What is the Autonomous Systems Technician Program? What do its graduates do?

Project: Project Nexus

Project Nexus; an action, strategy, and survival game that blends elements of tension and labyrinth escape. Save humanity while racing against the clock, as a rogue AI seizes control of a scientific facility!

Project Summary

In the near future, humanity becomes the victim of its own creation. A cutting-edge AI, Nexus, expected to revolutionize biotechnology, takes control of the facility and transforms it into a deadly labyrinth. Researchers become infected and turn into zombie-like creatures. Nexus's only weakness is its consciousness core, protected by energy shields. The player, an elite agent, infiltrates the facility with limited ammunition and knowledge. The mission is clear: seize the Nexus Core, destroy the system, and escape. However, caution is required. Once the core is seized, a countdown begins. The player must use their memory and sharp intellect to escape the labyrinth, or they will perish within its deadly confines...

What Problem Does This Project Solve?

The mobile game industry today often focuses on making money through ads, drawing players in with false promises and ultimately leading to a shallow gaming experience. Having worked in this industry, what stood out to me the most is how many creative developers, despite their hard work and dedication, fail to find success. In today's world, we are so accustomed to consuming things quickly, preferring "short" and "entertaining" experiences. We seek quick dopamine hits and entertainment. However, these games often lack depth and fail to add value for the player. This led me to create a game that requires thoughtful decision-making, limited resources, and strategic gameplay. I aimed to develop a 3D labyrinth-shooter game that would challenge the player’s memory and intellect. The game features a randomizing labyrinth mechanic, so each playthrough offers a unique experience. I also incorporated gameplay where players could choose between stealth or brute force to defeat zombies. The goal was to encourage players to use their resources wisely and immerse them in a tense, time-based escape scenario.

Technologies Used in the Project

This project was developed using the Unity game engine and C# programming language. Character models were sourced from Mixamo, while other models were created by my talented teammate Dilay Kılıç using Blender. Some environmental models (such as walls, doors, and floors) were generated through Meshy, an online platform offering text-to-3D model AI. The UI/UX designs were crafted by another teammate, Miraç Dağ, using Unity.

Challenges Encountered and Solutions

One of the biggest challenges during development was the limited time frame of the bootcamp. I aimed to create a large-scale game but had very little time. However, in line with the game’s theme of managing time and resources effectively, we adopted efficient work practices and completed the project in just two weeks. This is a fascinating aspect of human nature—when pressed for time or faced with stress, our survival instincts kick in, boosting focus and energy. As a team, we worked harmoniously, and despite a few minor bugs, we successfully met our presentation deadline.

Impact on the User/Industry

As mentioned in the "What Problem Does This Project Solve?" section, I wanted to design a game that respects the player’s time and intellect. Unlike many games in the industry, Project Nexus does not treat the player as "thoughtless" but challenges them to think, focus, and strategize. The game encourages the player to be thoughtful and strategic with their limited resources while offering a fun and engaging experience. It was released for free on platforms like itch.io and Fiuby, and although I don’t expect it to become a massive hit, I hope that players who encounter it will enjoy their time and feel that they spent it productively.

Key Lessons Learned

The most important lesson I learned was that no matter how much time, effort, and energy is invested, completing a project to meet a deadline is one of the toughest challenges. The concept of deadlines, in our lives, isn’t just about finishing something by a certain time—it’s about stimulating the survival instinct and motivating us to focus and complete tasks. I felt this firsthand during the bootcamp, and it was a valuable lesson in managing time and working with discipline under pressure. Although I was able to finish the game to a playable level, I couldn't implement everything I had envisioned within the limited timeframe.

Future of the Project

While this game is essentially a mini-game, its core concept can be expanded into a larger, more complex computer game. In the future, I would love to develop a bigger game that carries the same philosophy: one that values the player's time and intellect, offering a unique, unforgettable experience.

Closing

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Techcareer for providing this free bootcamp. It is an amazing opportunity for aspiring game developers. I wish the best of luck to all creative, hardworking, and determined developers in the field. I hope everyone gets the recognition they deserve in this industry, and we can all move toward better days together.