"The Design of 'Unpacking' Broken Down by its Developers" is a video published by Noclip Crew featuring an in-depth discussion with Ren Brier and Tim Dawson from Witch Beam Games. They discuss the development process and design choices behind their BAFTA award-winning game, Unpacking. The game follows a person's life through the process of unpacking boxes as they move from one home to another, revealing a complex narrative and unique gameplay experience.
The game's initial concept was broad, and the developers iterated on various aspects, including the number of items and their rotations. There are over a thousand items in the game, each with individual sprites and often multiple rotations. The developers also discuss the challenges of cultural differences in item placement, such as where Americans place electric kettles or where Japanese people keep their shoes.
The game's visuals and item interactions were crucial to creating an intuitive and enjoyable experience. Tim Dawson, an animator turned programmer, focused on making the game feel snappy and immediate, with smooth animations and responsive controls. Ren Brier, a UI artist and UX designer, emphasized user experience and intuitive item interactions.
One interesting aspect of Unpacking is its narrative, which is subtly conveyed through the items and their arrangement in each level. The developers initially considered having separate rooms for different characters but ultimately decided to follow one character throughout their life. This choice allowed them to explore various life moments and create a rich, engaging story.
The game's audio design, led by audio director and composer Jeff van Dyke, is another essential element. Van Dyke recorded various sounds for each item and categorized them based on their properties, such as size and material. Each room also has unique audio characteristics, giving the player a sense of immersion and realism.
In addition to the narrative and audio design, the developers discuss the game's grid system, which allows items to snap into place and fill their designated spaces. This system was refined over time, with the developers working to make it feel intuitive and natural.
Unpacking's level design escalates in complexity as the game progresses, with each level presenting new challenges and opportunities for the player to explore. The developers aimed to keep the experience fresh and engaging by introducing new items and mechanics throughout the game.
The video concludes with a discussion of the game's time progression system, which advances as the player unpacks items. This design choice was made to ensure that the game remains relaxed and enjoyable, without the pressure of time constraints or failure.
Overall, "The Design of 'Unpacking' Broken Down by its Developers" provides a comprehensive look at the development process, design choices, and challenges faced by the creators of Unpacking. The video offers valuable insights into the game's unique gameplay experience and the subtle narrative that ties everything together.
