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SHUTTERBUG
Shutterbug (2024) is a friendly game about discovering the world by taking pictures. It was designed and developed in Unity, as part of my university dissertation, discussing how photography in video games can create a sense of attachment towards virtual spaces.
The design focus of this project was to create an entertaining camera mechanic, that would encourage players to document and connect with the space around them through their personal photo collection. I also aimed to implement a cohesive UI and design a unique collection of 2D characters to bring the world to life.
This project won the 'Best Nominated Character Award' at the University of York Interactive Media Showcase 2024.
About
DESIGN PROCESS
Process
I began by researching the impact of photography on various facets of game experiences including: immersion, attachment to game space, documentation, achievement and narrative. As part of this process, I evaluated existing games across different genres and explored their use of the photography mechanic. By comparing my findings to the process and significance of photography in real space, I was able to begin Shutterbug's development with informed design choices.
I began to conceptualise my ideas with some simple sketches, demonstrating how the game's camera perspective would switch between top-down, 2.5D navigation and a first person photography mode. I aimed to allow players to explore the space and immerse themselves in a visual narrative, with the freedom to photograph any scene or object that strikes their interest.
To establish a consistent visual style and bring the world of Shutterbug to life, I designed a set of simple, bug-themed characters.
The main character is a snail photographer called Heidi, represented by a unique overworld sprite for the player to control. Dialogue sprites also provided a visual representation of character interactions. Finally, I hand-illustrated a custom skybox to compliment the game's environment. This particular visual style aimed to create a colourful picture book aesthetic, evoking a sense of childlike wonder and adventure.
Shutterbug's environment consists of both 3D and 2D objects, which aimed to create a greater visual depth and provide varied photograph opportunities. To ensure that 2D objects would always face the player in photo mode, they were implemented as billboards. The map is split into multiple sections with key points of interest, including some areas that change colour scheme.
Designing a cohesive, user-friendly camera UI equipped with various tools for creating unique photographs was one of the most important phases of this project. Shutterbug's photo mode features the ability to look around in a 360 degree turn, sliders to adjust the camera's zoom, focus, angle and noise levels, and a selection of filters, allowing players to customise and personalise their photos. The game also features an album menu, which players can use to look back on their memories and manage their stored photographs. I also chose to implement a pause menu, providing quick access to Shutterbug's controls and start menu.
The game's central narrative is delivered through character dialogue. The conversation between Heidi and Beatrice at the beginning of Shutterbug provides players with character context and establishes a clear gameplay goal. From this point, the player is able to explore the world, interacting with new characters and using the camera to document their surroundings.
KEY SKILLS / SOFTWARE
Key Skills
All 2D assets in this project were hand-drawn by me in Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop.
I created and followed a structured time plan in Excel, while monitoring progress and establishing action points in project meetings.
Designing an engaging and varied camera mechanic, dialogue system, photo album and pause menu, with intuitive interaction design.
Any 3D models that I created were modelled and textured in Blender.
This project was designed and developed in the Unity game engine.
I constructed an interactive narrative combining written dialogue and visual storytelling
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