much-money-7504...

Pinterest. (2021). Chocolate chip cookies. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/673710425523420991/

Pinterest. (2021). Pinterest. Retrieved March 26, 2021, from https://www.pinterest.com/

Pinterest. (2021). Sunflower field. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/756323331193235153/

Pizza Tower Wiki. (n.d.). Pizza Tower. Retrieved from https://pizzatower.fandom.com/wiki/Pizza_Tower

Scambler. (2021). Samurai Gunn 2 [Computer software]. Retrieved from https://store.steampowered.com/app/1397790/Samurai_Gunn_2/

Tour De Pizza. 2023. Pizza Tower [Computer software]. Retrieved from https://store.steampowered.com/app/2231450/Pizza_Tower/