ASCEND

Two of us work on ASCEND and therefore collaborate on every part. My colleague focuses more on system design and code; while I handle the conceptual side, with an emphasis on Narrative Design, Level Design, and the visual aspect. I also take part in designing the mechanics and gameplay. We also share project management.

For now, this includes for example:

• Creating an overall structure for the project, linking the levels to the gameplay and the narrative.
• Writing detailed documents on how the levels unfold, including: the mechanics introduced and used; the breakdown of their macro and micro structure, and the intended pacing; their atmosphere and the key visual, audio, etc. elements that contribute to it; as well as the associated narrative, its evolution, and the elements that convey it.
• Writing a world bible to develop a rich world that will enable strong environmental storytelling.
• Researching and documenting numerous references to enrich the concept and its universe.
• Meetings and brainstorms on the various game mechanics to detail how they work.
• Numerous playtests on the first prototypes to verify the concept's appeal, deepen and refine the basic controls, and set up the lighting and optimization systems.
• Overall project planning and documentation using Notion, setting up a reverse schedule and task tracking.