Kryptos
(Working Title)
During my time studying at Hochschule Luzern, I was introduced to the C programming language which, on top of my dissertation research project into game engines, led to me beginning my learning journey of the C++ language.
To advance and give my knowledge in this language a direction I am currently developing a 2D pixel art themed platformer. This project uses the SFML library in order that I can learn the basics of the language without needing to directly use OpenGL or another graphics library.
The game follows the character of Kryptos, a small green alien of the Krill species, who is attempting to find his missing family and flea his dystopian world of Lumina. The player must traverse a collapsing and unstable environment while fighting off the military forces of Lumina with a mix of movement and energy based attacks.
After developing the initial idea for Kryptos in November of 2024, I began developing a proof of concept prototype, to test if SFML was an appropriate library to use as well as other basic game mechanics that December.
This prototype was a success with some basic movement mechanics, sprite rendering and projectile movement implemented. A robust and scaleable project structure was also implemented. Development will now take a backseat as a more in depth design and ideation phase of the project will begin.
Proof of Concept
Future Development
Development of Kryptos will continue throughout 2025 with the aim to release a publicly playable demo by the end of the year. Development will be done by predominantly myself with the desire to bring in artists and programmers once the game has a more developed design and stable footing. Here is what that roadmap will look like:
Design and ideation phase. Notable milestones: A fully fleshed out game design document, concept art and environment design, 2D/game mechanic asset lists, core gameplay loop definition, game flow/structure plan, technical specifications, as well as UI/UX design.
January -> Febuary 2025
Full game mechanic and programming implementation of all planned game features. External help with programming may be brought in at his point if needed and available. Short term debugging will also be done during this phase.
September -> November 2025
Second prototype phase which will include prototypes of all major and minor game mechanics: player movement, enemy AI, combat mechanics as well as a scoring system and UI functionality. A review of problems and potential future issues will also be done at this time.
March -> May 2025
2D asset design and completion including all characters and enemy sprite sheets, as well as three fully completed level environments. This stage is where I would like to bring in 2D artists and level designers to join the project.
June -> August 2025
QA and testing phase. Multiple play testers and review interviews with these participants will be conducted during this time along with all necessary bug fixes. Barring any delays or unforeseen setbacks, the first demo of Kryptos will be released on itch.io with the hope to bring it to Steam as soon as possible.