Browsing by Author "Lauriste, Michelle"

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    Impact of Visual Design and the Game Development Process in Small Teams
    (2024) Lauriste, Michelle; Miljak, Cvijeta; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Chun, Namkyu
    The work of visual designers can be described as careful navigation of various visual styles and style elements for creating a cohesive whole (Garver et al., 2018). However, visual design in games serves a bigger function, for example in communicating game mechanics and rules and storytelling to players through visuals (Laakso, 2019). There are few studies focusing on visual design in games and no studies of visual designers themselves or their work process within game development, which shows a lack of studies of visual designers in game development. The understanding of game development and contributions within it are vital for clear internal communication, productive collaboration and efficient results, which in turn also minimizes conflicts and miscommunications. Therefore, the goal of the thesis is to showcase the complex nature of game development and the complex work dynamic between game developers. The study narrows scope down to smaller game productions. The sub-Research Question “What is the game development process in small teams?” helps approach the main Research Question “What is the impact of visual design in game development in small teams?”. The findings demonstrate team equality, lack of hierarchies, a priority in a general skill set and close collaboration and relationship dynamics to be unique to smaller game productions. Furthermore, visual designers’ contributions in game ideation, narrative, and project cohesion, as well as their role in internal team communication and motivation, along with external visual communication to players. Overall, findings lead to the systemic nature of game development and the previously unrecognised impact of visual designers within it.