Date of Award
2025
First Advisor
Myo Thida
Second Advisor
Amanda Landi
Abstract
This thesis presents a detailed account of the independent development and publication of the video game Amozon Extraplanetary Colonization Program. Spanning my final two semesters at Simon’s Rock, the project encompasses the design and implementation of a custom game architecture, asset creation, including art, sound effects, and music, and the strategic use of digital marketing for distribution on platforms such as Steam. The work describes in detail the challenges of indie game development compared to traditional commercial production, the factors contributing to successful game design and release, and the process of merging disparate genres to produce a novel player experience. Key innovations include a robust block system that allows for custom blocks of different sizes to be placed and destroyed on a grid, a modular tooltip interface adapted from prior work, and a refined contract system that balances player choice with escalating challenges. Through iterative design, rigorous process documentation, and a reflective practice on technical and creative decisions, this thesis contributes practical insights and methodologies to the discourse on independent game development and interactive media design.
Recommended Citation
Smirnov, Misha, "Amozon Extraplanetary Colonization Program: The Journey of Developing a New Type of Automation Game" (2025). Senior Theses. 1705.
https://digitalcommons.bard.edu/sr-theses/1705
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