#scrapracers

{Week 9}

This week I wrapped up the prototype for Scrap Racers and had a chance to get some quick playtesting done. The focus of the game was on collecting scrap during the race and using it to upgrade your car’s speed or defense mid-run.

I had one peer test the game and give feedback during class. They said the car movement felt smooth and liked the idea of collecting scrap to upgrade. The scrap pickup system was clear and satisfying, and the upgrade keys (Q and E) were easy to use.

The biggest suggestion was to make the upgrades more noticeable — they weren’t sure how much faster they were going after spending scrap, and the defense upgrade didn’t have any clear visual effect.

They also suggested the scrap items could be a bit more visible or animated to draw attention.

Playtesting helped me realise that even simple mechanics need clear feedback and payoff. The systems were working, but without strong visual or gameplay responses, players didn’t always feel the difference. I’ll focus on adding clearer upgrade feedback and better use of visual cues next time.

That wraps up Scrap Racers for now, it’s a simple prototype, but I’m happy with how the core loop turned out, and it gave me useful ideas to build on later.

{Week 8}

This week I began building out Scrap Racers, the post-apocalyptic upgrade-based racing game I pitched earlier. The core goal was to take what I learned from the racer workshop and start shaping it into a prototype that reflects the core loop I designed: collect scrap while racing, then spend that scrap on upgrades in real-time.

Track Layout

I started by using the highway asset from the workshop as my base. From there, I added a car sprite that could accelerate forward and rotate left or right. I kept the movement system simple to stay focused on the upgrade loop.

Once the core driving worked, I added scrap pieces as collectibles placed along the road. The scrap is designed to spawn in small clusters so that players have multiple opportunities to build up their score per run.

Scrap Collection and Upgrades

Each piece of scrap collected adds 1 to the player’s scrap total, which is shown in the top corner through a UI text object. Pressing Q allows the player to spend 5 scrap on a speed boost upgrade, increasing top speed slightly. Pressing E spends scrap on a defensive upgrade, which temporarily activates a shield that protects against hazards.

The upgrade system is basic for now, but functional. The idea is to give the player simple choices that have a real impact mid-run.

Done This Week

Set up car movement and road scrolling

Created collectible scrap system (+1 per pickup)

Scrap counter displayed in real-time UI

Implemented two simple upgrades (speed and defense) using Q and E keys

Placed scrap clusters across the track to encourage choice and replayability

{Week 7}

Title: Scrap Racers Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Arcade Racer

Description: Scrap Racers throws players into a fast-paced race through a crumbling scrapyard highway. While dodging hazards and gunning for first place, you’ll collect scrap scattered along the road. Each piece of scrap adds to your score and between bursts of chaos, you can spend it to upgrade your car mid-race.

Do you invest in more speed to push past opponents, or stack defense to survive the next collapsing crane? The more you collect, the stronger you become; but every second counts.

Core Features:

Collectible Scrap System: Pick up scrap on the track to earn upgrade points

Mid-Race Upgrades: Spend scrap to boost speed or activate defense

Track Hazards: Dodge wrecking balls, oil slicks, and collapsing ramps

Controls:

Arrow keys or WASD to steer

Q to upgrade speed

E to activate defense upgrade (if scrap available)

Target Audience: Players aged 10+ who enjoy fast reflexes, meaningful mid-race decisions, and chaotic tracks

Inspiration: Combines the modular upgrades of Mario Kart with the post-apocalyptic grit of Mad Max; boiled down into a tight, accessible GDevelop experience.