Illuminatey

Illuminatey is a simple but fun game that promotes environmentally responsible practices such as keeping down energy and water usage. Promoting sustainability one small task at a time!

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Beginner Division Submission Our team is eligible for the beginner project submission as we are all currently in high school and have minimal experience in Hackathons. We all used a new software for the first time to create this project and it was a great learning experience!

Inspiration

The inspiration behind our project largely stemmed from the concept of reducing electricity consumption. Our primary objective was to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of conserving energy and to encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives. To achieve this, we decided to incorporate everyday household tasks into the game, aiming to showcase how small changes in behavior can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Our goal is to highlight household chores that, when performed, can increase sustainability within the household.

What it does

Illuminatey is designed to educate people on sustainability through enjoyable and straightforward tasks. As you progress through the game, your objective is to accumulate coins to turn on your lights. These coins are earned by successfully completing sustainability tasks. However, there's a catch - it's easier to complete tasks when the lights are on, but the more you use them, the more coins you'll spend. The ultimate goal of the game is to complete as many tasks as possible while using the least amount of electricity.

How we built it

To develop Illuminatey, we utilized the Unity game engine. Our team divided the game into individual tasks, which we tackled separately through GitHub branches. Alejandro was responsible for implementing behaviors and creating player movement, as well as connecting different scenes together through GitHub. Rex built the entire house scene using a combination of Blender, Unity, and Visual Studios to design and code various functionalities within the house. Hartley and Kavita collaborated on creating different scenes such as the Main Menu, Info page, and Player Stats. They utilized buttons and scripts to link these scenes together seamlessly. As a team, we took the extra step of reviewing and double-checking each other's work to ensure its accuracy and quality. Whenever we encountered roadblocks, we brainstormed ideas and strategies to find solutions together. This approach helped us to maintain a high level of collaboration and teamwork throughout the development process.

Challenges we ran into

Although creating Illuminatey was a challenge in its own right, our greatest obstacle was our lack of experience. It seemed as though we were starting a race several minutes after everyone else had already finished. We had to spend considerable time experimenting with Unity and teaching ourselves how to use the different software, which took more time than the actual programming. We understand that creating a successful project takes time and effort, and setbacks and challenges are inevitable. However, with persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt, we overcame the challenges and achieved our goals.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

As we crossed the finish line, a wave of pride washed over us like a warm embrace. It was an accomplishment that we had worked hard for, and we had done it! For 3/4 of us, it was our first time participating in a hackathon, and we had dived headfirst into the world of game development with Unity, GitHub, C#, and Blender. With each new challenge, we felt like fearless explorers discovering a new land. Our tools of the trade were not textbooks or lectures, but YouTube videos, Stack Overflow, and trial and error. The experience was not just about learning, but about becoming closer as a team. We had fully entered the world of computer science.

What we learned

Alejandro: As I began exploring GitHub branches and managing repositories, it was like delving into a new and complex universe. Each new feature and change I made to the project felt like a small building block. It was only my second time working with Unity, and I was determined to make a meaningful contribution to the project. During this project, I learned invaluable lessons about collaboration, teamwork, and communication, which are skills that would really help me in my future in game development.

Hartley: Embarking on a new adventure into the world of game development, I was excited but apprehensive as this was my first time entering the Hackathon, Unity, GitHub, Visual Studios, and C# world. Working with other programmers my age created a space where ideas flowed freely, and creativity was encouraged. Through this experience, I learned invaluable lessons about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. This is just the beginning of my journey in game development, and I can't wait to see what other discoveries and challenges lie ahead.

Kavita: As a first-time participant in a Hackathon, the platforms and tools were unfamiliar to me, but I was determined to learn. With Unity, I learned about the creation and scripting of game objects. It helped me understand the importance of considering time and ability constraints when creating a project, and how to balance creativity with practicality. Through this experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for the art and science of game development, and I can't wait to see where this newfound knowledge will take me.

Rex: This Hackathon was a life-changing experience for me. As a first-timer, I had never created anything from scratch, let alone a video game. But the moment I dove into the creative process, I loved it. I learned how to work efficiently under pressure, communicate and collaborate effectively with my team members, and approach problem-solving in a new and innovative way. This experience has shown me the importance of perseverance, the power of collaboration, and the rewards of thinking outside the box. I am grateful for this Hackathon experience, and I know that the skills and lessons I have learned will stay with me forever.

What's next for Illuminatey

Ideally, Illuminatey will continue to thrive in the future. Upon completing this project, our plan is to further develop the game into a polished product suitable for the market. Our goal is to expand the program by adding more tasks and game objects, with the ultimate aim of transitioning into a multiplayer platform. We want to utilize the knowledge and skills we have gained during this project to drive our future projects and hackathon participation.

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