Tools for my Master's Project (vignette)

I'm investigating interesting tools I could use for my master's project. Some of these are already on my tools
list on the courses page. Here is what I will probably present on Wednesday

Tools I'd like to present

• Half-Life 2 (reach) - has an engine that can be modded. Interest in creating a game that would mod HL2 to accomodate a coop buddy that supports your fight


• Neverwinter nights (not sure) - can create branching dialogues and levels in the tool that comes with this game. Dialogues can use wave files, create quests and award experience points. There is a tutorial on the NWN site and a Shakespeare NWN site.


• Maya & Shaba tools (medium) - these are the tools we use to produce our game at Shaba


• Sketch Up (prototyping) - a great tool for prototyping 3d levels. It's very easy to use. You can create 3D models, adjust lighting and export an animated walkthrough.Students can purchase a discounted copy.


• Second Life (easy) - a tool for building simulation


• Flash (easy) - a 2d tool to build simple games

Not relevant
The Movies Game- this is a game where you can create your own movies.

I also discussed my vignette with three people in the office. I wanted to see if the personas was a good approach. One guy suggested combining text statements and showing how they connect to the personas. Another idea we had was to take a look at how you can make Lara Croft a well known existing character and influence whether boys and girls approve of the game just based on camera angles and scenary. The new Lara Croft is less hyper-sexualized than her predecessor.