PIXEL RUN
GAME DESIGN
Pixel Run is a platforming and racing game set for mobile devices. Throughout your adventures of running you’ll bypass multiple environments filled with numerous amounts of coins. Pixel Run originally came to me from a design challenge I took on. That being seeing what type of game I could create with the input being only a single button tap. From there I built upon by adding more inputs within the game such as sliding and dashing. Pixel Run is functional with the Amazon Game Circle, along with iOS & Android devices.
When I initially started getting into deeper development of Pixel Run I considered the idea of procedural generating game with endless levels, though the idea was shortly scrapped due to the game not feeling unique if the computer was just generating the levels for the player. Rather I designed the level layouts myself to make sure there was a good balance within the game that wouldn’t leave the player frustrated or cheated. Not only that, but by hand crafting the levels myself I can choose how I want things to visually look exactly how I want them.
Originally, Pixel Run was set to have only one input. Though I thought about how the game would play if you were to bring other players within the mix. With that thought eventually came Power-Ups mainly inspired by the Fun Run and Mario Kart games. Adding power ups within the mix of things made racing a bit more interesting, rather than just seeing if you can complete the level on its own.
SHOWN AT GDC 2018
ACADEMY ART UNIVERSITY 2018 SPRING SHOW WINNER
Pixel Run started off with only using one button to function. Though with the implementation of multiple mechanics making it have one input had to be scrapped. From there on I kept the game with a maximum of only three inputs. Tapping the screen allows the player to jump, swiping down allows the player to slide, and swiping up uses the current item in store. Keeping the game at minimum user input serves it as being simple for the player to use, but also keeping the game fun and engaging.
