Menu Design

bilal

@bilal said:

Remember that this would be a prototype game finder and I would only make one lobby client.

I understood what you said, but I'm not sure of what this would imply.

You mean for the alpha and beta versions, or you have in mind some sort of "kit" or "package" that once it has acquired a certain level of popularity it would evolve according to everyone's contributions?

When I say prototype I just mean that it would be a simple/minimalist program during early development and evolve to fit requirements as the game develops. I meant it as the same term as a game prototype, where gameplay is functioning, but the game has a long way to go.

@Pisarz said:

Is this the reason for which you state that customization is not significant? (Because this joint-development program would ensure that everyone gets what they want?)

I think customization and modding is important, but I don't think a menu needs customization beyond the ability for users to create and share skins.

Pisarz

@bilal
I love minimalist designs! Ok, so, your point is to make the thing work and then develop the details. Perfect!
This is from Hawken:

Oblivion (the movie) has some nice hud designs as well.

bilal

Quick example I did in photoshop:

(only to include basic features like joining and friends for now)

EDIT: Updated; I forgot the slider next to the friends list originally. Oops.

Pisarz

I like the way your logo matches the color palette of the window. Maybe one, by clicking on an on going game, could see if his/her friends are there (or vice versa).
Is that the font from Transformers?

bilal

@Pisarz
The font is called SF Transrobotics

Edit: Going to attempt creating a quick log in application with a mysql database of users

AvionAris

@bilal It looks nice, but I'd like to see a place for filters in this menu.
For servers.
With tags.

Pisarz

@bilal said:

"...Going to attempt creating a quick log in application with a mysql database of users."

Interesting! (I just read about mysql, etc.) Is it going to be for testing if we can actually establish a link with each other "in-game"? (With in-game I mean if that app can be included in Unreal Engine 4. If not, how would it work?)

bilal

Picture of WIP login screen:

This one is an actual executable (not just a mockup), except it doesn't do much yet other than accept typing and close. :p

@Pisarz said:

Is it going to be for testing if we can actually establish a link with each other "in-game"? (With in-game I mean if that app can be included in Unreal Engine 4. If not, how would it work?)

There would be a server application for the launcher that would allow players to join and create lobbies. Then, once a lobby is launched, each player's games will start, and the application will tell the game what to do next to make sure all players get in the match together.

The current system I'm thinking for multiplayer is using master servers to host multiple games so that players wouldn't have to worry about hosting. (This might be too server intensive, so I'll do more thought about it once I get to multiplayer in the actual game.)

Pisarz

Excellent!

We could do some alpha and beta testing and give the initial test groups some exclusive content as well.

AvionAris

@bilal Well, I'd say, it looks great! Is it going to be so small and compact or it's going to have more...
uhm
buttons later on?

bilal

@Encrypted
I think this should be fine for a prototype. Any suggestions are welcome. Maybe in the future there would be news/updates and other visual stuff on the sides.