PATIENT ZERO
Project History And Goals
Ending the Fall Quarter of 2019 on UCI’s campus, Brandon Nguyen approached Dr. Hughes with an idea for developing a Virtual Reality (VR) game geared towards conveying biological concepts in an entertaining and interactive manner. The idea received support from Dr. Hughes who allowed a team of undergraduate students to form and explore the idea. In a quick fashion, Mr. Nguyen proceeded to put together a cohesive early team that all demonstrated interest in this new idea of the intersection between games and education. Dr. Hughes, impressed with the vision and passion demonstrated, allowed the project to be run with minimal intervention.
The idea sounds simple but has proven to require expertise, innovation, and creativity that exists solely because of the interdisciplinary nature of the team. Developing a VR game in any sense is complex, but doing so with minimal resources and with the majority of the team juggling full course schedules has given rise to a team of renowned talent. However, having a game developed by current and recent undergraduates, this has given way to interesting perspectives, with the team members understanding which concepts are worth covering for students. This background guides most of the concepts determined to be covered in-game, with emphasis on teaching the core principles in a unique and gamified manner that still makes the experience enjoyable.
Looking forward, the project has gained a firm footing in workflow, team cohesion and creative development over the course of its initial year. The game has an initial deadline date of Spring 2022, and we hope to have several levels and a comprehensive demo playable by then. The future of the game at this moment would be reassessed and the feasibility of licensing and distribution explored. Along the way, however, playtesting and professor consulting will be conducted with the goal of a releasable project in mind.
Our Timeline
December - 2019
Founded
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Patient Zero conceptualized by Brandon Nguyen with the support of Dr. Brad Hughes
February - 2020
Departments & Roadmap Established
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The project grew in scope and took form as talents were recruited to lead game development efforts
June - 2020
Level 1 Skeleton Finished
- The design, games and concepts for the demo were finished. Programming and adjustments to come with playtesting
August - 2020
More Talent Recruitment
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As the project furthered, producers began outreach to other schools and alumni to bring in artists, programmers, and audio developers to further efforts
December - 2020
Level 2 Skeleton Finished
- The design, games and concepts for level 1 were finished. Programming and adjustments to come with playtesting
January - 2021
Level 1 and 2 Polishing Begins
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Project will aim to finish and have fully playable, polished versions of level 1 and 2 stages complete before the end of the academic year
April - 2021
Level 3 Development
- Research and Design began development of level 3 and are expected to have a rough draft of level goals and mini games by Summer 2021.
Concept Art
Reach Us
If interested in applying, play-testing or offering suggestions please email head producers Ellie Bui & Damani Fields.
University of California Irvine