Video Game Design

             If I had to create a video game based off of Zone One, it would have to be a 3D, open world video game. It would also have an aspect of a role-playing game (RPG) and a third-person shooter. An open world game allows for the player to explore freely. Open world games provide players with the ability to choose how to approach the game and the challenges the player will face. An RPG is a game in which players assume the role of a character in a fictional setting. The player assumes responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative. A third-person shooter allows you to view your character. The player can choose to do this either through literally acting, or through decision-making regarding character development. I think having my game as an open world RPG would allow the player to explore, as well as learn about the main character through the decisions you make. The player would be given a map to make sure they know where Zone One is at all times. This would aid the character in not getting lost and to better understand the area that they are exploring. It is hard for open world games to keep the player focused on the main objective, since all they want to do is explore. I think you can also see this in Zone One as Mark Spitz struggles to stay focused at times and dwells on the past.  In my video game, there can be side missions that allow you to see his memories and play through them. These side missions would also help with player development, as well as, allow the player to learn more about the main character. These side missions also help the player explore different areas. There could be side missions that allow the character to go to Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey. You would be able to experience all the memories of the “Last Night” and all memories during this post-apocalyptic world. Exploration would be crucial, but the player would be given the freedom to not complete the side missions. By completing side missions, the player would get experience points and this experience points would help the player to develop certain skills. Some skills that could be obtained are, being stealthier, different takedowns on the Skel, better gathering skills. In open world RPG, it is important to go searching for material and goods that can be used to trade or upgrade weapons. The same would stand for my video game; there won’t be any currency, so trading is important for helping you succeed. The player would be able to trade food and resources to other survivors and also would be able to recruit people to join his group when exploring. Upgrading your skills and stealth would be extremely important for my video game. I think the book itself is somewhat of an open world game. Mark Spitz is always exploring different areas of Manhattan in search of Skel. If Colson Whitehead were to pitch a video game idea based off his book, I believe he would have you the same genre that I had used.