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Run PCMR!

CST489/499

Angela Cheng, Janet Pham

Shahidul Islam

Fall 2023
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Executive Summary

"Run PCMR!" is a browser-based endless runner game featuring the iconic PC Master

Race guy as the main character. Designed to be both entertaining and brand-centric, the game

will serve as a platform to promote the PC Master Race community.

The primary goal is to create a captivating and challenging endless runner game that

resonates with both gamers and PCMR enthusiasts. We will develop a game that's accessible

through a browser, allowing for ease of access and broader reach, ensure a seamless user

experience, from logging in with an email address to viewing scores and leaderboard standings,

and incorporate various computer components and accessories as obstacles, subtly emphasizing

the PC Master Race branding.

This project seeks to leverage the popularity of endless runner games to reinforce the

PCMR brand identity, enhancing its visibility and recall. The game also aims to foster a sense of

community and competition amongst users, further deepening their connection to the PCMR

brand. While the primary audience is PC enthusiasts within the PC Master Race community, the

game's intuitive design and universal appeal make it accessible to a wider demographic,

including casual gamers and those unfamiliar with PC Master Race.

By developing this project, we’re anticipating the outcomes to increased brand awareness

and engagement for PC Master Race, create an established online gaming platform that fosters a

sense of community and competition, continue the user engagement through challenges and

leaderboard standings, and provide positive feedback and recommendations, leading to an

organic growth of users. Our team will engage with the client to gather detailed specifications

and insights to align the game with the brand's values and objectives, ensuring a successful and

impactful project delivery.

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Table of Contents

Introduction/Background............................................................................................................................ 4
Project name and description...................................................................................................................4
Problem and/or issue in technology.........................................................................................................4
Solution to the problem and/or issue in technology................................................................................ 5
Environmental Scan/Literature Review.....................................................................................................5
Stakeholders..................................................................................................................................................6
Ethical Considerations............................................................................................................................. 7
Legal Considerations............................................................................................................................... 8
Project Goals and Objectives:.....................................................................................................................9
Final Deliverables.......................................................................................................................................10
Approach/Methodology............................................................................................................................. 10
Timeline/Resources.................................................................................................................................... 10
Detailed Timeline...................................................................................................................................11
Resources Needed..................................................................................................................................12
Platform...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Risks and Dependencies.............................................................................................................................14
Risks...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Dependencies.........................................................................................................................................15
Testing Plan.................................................................................................................................................16
Team Members if applicable..................................................................................................................... 16
Team Members...................................................................................................................................... 16
Division of Labor...................................................................................................................................16
References................................................................................................................................................... 18
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Introduction/Background

Our project, Run PCMR!, will be a branded project featuring PC Master Race character

and elements and it aims to capture the essence of PC gaming and technology in an interactive

gaming format. This proposal comprehensively outlines our project’s specifics, delves into the

problem that needs to be address, present solutions, identify key stakeholders, and examine the

ethical and logical considerations.

Project name and description

Run PCMR! aims to provide a gaming experience that resonates with the PC Master Race

community, offering them a fun and immersive way to connect with their passion. This group

ranges from casual gamers to hardcore PC builders and technology enthusiasts. The importance

of this game lies in its ability to cater to the interests and passions of the PCMR community.

Problem and/or issue in technology

In recent years, there has been a gap in the availability of dedicated gaming experiences

that cater specifically to the PC gaming and technology enthusiast community. While PC gaming

itself is thriving, there is a lack of browser-based games that integrate the PCMR culture and

provide a platform for members to engage in a shared experience. The PCMR community,

characterized by its fervent passion for high-end gaming rigs, cutting-edge technology, and a

unique blend of camaraderie and rivalry, seeks more than just games; they yearn for experiences

that mirror their ethos and provide a platform for members to engage, compete, and celebrate in a

shared digital space. In an era where personalized content is king, the lack of such tailored
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gaming experiences for this vibrant community is both puzzling and a missed opportunity for

game developers and marketers alike.

Solution to the problem and/or issue in technology

Addressing the gap in tailored experiences for the PC Master Race community

necessitates a two-fold approach. Firstly, developers need to collaborate closely with

representatives and active members of the PC Master Race community to glean insights into

their preferences, desires, and the unique nuances of their culture. By doing so, developers can

ensure the creation of a game that is not just superficially branded but is deeply entrenched in

PCMR values and ethos. Secondly, leveraging the inherent advantages of browser-based

platforms — easy accessibility, cross-platform compatibility, and the potential for real-time

updates — will allow for the creation of dynamic, evolving games that can be constantly refined

based on community feedback. In essence, the solution lies in a symbiotic relationship between

game developers and the PC Master Race community, where a browser-based game becomes not

just a product but a living, breathing entity that grows, adapts, and resonates with its target

audience.

Environmental Scan/Literature Review

The trend of tailoring browser-based games to specific communities isn't entirely new.

Over the years, there have been numerous attempts by game developers to hone in on niche

communities and provide them with tailored experiences. For the purpose of our project, a

review of pertinent literature and digital platforms gives us an understanding of the landscape

and potential lessons from past endeavors.

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Notably, websites such as Newgrounds have served as prominent platforms for indie

developers to present and share browser-based games, curating content that often addresses niche

audiences (Newgrounds, n.d.). For instance, the game “Bullet Bunny” cleverly captures a

gamer's penchant for in-game achievements, epitomizing how an insightful understanding of a

specific gamer's psyche can result in an engaging gameplay experience (Bullet Bunny, 2023).

Similarly, Armor Games has made its mark primarily through its vast collection of Flash

games (Armor Games, n.d.). This platform, too, has seen an array of games designed for specific

communities. Titles like "Age of War" resonated with history enthusiasts, showcasing that the

concept of tailored browser games has existed, albeit in different formats and themes (Age of

War, 2008).

Online communities, especially platforms like the PC Master Race subreddit, frequently

buzz with discussions about aspirational games or unmet needs within the community (Reddit,

n.d.). Such discussions not only provide developers with a pulse of the community's desires but

also an opportunity to gauge gaps in the current gaming ecosystem.

In synthesizing all this information, it becomes evident that while designing

browser-based games for niche communities like PC Master Race might be a path less traveled,

the broader gaming industry provides a reservoir of insights, lessons, and precedents to guide our

project's direction.

Stakeholders

The stakeholders on this project include Angela and Janet as the developers, Pedro from

PC Master Race as the clients, and the PC Master Race community members as the end users.
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The developers are tasked with bringing the project's vision to life, from conceptualizing

the gameplay mechanics to ensuring smooth user experience, who have a vested interest in the

game's success, as it reflects their skills, expertise, and commitment to quality. A well-executed

game can enhance their professional reputation and open doors for future opportunities within

the PC Master Race community.

The clients, presumably representing Pedro and the PC Master Race brand, are investing

in this game as a means to promote their brand and foster deeper connections with their

audience. The community stands to gain increased brand visibility, loyalty, and potentially higher

engagement rates. Moreover, a successful game can boost the brand's image, leading to potential

positive knock-on effects for other PCMR products or initiatives.

Lastly, the end users, in this case, are the players of the "Run PCMR!" game. This group

primarily consists of PC enthusiasts, casual gamers, and potentially those new to the PCMR

community. This group of community stands to gain an entertaining and engaging platform that

not only provides recreation but also strengthens their connection to the PC Master Race brand.

Ethical Considerations

Ensuring that the game is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities,

is of paramount importance. An inadvertent oversight of the diverse needs of potential players

may exclude a significant portion of the intended audience. To address this, the development

process should incorporate features like subtitles for any auditory content, enhanced

color-contrast options for users with visual impairments, and simplified control settings for those

with motor challenges. By referring to established web accessibility standards, such as the Web
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Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), we can ensure the game is inclusive and reaches its

full audience potential.

Data privacy and security are crucial components, especially since users will be logging

in with their email addresses. Any potential misuse or breaches of personal data can result in a

considerable loss of trust and potential legal implications. To safeguard user data, it's imperative

to employ robust encryption protocols for both storing and transmitting user data. Adhering to

data protection regulations like the GDPR and maintaining transparent communication about

data usage will enhance user trust and confidence in the game.

Representation is another significant consideration. Given that the game is associated

with the PCMR brand, care should be taken to ensure that representations, particularly of the

characters being used, are considerate and devoid of potential stereotypes. Engaging diverse

focus groups during the game's design phase can provide a varied perspective on character

representation, ensuring that the game promotes inclusivity and steers clear of any potentially

negative portrayals.

In essence, ethical considerations form the backbone of the project's long-term success.

By addressing these concerns proactively, we can ensure the protection of all stakeholders and

foster a respectful and inclusive gaming environment.

Legal Considerations

One of the foremost concerns in developing the "Run PCMR!" game is the realm of

intellectual property rights. Given the significant branding around PCMR, it's imperative to

ensure that all the characters, logos, and other related game assets are either original creations or

possess the appropriate permissions for their utilization. Any content that might be borrowed,
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inspired, or derived from external sources could leave the project susceptible to claims of

copyright infringements.

Equally important is the matter of licensing agreements. In the digital era, many games

leverage third-party software, plugins, or even certain graphic and sound assets. Each of these

might come with its own licensing terms, and a meticulous review of these agreements is

essential. Some could mandate payment, stipulate attribution, or even impose restrictions on the

asset's commercial exploitation.

Age considerations also wade into the legal milieu. The game's content, tone, and target

demographic might necessitate the imposition of age restrictions or guidelines. Regulations like

the US's Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which is applicable to products

targeting children under 13, become pivotal in such contexts.

Lastly, while it's a game, the potential for real-world implications cannot be ignored.

Provisions like liability disclaimers might become necessary, especially if there's a conceivable

risk associated with gameplay. As an illustration, if certain graphics or sequences could trigger

photosensitive epileptic seizures, the game should ideally be prefaced with explicit warnings.

Project Goals and Objectives

The overarching goal of this project is not just to deliver a game but to create an

experience that seamlessly blends gaming excitement with the unique PCMR culture, resulting in

a product that the community can proudly call its own. On top of it, the detailed goals and

objectives are as below.

Goals Objectives

To promote and deepen connection to the Develop a browser-based endless runner game
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PCMR brand

Foster a sense of community and competition Seamless user experience with email logins
and leaderboards

Increase brand awareness and engagement for Use PC components and accessories as game
PCMR obstacles

Final Deliverables

At the end of this project, the final deliverable of this project is to have a fully functional

browser-based endless runner game that is hosted on a dedicated game website with user

registration/log-in and leaderboard. Regular client approval milestones to ensure alignment with

PCMR brand values and objectives.

Approach/Methodology

We plan to adopt a collaborative and iterative software development process for our

project. This begins with a research phase where we interact with members of the PCMR

community to understand their gaming preferences. We will then move on to prototyping, where

game designs and mechanics are drafted and shared for feedback. Post this, the game

development will commence, with regular milestones to test and refine based on continuous

feedback. Agile methodology will be employed, allowing for flexibility and adaptability to

change requests or any new insights and feedback.

Timeline/Resources

The project will commence with community engagement and research, to initial

prototyping, client review, front-end and back-end development, testing, then lastly to client final

review and official game launch. The detailed timeline is listed as below and it ensures a swift
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yet comprehensive development process, delivering a tailored gaming experience for the PCMR

community.

Detailed Timeline

Weeks Activities Description

1 Community Engagement & Interact with PCMR community members

Research through forums, surveys, and interviews to gather
insights about their gaming preferences.

2 Initial Prototyping Draft the initial game designs, mechanics, and

storyboards. Create wireframes for the website
and login module.

3 Client Review Milestone 1 Present initial prototypes to the client for

alignment with the PCMR brand values. Gather
feedback for refinement.

3-4 Development Phase 1 Start developing the game’s front-end interface,

(Front-end) character animations, and primary game
mechanics.

4 Internal Testing & Iteration Conduct internal tests to identify bugs and areas
of improvement. Begin iterations based on test
feedback.

5 Development Phase 2 Focus on developing the back-end, incorporating

(Back-end) & Client Review the user registration/log-in system, and
Milestone 2 leaderboard functionalities. Present the front-end
game interface for client feedback midway.

6 Alpha Testing & Iteration Release an alpha version of the game to a selected
group from the PCMR community. Gather
feedback and iterate.

7 Final Development & Integrate the front-end and back-end components

Integration seamlessly. Make final adjustments based on
client and alpha test feedback.

8 Beta Testing & Iteration Release a beta version of the game to a wider
audience. Gather feedback and make final
iterations.

9 Client Final Review Conduct a final review with the client, ensure
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Milestone 3, Approval & complete alignment with PCMR brand values,

Official Game Launch and officially launch the game for the PCMR
community.

Resources Needed

There are many resources needed for the project, including software and development

tools, hardware and equipment, media components, and services and miscellaneous. Below is the

list of possible resources to be aware of, but there may be additional resources added during the

project development process.

1. Software and Development Tools

a. Game development engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

b. Web development stack with a combination of HTML 5, CSS, JavaScript,

and backend frameworks like Node.js or Django might be needed

depending on the platform.

c. Database systems including MySQL or MongoDB for storing user data,

scores, and other game-related data.

d. Version control system including platforms like GitHub for team

collaboration.

e. Graphics Software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for designing

game assets and UI/UX components.

2. Hardware and Equipement

a. Development workstations including developers’ desktop or laptop as the

main work machine to develop this project.

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b. Testing devices like personal computers, tablets, and mobile devices to

ensure the game is optimized across multiple platforms.

3. Media Components

a. Game assets including 2D models, character designs, animations,

background, and other in-game elements.

b. Sound Assets including background music, sound effect, and any

voice-over components.

c. Branding assets including PC Master Rave logos, banners, and any other

branding elements to be integrated into the game.

4. Service and Miscellaneous

a. Web hosting and domain to ensure the game hosting stability. This will be

discussed with PC Master Race team further when the project starts.

b. Backup solutions including both cloud-based and physical backup

solutions to safeguard game data and user information.

c. Communication tool like Discord for efficient team communication as

well as client communication.

Platform

The chosen platform for the development of this project is Unity, combined with WebGL

for browser deployment. Unity stands out in the realm of game engines due to its unparalleled

versatility and capability to create a diverse range of games. Its compatibility with WebGL
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further elevates its suitability, allowing us to craft high-quality games that can be played directly

within web browsers, eliminating the need for additional plugins or downloads for the end user.

One of the most compelling reasons behind this choice is Unity's cross-platform

capabilities. While our primary focus remains on delivering a top-notch browser-based

experience, the evolving nature of gaming and user preferences means there's always a

possibility of expanding to other platforms in the future. Unity's adaptability ensures we remain

poised for such transitions, making it a future-proof choice.

Beyond its adaptability, Unity is backed by an extensive asset store. This vast repository

offers a myriad of ready-to-use game assets, scripts, and tools. For developers, this translates to

accelerated development timelines and reduced overheads, as there's often no need to build every

component from scratch. This advantage is further accentuated by Unity's exceptional graphics

and performance capabilities. Given our target audience – the discerning PCMR community –

delivering impeccable graphics and seamless gameplay isn't just a desire; it's a necessity. Unity,

with its cutting-edge graphics rendering capabilities, is aptly equipped to meet and exceed these

expectations.

Risks and Dependencies

The development of any digital project is laden with potential risks, and "Run PCMR!" is

no exception. There are several risks that can affect the completion of the project timeline, and

even to the completion of the entire project.

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Risks

Feedback delays, especially with the game’s branding, the need to meet PCMR standards,

and the limited timeline that we have with the project can be the major risks to this project. There

many be delays in receiving feedback from stakeholders, potentially setting back the timeline. To

mitigate, it might be best to start early and have regularly scheduled check-ins and clear

communication of milestones to ensure timely feedback. Technical limitations, especially since

this is a browser-based game, which might limit some of the features and performance,

especially when targeting a diverse set of devices. The use of PCMR-related branding and other

assets that might lead to intellectual property rights issues is another risk that can happen during

the process. To ensure that does not happen we need to ensure all assets have the correct

permissions and licenses and maintain open communication with the PCMR community and any

other potential stakeholders. With user registration and potentially personal data storage, there’s

always a risk of data breaches.

Dependencies

The success of this project hinges on several interrelated factors. The initial research and

understanding phase is anchored in the insights we gather from the PCMR community; any delay

here can affect the entire project's flow. Our iterative development strategy, interspersed with

client approvals, means each phase's progression often depends on the completion and validation

of the previous one. The tools, notably Unity, and their seamless operation are vital for

maintaining our schedule. Team communication stands out as another dependency, given our
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collaborative and iterative approach. Lastly, feedback from alpha and beta testing and timely

creation of game assets, such as graphics and sound, are crucial for our development milestones.

Testing Plan

The game will undergo multiple rounds of testing. Initially, expert functionality checks

will ensure all game mechanics work as intended. Usability testing sessions will follow, possibly

with a subset of the PCMR community. Finally, prior to an official release, focus group sessions

will provide feedback on the overall game appeal and possible areas of improvement.

Team Members if applicable

Team Members

Angela Cheng and Janet Pham will be working on this project together. The division of

labor, including clear roles and responsibilities are stated as below.

Division of Labor

Given the multifaceted nature of the this project, efficient division of labor is essential to

ensure smooth progression, especially with a compact two-member team. Here's a breakdown of

roles and responsibilities:

1. Game Design & Front-end Development - Angela Cheng

a. Role: This role will focus on the game design and front-end development.

b. Responsibilities:

i. Engage with PCMR for feedback and insights during the research

phase.
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ii. Draft game design and storyboards.

iii. Develop the game's front-end interface and animations as well as

the web hosting.

iv. Support the back-end development on any debugging and testing.

2. Back-end Development & Project Testing - Janet Pham

a. Role: This role will focus on the back-end development and project

testing.

b. Responsibilities:

i. Handle back-end development, including user registration/log-in

systems and leaderboard functionalities.

ii. Support the front-end development on any debugging and testing.

iii. Ensure the game is optimized for various hosts, browsers, and

integrates.

iv. Engage with PCMR for feedback and insights during the testing

phase.
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References

Age of War - Play on Armor Games. Armor Games. (2008, January 14).

https://armorgames.com/play/616/age-of-war.

Bullet Bunny. Newgrounds.com. (2023, August 28).

https://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/896879.

Everything, by Everyone. Newgrounds.com. (n.d.). https://www.newgrounds.com/.

Newgrounds. Newgrounds.com. (n.d.). https://www.newgrounds.com/.

PC Master Race - PCMR. Reddit. (n.d.). https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/.

Play Free Games Online at Armor Games. Armor Games. (n.d.). https://armorgames.com/.