26 Innovative Development students are carrying out GameLab projects for their Managing Knowledge Outreach (MKO) course. These involve our arcade cabinet, AI, GymSym and the LeerPlus game engine from Game Tailors.
genAI
What is currently possible with generative artificial intelligence when making games? That is the question given to the first group of Innovative Development students. They will attempt to make games using as many AI tools and techniques as possible.
Making games is difficult, and for now generative AI can only play a supporting role. Many teams struggle with it. What works and what does not? When does it improve games? It is a controversial and very rapidly evolving subject. That makes it particularly interesting to discover what genAI can currently do.
The students will share their findings and have been tasked with delivering at least one working game prototype.
GymSim
The sports hall simulator GymSim is approaching the point where it can be used at HALO. The project has been in development for almost two years, with some breaks. Koen Langelaan is working on it at GameLab. Because many 3D models are needed, the ID students are supporting this work. They will model all the equipment in 3D and import it into the Unity project, allowing Koen to focus on the technically challenging aspects.
Arcade cabinet
At GameLab, we have an arcade cabinet called Palacade. Originally a Mortal Kombat cabinet, it was transformed by The Hague-based company Paladin Studios into a multifunctional cabinet capable of running different games. When Paladin was forced to close last year, the cabinet came to GameLab.
Unfortunately, its hardware, dating back to 2010, has broken down. The ID students working on the cabinet will attempt repairs, aiming both to restore it and bring it up to date.
LeerPlus Game Engine
LeerPlus, from Delft-based Game Tailors, is a game engine for quickly creating applied games. The engine is under development and is currently used mainly within Game Tailors itself. The intention is for clients to use it to create and expand their own games or add new content.
The ID students will use the engine to make a game, thoroughly testing LeerPlus in the process. Game Tailors can use the game they make and learn how to improve the LeerPlus engine further.