Chapter 1 - Theme... theme... theme...

Published September 22, 2014

Chapter 1 - Theme... theme... theme...




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[background=rgb(250,251,252)]The toys are alive![/background]

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So early in the competition, it's all about inception: securing the RIGHT idea from a sea of incomplete thoughts.
The possibilities are endless... and yet, the reminiscing thought of Toy Story dominates.
"I don't want to go there!", I hear myself scream aloud.

I search for toys, google-ing up hundreds of images to no avail. There's nothing there I haven't seen a thousand times before.
And, to be fair, I can't think of anything original enough to make it entertaining, so I take a second stab at the concept and focus on the entire theme, not just the "toys" part.


A first concept emerges...
What if the events of the game led to toys becoming alive?

I hear myself chuckle...

It would probably be a bit out of theme: if the theme is only the final consequence, it could be replaced with anything and still work, much like a game about a toy invasion could be a reskin from a zombies game... in essence, I'd be missing the theme.

I sigh...

I'm deep in thought for what seems a lifetime when I realize I'm talking to myself aloud, and there's no one else in the room.

"Really?"

The ominous silence beckons me. I will get no reply now that I am aware. My thoughts have stopped to wander...

and yet...?


A second concept emerges...

slowly...

I've been reading on TV tropes for a bit longer than I should've, and have been cutting back on sleep a lot more.
Trying to remember movies that have left an impression on me, I look back to "The Usual Suspects".
A Rashomon-styled movie led by an unreliable narrator...

"That's a start?"

I let my mind wander, and the thoughts evolve on their own...

"Yes!" I shout, almost laughing.

What if "The toys are alive!" was an exclamation? Something someone shouted aloud, quite unexpectedly?

"It is understood that sentient toys live in a masquerade of lies, trying very hard to conceal their existence to the world. What if one person saw them for what they truly were?"

"They shouldn't be allowed to hide in plain sight, they deserve to be made, and if I'm the only one that KNOWS, then it falls unto ME!"

I smirk.

"That's my idea!"
6 likes 8 comments

Comments

Comments are shown oldest first so the discussion reads top to bottom.
Stormynature

Sadly having learnt this truth you will unfortunately never complete this game having been assassinated by those very alive toys who now know you know...

watch them...watch them at all times! Sounds good :)

September 22, 2014 03:53 PM
Orymus3

I'm being careful with my choice here because it can easily fall into a narrative adventure and could lack a lot in terms of gameplay. Also, it takes a lot of programming to script events, which is what I want to stay away from as much as possible.

So while I'd like to capture that "vibe", I think it will be an uphill battle (but eh, I like a challenge as much as the next guy!)

September 22, 2014 05:15 PM
Thaumaturge

Ooh, I like that premise! ^_^

Do you have any gameplay concepts for it yet? I'm rather interested in what you intend to do with this.

September 22, 2014 06:39 PM
Orymus3

I don't want to spoil it yet ;)

(That's what's chapter 2 is about).

I'm just not entirely too sure how much time I'll be able to squeeze in this competition, so I may end up cutting on the MVP...

September 22, 2014 06:47 PM
0sok

I'm being careful with my choice here because it can easily fall into a narrative adventure and could lack a lot in terms of gameplay. Also, it takes a lot of programming to script events, which is what I want to stay away from as much as possible.

So while I'd like to capture that "vibe", I think it will be an uphill battle (but eh, I like a challenge as much as the next guy!)

My biggest concern is fitting the narrative in along with gameplay. SOOOO many good stories can come from this theme.

September 22, 2014 06:53 PM
TheMasterRat

Man I thought of something extremely similar! I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one in deep search for inspiration on this theme ;)

September 22, 2014 07:08 PM
riuthamus

Dude staring at a toy.... make it pretty, make it sexy, make it simple.... The goal is to press spacebar when you THINK you see the toy move. If the toy moves and you press spacebar you WIN, if it doesnt you lose. Simple game... but powerful concept!

YW o/

September 22, 2014 10:51 PM
Eck
Eck

@riuthamus Heh. Plenty of people enjoy fishing in WoW, and that's basically what it is. Wait until the bobber moves, and click it.

...Ship it!

September 23, 2014 12:19 AM
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