RSD

for this assignment I used a random video of a stand in central Park and added 2d elements using the tracker. First, I used 3D tracking, after AE ran the command i picked a plane that looked right to me, set as pivot and put a camera and plane. I then replaced the plane with a keyed out green screen footage of a pigeon, and for an added element I also replaced one of the art pieces with my own art, and masked the objects in front.

For this project I used green screen footage that I keyed out in after effects, and exported as image sequence. I brought in the sequence Just like in the last assignment with media and video texture, and made the transparent background by making the mode translucent and connecting the RGB to the opacity node. After I had the video where I want it was just a matter of animating camera movement and rendering it out. A small problem that I had is that the footage I used was cut off and so I had to place the camera in angles where that wouldn’t be visible. One thing I would like to be able to do is to have a way for the footage to have the head of the skeleton be in front of the table when it is closer.

For the Homework I decided to do a simple camera movement with the addition of the video media. it was relatively easy with the help of the class recording, though i did have some trouble with navigating between the cameras but I think more time in Unreal will solve that problem :)

this week I was getting familiar with the Unreal interface. I used free assets from the marketplace. I used a dungeon set and used reference to get myself get used to the tools. After feeling comfortable  with the tools I made a new level and used another set from the marketplace for a more organic setting.

My thesis is a Film that mixes both 3D and 2D animation. It's 3D for the most part (characters and backgrounds), but there are parts of 2D traditional animation in it.

After setting up the gameplay to the point where I was satisfied, I went ahead and fixed minor bugs such as the weight of the plant so it would be easier to push, and the mailbox door. Then, I wanted to finish up with adding some visual effects to make the game look better. I Used post-processing effects. first I added ambient occlusion to connect the objects to the setting and atmosphere. next, I added color grading to adjust the colors to look a bit brighter and cheery. For finishing touch I added the bloom effect as well.

Post-Processing tests of location and daytime

one thing I would like to add is more directions in the beginning, kind of like a story to give motivation to start the scavenger hunt, as well as adding an object at the end, like a doll, that you get to pick up.

last, the checkpoint is hidden inside the mailbox, so you need to open it. 

Overall the player gets to explore the streets and enjoy the view in first person view. 

This week I have started building the scene that I planned. I found some some very helpful packages in the asset store to match the aesthetic I was looking for and combines the elements that worked the best. I really tried sticking to the sketch for the views I planned to use, as they are part of story. I have divided the uses of the house types to show the difference between the wealth, differentiating between big mansions, houses, and small crowded apartments.

for my next project I plan to build a mock up of a street environment. so first I made an aerial view of what I want the street as well as some sketches to visualize some of the street from below.

for the FPS game I decided to modify a few things. First, I changed the background, and with that made the walls match in color. I adjusted and added walls to have the level with no open spaces for it to look complete. I then modified the gameplay by changing the looting item to a jetpack that allows the player to “float” higher. With this item the player can go into a different rout, which leads to a platform which the player with the jetpack can jump on, and fight the second enemy from a safe space where it is very hard for the robot to kill it, but just in case it does I put a few health items. This was just to make an easier (some say too easy…) way to finish the level and to have some fun.

For the second assignment I worked off of an existing Unity kart game. I changed the theme of the game by changing the colors of the objects, as well as the color and position of the light source. I modified the background by changing the size and position of the assets and got rid of some. I made a longer route for the level, and changed the physics a bit so it would be possible for the player to reach the goal, as with the previous setting it would be too slow to finish the level.

I haven’t used Unity in a while, but making the terrain was simple enough and was a good way to get back into getting familiar with the interface again and refresh the memory. I based my terrain off of an old map I created for a world-building class, which was simple to do. It consists mostly of mountains and trees, as it is set in a forest, but I Added a little bit of rocks to play around a bit more