I designed and developed the AI for Plunder Panic while working at the Michigan State University GEL Lab during my undergrad. The game has won several awards, including the Audience Choice Award at IndieCade in 2017, and has since launched on all platforms.

Contributions

  • Designed and developed a dual-utility AI for decision making among computer-controlled players
  • Implemented a node-based movement system for the AI, and used a modified version of A* for pathfinding
  • Streamlined the process of creating new AI actions using the Subclass Sandbox design pattern, including a way to "drag and drop" new behavior
  • Utilized a virtual controller to simplify the process of passing input to the AI players
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A game of AI players
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The interactive character select scene
  • Designed and developed a new interactive character select scene, with different versions for the Nintendo Switch and Arcade platforms
  • Created a new main menu system to allow customization of game options and modifiers
  • Developed systems to allow players to join a match while it's playing in order to facilitate "dropping-in" to the action
  • Implemented a system to asynchronously load scenes in the background in order to improve loading times
© David Robitaille, 2022​