Troll Runner
Genre: Endless Runner
Platform: Web / Desktop
Tool: Unity 3d
Project Length: 9 Months
Role: Designer / Programmer
Team Size: 6
Downloadables: Windows Build
- Research Based Design
- Crowd Sourced Content
Awards
- GLS 9 – Exhibitor
The online gaming world can be a hostile place, especially if you’re a girl. While many people believe online harassment in video games is something you just have to expect and deal with, many don’t realize how different it can be for girls who wish to game alongside the boys. We explore some of the highs and lows of the online game community in this meaningful endless runner.
Troll Runner is the Masters project of three grad students with some help from two undergrads and a fourth grad student. The game itself went through three main designs, each with their own merits, but we ultimately chose the one that had the closest balance of gameplay and serious content.
Designer Notes
This was a tough project for myself and the other Masters students. Not only is it a hugely, multi-faceted issue, but we were also very restricted on the time we had to implement our ideas. We won’t pretend that the game is perfect, but we put together an experience worthy of the issue. One of the greatest challenges was only focusing on one specific part of this issue that has roots deep down in the gaming culture.