For a while I have been wanting to do a long term game development project with a scope a bit larger than a game jam. Aditionally I would like to mess around with some 3d modelling during the project as well.

So, for inspiration for this project I looked to a subject which I find highly inspiring - space-travel, more specifically SpaceX’s Starship program, which I have been patiently (or rather impatiently ;)) following for the past 1 and a half year. During this time, I have thought multiple times, that a game wherein you build Starships piece by piece, Lego style, and then launch them into space, could be a good time.

This idea seems fitting for a long term project, as it features some interesting challenges, such as:

  • Building a semi realistic Reaction Control System (RCS)

  • Implementing planetary gravity

  • Simulating the atmosphere during flight

  • Orbit planning & auto pilot

As well as any other ideas that might pop up along the way!

On top of this, it allows for building some basic 3d models, based on the vast amount of picture documentation of the starship build process :)

The tools I plan to use during this project include:

  • Unity, specifically a HDRP project, for that sweet sweet ray-tracing.

  • Visual Studio

  • Blender for 3d modelling & materials.

Check out the next post where we actually get into implementing some mechanics! :)