HOMELESS (previously iBeg)
Platforms | iOS / Android
Status | Cancelled Dec 2015
Developer | Last Pick Productions
Position | Producer / Lead Designer / Developer
Description |
Homeless is a simulation game that puts the player in the shoes of a homeless avatar trying to survive on the streets of Vancouver. The game aimed to raise awareness about homelessness, while also raising money for charities that support the homeless by collecting donations through in-app purchases. The idea was that every time a player purchased an item in the game to help their virtual avatar, a percentage of the amount they paid would go directly to a charity to help a real homeless person in need.
As an independent developer, I worked in many capacities on this project including:
PRODUCER:
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► Organized two week sprints, assigned all tasks for each team member to complete and then reviewed each task to ensure they were done correctly.
► Created milestones for specific points in production and ensured they were hit by monitoring the current burn rate and adjusting tasks accordingly.
► Interviewed and hired all team members and worked with them to help them understand their roles in development.
► Stretched the game’s meager budget as far as possible by working with outsourcing partners to receive quality assets in a timely manner.
► Communicated with press and community members to answer all questions about the game and attended conventions like GDC and Unite to expose the game to more people.
► Ran a successful KickStarter campaign to receive funding for the game and then worked with various businesses to deliver rewards for backers at an affordable price.
LEAD GAME DESIGNER:
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► Created the game mechanics, game world, story, and main revenue model for the game.
► Balanced the skills, item costs, time management mechanics, and game difficulty.
► Contributed to many other game needs including Quality Assurance, Art, Audio, Scripting, and Writing. When you’re indie… you wear a lot of hats!
Unfortunately due to financial issues the game was never released and currently sits at about 70% complete. I would love to one day resurrect this project and finish it off but I think it would need a major overhaul in order to give it the love and attention it deserves.
Skills
» Mechanics design
» Systems design
» Resource planning
» Team and project management
» User Interface design
» User Experience design
» Game world design
» Community management
» Narrative design
» Game balancing