Project Lucid - Let's make it happen!

**slash112** · 06-12-2016 10:26 PM

What the eff is Project Lucid?

I'll start with the basics. Project Lucid is the project (by MaDE Studio (me)) which will give birth to a video game (PC and PS4) which is centered around the idea of lucid dreaming. It is set inside one big universe in which players can freely mingle with each other, explore and even change.

I have been referring to the game's genre as "MMO Sandbox", because technically that's what it is. However, the more I think about it, the more I think that this is more than just a game (Still an MMO Sandbox though, I hereby lay claim on that term. MMOS?... back me up here, guys?).

So if it's not a game, what the eff is it *really*?

There will be no set storyline, no set style of gameplay, not even a set world. Instead, I wish to build a universe which has rules (just like our universe does, but the rules will be nothing alike). It is within this universe that players will be able to play games, created either from their own imagination, from the imagination of others, or from what the universe throws at them.

Let me explain. Players aren't the only ones creating content (by creating content I mean building things, creating stories, and also changing the dream world). The game will create a lot of content itself (somewhat like the procedural generation that happens in Minecraft and No Man's Sky, but not quite. I will cover this another day for those interested). And I don't mean just the terrain. I mean everything, right down to the storylines and the music. This is stuff that I've always wanted to do, but the game No Man's Sky (coming this August) has set a new benchmark in game development which I intend to follow and then surpass. What an inspirational game it is, you need to check it out if you haven't already (just watch any few videos about it on YouTube, you'll get the idea).

So it IS a game, but it also isn't at the same time. The way I like to think of it is, it's a "game platform". It is a platform which allows games to be played. Or just call it a "universe". Heck, call it a "game" I don't care! I'm just getting too deep into the terminology...

Tell me more cool stuff

1) Virtual Reality. I already have it set up working with Oculus Rift. No idea if it works with the HTC Vive or other VR headsets. I will test this though and I will ensure that the game works smoothly with and without VR right from the beginning.

2) Leap Motion hand tracking. I also already have this set up and working too (so cool) whereby having the device plugged in allows you to see your hands in the game world. So far the only real function they have is knocking things over. I will build on this over time, it's an experimental part of the project (there will be plenty of experimental bits by the way).

Screeny: StJXg6u.jpg

3) AIPCs (Artificially Intelligent Player Characters). I was actually planning on keeping this largely a secret at first, but I went ahead and told DV staff about it because I couldn't help myself. Now I've decided I will make this plan known, because it is actually going to become a large part of it, so it really should be considered right from the start.

AIPC, there's another term I had to make up because there's no other quick way to say "Deep Neural Network/machine learning program that connects to the server and plays the game". Well I think you've got the idea by now. The AIPC program will learn from everything it can. A newborn AIPC will do a whole load of random stuff, and over time will learn to do things properly in the game based on the various forms of feedback it will get, and they will each form their own unique personality based on what it has learned.

There's so much I could say about my AIPC idea, so I will cover this in more detail another day too.

4) Story creation. Yeah I already sorta mentioned this. But I just want to return to it because it's probably the most ambitious part of the whole project. Out of all the crazy shit I want to do with Project Lucid, I believe this will be the most challenging to implement. I want to develop a system which generates stories. With the basic system in place, stories could be created by players or randomly generated by the computer.

Stories could come in many shapes and sizes. You may be walking through the woods when suddenly a boy runs at you with a knife, then he stops and says "

Well what do you need me for then?

At the moment I am developing the game myself using Unreal Engine 4. It's going slowly but surely as I am very busy, but I always make time for it. Right from the start, I knew I would involve the community in some way, and I have finally reached the stage where I can start doing that.

Here are a few things I will be looking out for:
1) Developers. If you have experience with UE4 and want to help out, let me know down below! If you are a game developer and you want to help, but don't have experience with UE4, also speak up. In fact, even if you are none of these things but you are looking to get into game development, you speak up too. A massive part of what my business is about is helping others, so I will do my best for you!

2) Decision making. During development, there will be many decisions to be made. Sometimes these decisions can be difficult and it is hard to know what the people will actually want. So when I come across these situations, I will post a thread with a poll asking for your opinions. When these times come, each vote will be extremely helpful, and the discussion which spurs from it would be even more valuable.

3) Constructive critisism. At every point in development, from now and beyond, I will need your thoughts on how things are looking. There's not much for you to see at this point, but I am spewing out the game design to you all for you to tear apart and help make it perfect! The problem at this point is that I haven't explained absolutely everything. I have tried to fit as much of the important stuff in, although I may have forgotten things because my memory is terrible. However, you will find much of the information I missed will come out because people will say things that will trigger me to respond with said infos.

4) Ideas. I am very open to ideas, and I invite you all to have fun thinking about ideas and sharing them with the rest of us, but I won't just take on any old idea. It must fit my vision for the game. I have explained that vision as best I can, and hopefully you will get a feel of what I'm going for. I expect ideas to become better and better over time. Who knows, maybe you'll come up with an idea that doesn't get used, but has potention in itself, then you can make it happen! If that happens, I'd be more than happy to give any help and advice that I can. Let's make each other's dreams come true, because that's what it's all about.

5) Spreading the word when the time comes. Feel free to tell people now, but there will come a time when the game will really need more eyes on. For now, I'm keeping it to a small circle (you guys get in there first, of course. DV means so much to me you wouldn't believe) and I'll gradually expand the network until eventually I just want every gamer on the planet to know about it.

Again, I am aware that this is an extremely ambitious plan. But am I right in thinking that I came to the right place? The one place you can dream big and you are respected for it?

Let's make this thing happen.

Discuss! Am I going in the right direction?

I will be posting more in-depth infos and progress updates, in the form of forum posts and also YT videos. So keep your eyes peeled!

**slash112** · 06-12-2016 10:33 PM

To staff: I hope it's alright to post this in GLD, it seems most fitting. Plus, a lot of lucid dreaming concepts will be discussed here for sure.
Also, saving this post slot for future editing, it may be needed.

**MadMonkey** · 06-12-2016 10:54 PM

I am excited to see how this goes! I have some 3d modeling and programming experience and a lot of ideas for this kind of ame so maybe I can give some feedback later on.

**spellbee2** · 06-12-2016 11:46 PM

This sounds incredible. Definitely can't wait to see how it turns out.

I have no experience with Unreal Engine 4, but I do have C++ experience. Though I'm not sure how much I can contribute, since I'm pretty busy as of late. But if I have the chance, I'll definitely try to help out any way I can.

**slash112** · 06-13-2016 12:00 AM

Thanks guys! I will definitely have use for you both somewhere down the line

**Mydera** · 06-13-2016 01:39 AM

This is an awesome concept! I'd love to play a game like that! I'm not really in th know as far as any of the things you need help with, but can spread the word for sure

**Hukif** · 06-13-2016 03:08 AM

Yo Slash! I think if anyone can make it, it is you. Especially with all the accumulated experience throughout the last years, right?

Good luck on the project dude!

**Diamondec** · 06-13-2016 03:15 AM

Creating bad guys just so I can defeat them is not my style. I prefer letting my dream characters do what they want as long as they don't break the laws that is.

**Centroid** · 06-13-2016 03:09 PM

Awesome idea! I have some experience with Unity, pretty sure it's very different from Unreal though. Still, I'd be glad to help! Good luck!

**slash112** · 06-13-2016 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Mydera

This is an awesome concept! I'd love to play a game like that! I'm not really in th know as far as any of the things you need help with, but can spread the word for sure

Awesome! Thanks Mydera

Originally Posted by Hukif

Yo Slash! I think if anyone can make it, it is you. Especially with all the accumulated experience throughout the last years, right?

Good luck on the project dude!

Well, my 5 years in Computer Games Technology at uni can't be for nothing! Learned a lot, but I've barely scraped the surface. I am still learning every day.

Thanks man

Originally Posted by Diamondec

Creating bad guys just so I can defeat them is not my style. I prefer letting my dream characters do what they want as long as they don't break the laws that is.

Creating a bad guy to kill him is only one of many possibilities. I didn't even mention that you would be able to do it, because it's hardly an important thing to be able to do, compared to everything else you'll want to do.

Furthermore, hostile entities could come from anywhere, and may be created by another player, or even by the game itself. Heck maybe you'll be unwittingly attacked by something you created, and so you have to kill it.

Make sense? Hopefully it sounds a bit better to you now

Originally Posted by Centroid

Awesome idea! I have some experience with Unity, pretty sure it's very different from Unreal though. Still, I'd be glad to help! Good luck!

I actually started development on Unity a while ago, until I scrapped it all in favour of starting fresh on UE4. UE4 is very different, but it's familiar enough to at least get started learning. It is so powerful and it gets easier and easier to use.

**MadzAssassin** · 06-14-2016 07:43 PM

This sounds awesome! If you want any help, whether it's with idea generating or testing out versions later down the line, give a shout or a PM!

**slash112** · 06-14-2016 08:10 PM

Thanks man

Oh yeah, everyone: Who here has a VR headset or is thinking of getting one? And if so, which one?
I will need play testers for non-VR, VR, and several other bits of tech when I reach those stages (like the Leap Motion, PS4, and even PS VR, and much more...).

I know of one person who has the HTC Vive and wants to help me out with this, because I only have the Rift. That was in DV chat, forgive me but I can't remember who the fuck it was I was speaking to.

**Jeff777** · 06-15-2016 01:19 AM

Love it Slash. Leave it to you to get me dusting off my old DV account, lol. Looking forward to seeing this develop further. I don't currently own any VR equipment but I'm definitely keeping my ear to the ground on any and all VR related info. I'm not a coder/programmer but if there's anything I can be of assistance with, let me know.

**DoubleHelix** · 06-15-2016 01:26 AM

I like this notion very much. Unfortunately, I have no programming skills, so development is completely out of my league, but I could (and would) gladly offer my services on your points 2 through 5 if it helps to get this off the ground. I'd also be willing to be a beta tester of different modules as they are developed.

**TiredPhil** · 06-15-2016 06:26 AM

Learning C Sharp at the moment, so this should be an interesting thread.
Only just starting, so not much use to you at the moment.
Following with interest.

**slash112** · 06-15-2016 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Jeff777

Love it Slash. Leave it to you to get me dusting off my old DV account, lol. Looking forward to seeing this develop further. I don't currently own any VR equipment but I'm definitely keeping my ear to the ground on any and all VR related info. I'm not a coder/programmer but if there's anything I can be of assistance with, let me know.

Hahah you logged in! *fistpump*

Awesome man, I'm glad you like it! I am sure I'll find a use for a dreamer of your calibre

I'll keep you updated. In fact, like the Facebook page. In fact2, I'll send out an invite so you don't have to search it. I don't have the go-ahead yet to link it... :L

Originally Posted by DoubleHelix

I like this notion very much. Unfortunately, I have no programming skills, so development is completely out of my league, but I could (and would) gladly offer my services on your points 2 through 5 if it helps to get this off the ground. I'd also be willing to be a beta tester of different modules as they are developed.

Good stuff man! Thank you!

Any help at all is greatly appreciated, but just remember, if the idea of game development appeals to you, I'm sure I can help you get on the right path, and maybe eventually you'll be able to do a bit of dev for Project Lucid, but it doesn't matter either way to me.

Originally Posted by TiredPhil

Learning C Sharp at the moment, so this should be an interesting thread.
Only just starting, so not much use to you at the moment.
Following with interest.

Ah C#, good place to start I suppose. The first game I ever made was in C#.
Have you looked at Unity yet? You can code inside Unity with JavaScript or C#, and they make it so simple to work with. (Well, simpler than I expected before trying it

)

Unreal Engine on the other hand uses C++ or "Blueprints" instead. Blueprints are like coding with mind-maps. It visually lays out all the operations and how they are connected rather than just a wall of code. And creating blueprints in UE4 is so simple once you're used to it.

Well, keep at it! And keep your eyes peeled for more Project Lucid

**Centroid** · 06-15-2016 01:36 PM

Hey Slash,
I'm currently doing an internship (I think that's what it's called) for two weeks in a business specialized in 3D animation for adverts. They are investing a lot in VR, and have at least a dozen people working on projects for the Vive, Oculus, etc. So if you have any queries, tell me so I can ask them! (By the way, what I've seen there is SICK). I'll also have time to learn Maya, if that's any use to your project.

**slash112** · 06-15-2016 02:19 PM

Ah Centroid! Awesome. That will come in handy, as I may need some direction with the 3D art style, lighting, things like that. Same goes for everyone else who has told me they are into 3D art. I don't yet have the details nailed down that I need to nail down though before asking you guys questions about that.

However, the 3D anim for adverts specifically is very interesting, because there will come a time when I will need to get serious about my adverts, teasers and trailers. I already have a couple of videos I am planning on making, and I would take any help at all, but that is a little bit further down the line too (not sure how far, but probably within the next couple of months).

So yeah, I will get back to you on that!

**Man of Steel** · 06-15-2016 04:48 PM

This sounds awesome! I can't help with development, but I do have a Leap Motion dev unit that I'd be happy to test with. It's been gathering dust on my desk for a while, it'd be good to see a game that actually utilizes it!

**TiredPhil** · 06-15-2016 06:14 PM

I have understanding of BASIC on a Commodore 64
Even wrote a few games back in the day.
Thought I would get this in, just to show my age.

**slash112** · 06-15-2016 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by Man of Steel

This sounds awesome! I can't help with development, but I do have a Leap Motion dev unit that I'd be happy to test with. It's been gathering dust on my desk for a while, it'd be good to see a game that actually utilizes it!

Hey man! Yes! Found someone else with a Leap Motion

That is very good to know.

Do you have a VR headset to go with it? Like, the Leap Motion stuck on the front of the headset. I'm assuming though that you just meant you have the stand-alone device. If that's the case, perfecto anyways because that's just another combination of devices I have someone to test with

I think to be honest that the device sitting in front of you is better anyway, having it stuck on the front is good for VR because you can turn round and it still sees your hands, but really, the loss in accuracy is a pain in the behind, so I need to get it working that way too. Believe it or not, that might be a challenge, but it needs to be done.

I'm also glad you've got the Leap because I've got some other cool plans for it within Project Lucid, and I will definitely want someone else to experience it. Not just for the sake of having it tested, but for the sake of getting to give someone else a shot of these cool things.

Originally Posted by TiredPhil

I have understanding of BASIC on a Commodore 64
Even wrote a few games back in the day.
Thought I would get this in, just to show my age.

You're hired!

**TiredPhil** · 06-15-2016 11:38 PM

A few Leap motion questions.
Can the objects made be incorporated into games ?
Do the developers of Leap Motion want money for updated versions of their software.
If I purchase a used Leap Motion sensor, do I also have to buy the software, or is it freeware ?
Last of all. To what extent can Leap motion be incorporated other game writing programmes like Unity.

Sorry for all the questions, but I can not find much info' on the device.

**slash112** · 06-17-2016 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by TiredPhil

A few Leap motion questions.
Can the objects made be incorporated into games ?
Do the developers of Leap Motion want money for updated versions of their software.
If I purchase a used Leap Motion sensor, do I also have to buy the software, or is it freeware ?
Last of all. To what extent can Leap motion be incorporated other game writing programmes like Unity.

Sorry for all the questions, but I can not find much info' on the device.

I don't quite understand the first question there. To what objects are you referring?

No the software is all free. I got a used Leap Motion with my Oculus, and I have had no issues at all. Free download of their softwares. Updates and all.

And finally, I didn't know this until I checked there, but yes, Unity fully supports Leap Motion, just like UE4 does! That's pretty awesome. These guys have dominated the hand-sensing industry! Even though it's not a mainstream industry yet, it is a big step forward towards it, with the work they and us devs are doing to bring it to the light.

Don't worry! The funny thing is, I didn't know anything about the Leap either until I actually bought it and i plugged it in. There is actually a heavy shitload of information out there about it, it just for some reason doesn't make sense until you've actually got it. Weird, eh? Maybe it's just us.

**Centroid** · 06-17-2016 05:29 PM

Guys guys guys...

I just tried out the Vive for about half an hour. It's SICK!!! I can see how amazing a lucid dream related game could be with the Vive.

The only problem... which is actually a big issue... is that this thing only costs 800 dollars, but the computer needs to meet a few requirements (i5 + 970), which can be pretty expensive (I checked the price of the Origin laptop I used, over 4K). So someone has to be into lucid dreaming AND be ready to spend a few thousand dollars for a video game.

However, computers have a trend in becoming both more powerful and cheaper after some time. So we can start Vive development anyway, so that we'll be ready when that day comes.

I also tested out the Hololens (not available yet), which was a really interesting experience. It's not VR, but augmented reality (I think that's the term), so you can still see everything around you. At first glance, it looks cheap and unimpressive (especially after you use the Vive), but trust me when robots dig holes and jump at you from the walls you'll think differently.

Also, I just found out Unreal was free!!! But my MacBook Air isn't powerful enough... Noooo!

**slash112** · 06-17-2016 08:13 PM

Ahah awesome!

Yeah the price is a big problem. But like you say, it should get more affordable over time. It really is the future, I'm just trying to get in there early like so many others are.

However not to worry, the game itself will run fine without VR, and will not require a computer with VR-standard specs.

Nice one @ HoloLens. That is a really exciting piece of tech. If I could afford it, I would buy a dev kit and include it in the experimental parts of Project Lucid. Part of the long-term plan anyways.