Boat Game

[@MarshallMcGee]

I think we should just do a full procedural ambience system next video with wind and birds and insects and stuff, I'm tired of the basic wind loop I threw in there as temp. Also want to thank Cobra Code, Victoria Zavhorodnia, and Gorka Games for making such good tutorial content, I've learned so much already!

[@Xiaoxiao738]

Yea give the soundscape plugin a go.

[@JazzInATinCan]

Great idea! I saw a talk on a recent game where they had made a custom "wind machine" for Ableton Live in max - all synthetic - and it sounded really good and could just fill all your windy desires really fast. That was pretty cool

[@JacobWolfe-vr6lc]

This would be great, always love seeing how others approach ambience design/layering

[@yeheed6607]

Yeah absolutely

[@PainterCM04]

I would find it nice if the chime sound for discovering a (rare) fish would come from an actual chime on the boat, kind of like a "detector" chime that alerts you of a fish's presence. That would tie the audio cue also to a visual cue which could be neat.

[@Godot-Game-Dev]

I agree! That would be very cool.

[@notmyrealname9077]

An aquarium mode could be fun too, since there's personalities for each of the fish - seeing progression with a empty thing getting more full could scratch an adjacent itch

[@Ilostmycactus]

I think the catching gameplay needs looked at next. Just floating over and tapping a key makes it feel like an idle game.

[@ptkstefano]

I graduated in music and studied the whole time to be a sound-designer. During the pandemic I made a game from scratch in Unity and kinda liked doing it. The result is... Now I'm a web developer, also with the pretentions to one day be a solo dev. Programming is cool! Boat Game is looking really, really cool for your first project!

[@clackybones]

I adore the 2D sprites on 3D background look, and I've been looking for a cozy fishing game like this for a while! You could finish a minimum viable game - that simple catch fish and fill aquarium idea - and release as-is. Depending on the reception and your own interest you could build on the concept or move to another game.

[@the_boss45]

worthwhile and rewarding objectives are always what I like most about games (assuming it’s built on something that’s fun to do already)

[@WereInATightSpot]

One of the coolest, most humble, yet extremely talented dudes on KZbin. I'd love to see more of this journey!

[@dezatoosweet]

I've also just started my journey into making more than just sounds. It's a little overwhelming but it's kind of nice to know that I'm on the same path as you. Cheers and thanks Marshall.

[@OmegaMultiplayer]

One thing that I know really matters is the temporal implementation of the sounds. You can have an amazing sound for an effect, but if it plays a little bit too early or late, it’ll really hamper the impact. For finding fish, I think the usage of bubbles and wind really make it sound like something is emerging from the water, with the chime at the higher rarities acting as the sort of “impact point” of the sound. I think those higher rarity sounds could really be made to Feel even better by making the UI appear slightly later so it appears when the chimes hit. That would really capitalize on the buildup that becomes more present in the sounds as well.

[@inuinuinuinuinu]

Love insights like making certain sounds take up more stereo space and having others more in the middle. As someone with zero background in sound or music, learning about these kinds of considerations is really valuable!

[@0ozymandias641]

Very nice and comfy in presentation but theres little challenge to be had apart from having the RNG to finding 'better' fish. As it is now you just wander around pressing 'E' at every windchime and magical woosh, its a cookie clicky, a fishy clicker. Will there be a minigame that requires some skill? Upgrades? Points to catching these fish (selling, filling an aquarium..)? Exploration elements?

[@NitrogenDev]

I really enjoyed listening to you talk about wanting to make a game, your expectations, and your candidness about it all. Would totally love to see more episodes from your journey!

[@justtony6081]

if you make a fishing game YOU MUST make the fishing actually interesting. too many fishing games are too simple try and come up with some puzzle element that requires thought.

[@cerebralm]

This is just a personal thing but I've always wanted to see a shoreline-related game with a tidal cycle in addition to the usual day-night cycle. Tides are a big part of the magic of the sea, they change the amount of walkable space and they change what animals are active. Having to plan ahead when you will look for something specific based on both when you will have enough light and when the tides will make it accessible/active would be really cool. :)

[@TheSpaceMacaroni]

You asked about what to focus on first. It's always a good idea to make the core loop of the game feel good, even if you do it in grey box. Since this game is, as you mentioned, a lot of menus, making the sounds nice I do feel is a great start. So once you figure out what the core will be, focusing on whatever can make that core as nice as possible might be a nice direction to go. The sound direction of a lot of relaxing games (stardew, many aspects of minecraft, a little to the left, Unpacking, etc etc) have an almost bubble-wrap popping feeling to it. The sounds arent just there to convey information, but are in a lot of cases the main appeal. Think fishing in stardew, the little clank when you pull back the rod is almost a bit like popping some bubble-wrap. I love the idea of this game! I hope you keep up the development on it!

[@Hersatz]

Always start working on actual gameplay loop elements. That day night cycle can wait until very late in development. If you work on goods to have before the core gameplay, you might just end up with a nice looking but very boring game that just reinforces a cost sync fallacy. Thanks for the free sound sample, buy the way :D.

[@bonehelm]

Dude I would LOVE to see how you approach sound design for your own little indie game!

[@tysonasaurus6392]

The chimes are really cool, adds a lot to the chill vibes, I'd love to play something like this. The bobbing on the boat is really satisfying too, oh and also I love the way the earth curves, reminds me of animal crossing

[@creativebeetle]

Love this new video style! Seeing the game sounds come together in-engine was really engaging

[@alex_opr]

As a sound designer who also wants to make his own games this hit right home! I like the format of the video and the fact that you keep the attention on the sound design parts.

[@pinglebon770]

If you're planning on the aquarium being a sand box to create your own you could add a breeding mechanic for the player to customize the fish, or if you wanted to lean into the grotesque, you could allow frankenfishes.

[@teeoemm]

Super interesting to see game dev from a sound designer’s perspective, great stuff!

[@naiknaik8812]

i hope i get to see more of this game in the future

[@MRGO0OSE]

Its very inspiration to hear you discuss the long term goal you have and the small steps that theoretically can get you there 2:44. Trying to see the tree through the forest is where so many people get hopelessly lost and never start!

[@Skjoldmc]

For a fledgling game developer, this is really impressive!

[@Multi-Waves_Music]

There is SO much to learn from from this video alone, and it'll be really cool seeing the progression of the game with each video.

[@benchandler6602]

I love the idea that this would be a simple game, that has god tier Sound Design

[@Soundpizza]

Hi, I'm an Italian guy studying sound design for cinema. Thank you so much for this very technical and interesting video, and fo the free sounds

[@naruka777]

I really felt that part where you say that you've been a Sound artist in the industry for a while and never touched anything else Videogame development-related. I'm a visual artist who's worked in many part of the industry and NEVER really touched anything that wasn't my 2D and 3D art programs, I barely went into the Ubi engine when working on ForHonor. Recently decided to start my own solo project, short of 8 months now. Having to learn all these different skill has been a blast and that's definitely something I would recommend anyone if they have some time on their hand. Nonetheless, your videos have been a massive inspiration when it comes to SFX design and really helped me find something that I never thought I would enjoy doing as much as I do !

[@_megla]

you can feel the soul 3 seconds into the video

[@johnsmith532]

That sound neat and I think it could be both fun and educational, specially because there's things you only learn when doing stuff. I like the idea of giving fish different environments instead of just plain old fish tanks. Ponds could offer a lot of variety since you could give them different themes, a koi pond could have different ambient sounds from a regular pond. This reminds me of Slime Rancher for whatever reason. Here different fish could spawn in habitats. Maybe fish could have unique needs too, or maybe their environments could just be for looks. But regardless it's a great opportunity for some cool sound design. Imagine having deep-sea fish with dark mysterious sounds or magical fish in a fantasy area, this could have a mix of magic and water sounds. You can do a lot of fun things that could allow you to experiment with sound design that couldn't happen anywhere else.

[@demented909]

Loved this video. I’m currently solo developing a game and face similar problems, so info on implementing sfx in a small video game is gold for me.

[@kironikolov6668]

As a game artist i can say the visual vibe definitely grabbed me. This definitely seems like a fun project, I'm looking forward to see where it goes!

[@davidarsham]

I’ll admit, just looking at the thumbnail had me interested in the game. Even seeing just a small slice of the concept in motion makes me seriously want to get lost in it. There’s just such a great feel to it that I can’t really explain. I think you’re definitely onto something incredibly special here and I hope that a full game comes out of this. I personally see a huge amount of potential. Well done!

[@skydive4977]

Honestly an amazing concept. I think there's a lot of love for relaxing collection games, and it's amazing you already have experience working on one. Taking it in the general feel and direction gameplay wise of stardew valley and animal crossing (people would love customization for your aquarium and island) would be so nice. Maybe a down the line idea, but my favorite part of the Pokemon games i played as a kid was when you had to go out and get a guidebook to learn what locations certain Pokemon would spawn in more often. Implementing a system like that, where say eels would spawn mostly around rocky shallow areas, would make the player want to actually GO places and search out the fish. Might make the world seem a little bigger and more entertaining to explore, especially with a large map! I actually think you could have a really big game with this if you took it as far as it can go

[@amado7760]

Really nice Marshal. I love your videos and explanations, clear and concise.

[@marcmarc172]

Really impressive stuff, from the video itself to the video game. I love everything you did and I'm sorry I don't have any specific advice. Keep it up!

[@simeongalda5988]

Don't starve has amazing sound design / character

[@MommysGoodPuppy]

the game looks very prettyy

[@scribberz2229]

Hi I just want to tell you that I am so happy that you are growing up right now as a content creator for Sound Design! I still remember you did Waveforms back then especially with Zelda and stuff and I subscribed to you and until this day learning about sound design (tho im not a sound designer lol) keep it up! Have a great day

[@sm00se]

When I played World of Warships, my friends and I would call it boat game. So it's not the worst name!

[@jon.wilson]

Looks great so far! Some ideas: more bird noises, like really interesting ones, wood block sounds, wind noises when the boat is moving, tropical drums, and a light, bouncy soundtrack. Also this is just a minor nitpick, but I don't think squids have scales.

[@WavesNGames]

As a sound designer, the only game I've completed making was an audio only endless runner. You've already done more than i did haha. Cool breakdown of the tiered sound design.

[@JazzInATinCan]

Hi MM! I always get excited when you post a new vid. Because I always find them good and enjoyable. This was no different. Please feel free to continue.

[@archerclems]

You're the best, man, another great and interesting video. Thanks for the sounds!

[@fiskeduser]

Im studying game design, so im only in the process of learning all of this myself. But i'd say try to focus on what you want the Player Experience of playing your game to be first and foremost, and work your way back from that, look at what gameplay could create that experience and then what mechanics would be needed to create that gameplay - this is the super simple description of the 'Zubek Model', which I wouldn't be surprised if you're already plenty experienced with. Other than that, focus on your core idea; and build and iterate until you find fun elements that carry that idea. Best of luck - as a game design student, and an amateur music producer, I find this combination particularly interesting, so I wish you the best of luck!

[@Fixxer87]

This is really cool Marshall! I really want to see how this game evolves

[@andhegames8669]

looks super awesome, congrats on starting game dev! :)

[@coleharmon64]

Great timing, I'm doing sound design for a cozy farm sim, and have been working on UI specifically this week. Your videos are always inspiring!

[@coleharmon64]

Advice I might add, the world has a toylike look/feel to it. Making things sound small and cute will go a long way towards selling that vibe! Animal Crossing New Horizons is the GOAT for this feel IMO.

[@izer0z]

Marshall, I love this video as always! I wondered if it would make sense to add a tiering sound to the fishing noise as well. It confused me a little bit that you have some gorgeous sounds depending on the rarity of the fish you discover, but you aren't rewarded with the same tiering of sound when fishing with them. Maybe this is a misinterpretation on my end of how you wanted to make the player feel depending on what happened. Nonetheless, this video was very enjoyable and I'm super impressed you made a game so beautiful when you mention your minimal experience in development. Love your stuff, man! Super excited to see what's next.

[@lashghost]

Loved the video! I think it would be cool to see how your game develops, it seems like a fun project.

[@DarkDax]

Love it! It’s going to be a funny journey learning it all haha. How did you get the Animal Crossing style curvature? Is it a shader?

[@jarfle]

my ears appreciated this video

[@evaander]

Different game vibe but I think Dredge would be a good reference for sound design

[@robinsquares]

I love this!

[@gamusuraido9508]

It's really a great start! Though I think that last fishing UI sound may be better in a less width sound image. Still doing great job!

[@RosentwigMusic]

This is such a cool project and honestly really inspired me to learn more about all the other areas of gamedev. Actually I thought it would be fun to compose a little piece of music for this, I send it you via email, no strings attached obviously. 🌊

[@tysonasaurus6392]

Yooooo Marshall fishing game

[@jakelearningandstuff-zy5fj]

Just discovered your channel. Thanks for sharing! I’d play the fishing game for sure. I love cozy games like that.

[@KarstenDB]

I’m all up for a fishing game, I like the mix of 2-D and 3-D, looks super cute and fun. I’m not saying you have to make a map the size of Breath of the Wild or recreate Dredge but I think it would be cool if you added some themed areas, some that make sense like other little islands, a reef, maybe even a big island The big island could a little coastal town… or a river that leads to a waterfall and lake Just tossing ideas out ^_^ as it is now it looks fun to play so I can’t wait to see how it goes

[@Bhrz]

I'm enjoying your perspective on game design! I would love to see how you progress this game, and I'd love to see the experiences you learn from this too!

[@andivax]

Great video 💛💙

[@astrobeef8231]

I've been watching for a while and your videos are always very insightful. I make games as a hobby so it's cool to see you take the plunge into it!

[@someonewithsomename]

For the gameplay loop, I don't see a reason to just show all of the stats of the fish before you catch it. It would be somewhat fun to just catch a fish with a mini game and then you know whet tier of the fish you've caught. This way it's a bit of an excitement after each catch. A gambling mechanic, if you'd like

[@Grid21]

Cute game, make it! SHIP IT! (Joke drums!) Also, I have some water sounds I made awhile ago, I'd love to have you listen to them and maybe if you like them, use them in this game! Let me know!

[@projectmilzock]

More Boat Game please

[@wiktornogalski966]

Hey chief, It looks like you treat yourself with a lot of negative talk. You're not pathetic, you shouldn't be dissapointed in yourself. keep up the good work and remember to treat yourself kindly. Your tutorials helped me pass quite a few sound design exams, so if you ever feel down, remember that your content simply helps

[@Kharmatic]

YOU'RE BACK!

[@madcake6958]

i love your video, I don't know much about sound design so it's passionning to see you work. I'm a game designer and from what I saw from your game, it's focus on fishing and travelling I thin you should really look more into it, I would take exemple from tchia or valheim where the boat are really highlight in the gameplay that make more long and repetitive traversal still very fun.

[@GameAlchemistLeo]

I got an idea to make a really simple fishing game just like this, and then found this video lol, I know about everything else except audio tho

[@andrewjhaman]

Rad!

[@LineageView]

This was awesome! Are you using Wwise for this? Are you using some kind of Source Control? Are you able to cover what & how you've created the non-game audio related stuff too pls?

[@mexicanburrito2979]

Super cool, Marshall! Quick question, are you implementing the sounds using only Unreal or are you using FMOD?

[@baileyayre4423]

Epic

[@royalcities]

hey dude! How did you get into sound designing for Triple A games?

[@yeetthebeet]

boat game

[@wiggleforlife]

love the look of the game so far! what's the game you featured at 4:42 ?

[@oldcowbb]

the rarity chime effect sounds more appropriate for when you successfully caught the fish instead of just for spotting the fish

[@senoj]

What is the game you are playing at 4:43 called?

[@gwyndalf347]

Jusant, a great indie game. (french pruduct)

[@-unknown-5074]

What software are you using in each of your videos for sound design? Asking for my brain

[@jamesodonnell4771]

[@goldyloxeg]

your videos are so good. you're an excellent teacher and KZbin creator! also, I'm a professional programmer with lots of experience at large and small companies -- let me know if I can return the teaching favor if you need any help with your game

[@calebbarynin7018]

Make this game. Make another. Keep going. But play to your strengths as an artist; choose projects that reflect things you care about. Frankly I don't think that you know a lot about fish (I don't either). Tell YOUR stories in your art. And then on top of all this try not to worry and just have fun. We're following you, not your content.

[@nupaliruns]

I know I'm not the only one saying this but it looks like "fishing minigame" should be top priority on your list - most aspects of a game work best when they're designed with the core mechanic/main gameplay loop in mind, if you don't know yet what that gameplay loop is about you might end up having to rework part of what you're making now because it doesn't suit the core mechanic you'll come up with later on what makes the fishing fun ? why do I want more fish ? why do I want rarer fish ? although it doesn't matter at this stage you probably don't want to have fish actually be labeled with their rarity rank cause it makes the fish feels a lot less unique and less exciting (especially for a legendary, those should be one of a kind literally) it's hard to tell because it's such a short video but my gut feeling is that you're game already sounds and looks "too good" compared to what the gameplay has to offer I think you need to be aware (if you're not already) that wanting to work on the sound design more than the gameplay might be a way for you to avoid stepping out of your comfort zone instead of tackling an aspect of the game that may feel more intimidating but at the same time the process needs to stay fun for you otherwise motivation will become a problem eventually, it is a delicate balance and at this point I'm not sure whether I'm writing this for you or for me =)

[@lukas1891]

I hate this game

[@lukas1891]

jk much love

[@doob.]

💀