Case Study: Developing RaceTrap with GnomeFire Labs

RaceTrap began as a student project at Queen's University, created by a team of four students, including myself, for our final game development project. Due to its success, we formed GnomeFire Labs Inc. after graduation to continue development.

Introduction

RaceTrap is a fast-paced, strategic racing game designed to push players to balance speed with tactical decision-making. Initially created as a university project, it gained immense popularity, winning the Queen's Computing Game Development Competition, and garnered positive feedback from both faculty and students. Its innovative mechanics and captivating gameplay made us confident about taking it beyond the classroom.

Project Overview

I served as the lead 3D Modeler and Designer during the development of RaceTrap. My responsibilities included:

• Designing and implementing characters, vehicles, levels, animations and game mechanics.

• Creating 3D models and environments using Blender and Unity.

• Collaborating with the team to refine game mechanics, ensuring the game was both fun and challenging.

My Role

Throughout the project, we used:

• Unity for game development and scripting in C#.

• Blender for creating 3D models and assets.

• GitHub for version control and team collaboration.

• Trello to manage project timelines and task assignments.

Tools and Technologies Used

One major challenge was transitioning from a student project to a full-fledged indie game under a company structure. We had to balance technical refinements with limited resources while maintaining the original vision of the game. Another hurdle was securing additional funding, but with support from ViewSano Inc., we were able to continue development.

From a technical perspective, we faced difficulties in optimizing the game for online play, particularly in handling an online economy. My role in troubleshooting these issues involved carefully tuning prices and reward rates while testing the game.

Challenges Faced

RaceTrap's development journey resulted in a well-received prototype, leading to ongoing discussions about further releases. Our efforts at GnomeFire Labs were bolstered by funding from ViewSano Inc., which helped us expand the scope of the project and enhance the game's visual and gameplay elements.

The game's success at the Queen’s University game development competition, combined with the formation of GnomeFire Labs, validated our work and allowed us to explore indie game development as a viable career path.

Impact and Results

Working on RaceTrap with GnomeFire Labs was a pivotal experience that not only deepened my understanding of game development but also strengthened my collaborative and problem-solving skills. The challenges we overcame, from platform optimization to transitioning into a commercial product, have prepared me for future game development projects.

Conclusion