---

Launch Trailer

Project Details

Position:                          Strategy Game and Map Design
Time frame:                   September 2018 - Ongoing
Development Time:    ± 4 years
Team size:                       ± 40
Short brief:                      "A turn-based 4X strategy game with                                                                         in-depth tactical  combat''
Website:                           https://www.aow-planetfall.com/
Software:
Creator Engine

---

Description

Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a sci-fi themed installment in the long-running Age of Wonders series of 4X strategy games. The game blends 4X turn-based strategy with in-depth tactical combat.

My tasks on this title while working at Triumph Studios include:
- Random Map Generation Template Design
- Ability design and implementation
- Hero character design
- Collection and implementation of gameplay feedback and balancing
- Narrative writing
- DLC content creation

A view of the Strategic map showing different climes, the sector system, and the vibrant color scheme.

Responsibilities

- System Design:
Design & implementation of the following systems:
Anomalous Sites for the Revelations DLC
Voidbringer Invasions & World Events for the Invasions DLC
The Oathbound Faction for the Star Kings DLC

- Map Generation Template Design:
Using the Random Map Generation system in the Creator engine, I designed and fully implemented planet templates. Each template enforces a different type of game flow, with more or less contest for resources, challenge in wildlife and expanding possibilities.

- Ability Design and implementation:
Develop unique interactions that synergize with corresponding races/secret techs

- Hero Character Design:
Using existing mechanics, develop a set of ±80 heroes that each tell a story or trope with their name, appearance and abilities

- Collection and implementation of gameplay feedback and balancing:
During the Closed Beta, attend to the forums to collect feedback and issues. These need to be prioritized, cased, fixed and marked resolved.

- Narrative writing:
1200+ Descriptional names of sectors based on their climes and themes, 700+ mod template names, 100+ World names, 80+ character names, quest and NPC dialogue.

Example of a hero with the unqiue ability to temporarily revive Indentured units.

Most names for this race (Syndicate) are Nepalese inspired, making them exotic while retaining consistency.

The Scenario Template list of the Deluxe edition.

All worlds have a different game flow and emphasis on different challenges (expansion, combat threats, scarcity).

For the Infested World I made a unique quest line to make it feel substantially different for the Deluxe edition.

Takeaways

 - Designing and implementing of unique procedurally generated scenarios, including map design, quest development and balancing.
- Implementation and balancing of 4X and tactical game mechanics and abilities.
- Getting settled as a designer mid-project.
- Closed Beta conduction and feedback collection.
- Efficiently develop narrative content.
- Communication with closed beta participants

A highlight reel of sponsored streamer wowcrendor. It shows off tactical combat, strategic combat and diplomacy.

---