Zombie-Q Project

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Inspiration

The idea for ZombieQ stemmed from our desire to create a 2D shooting game that seamlessly combines action and strategy. We were drawn to the challenge of crafting a game that keeps players engaged while also requiring thoughtful decision-making. Initially, we struggled to turn this vision into a reality, but with the support of AWS Q, we gained the tools needed to refine our ideas and manage complex processes. This allowed us to focus on building a game that immerses players in the chaos of a zombie-infested world.

What it does

ZombieQ is a 2D survival shooter set in a post-apocalyptic city overrun by zombies. Players take on the role of the last human survivor, navigating desolate streets and abandoned buildings while battling relentless waves of the undead. The gameplay combines fast-paced action with strategic decision-making. Resources are scarce, and players must carefully manage their ammunition and movement to survive. Each level becomes progressively more difficult, with stronger zombie waves and environmental challenges. The ultimate goal is to survive as long as possible, eliminate as many zombies as you can, and uncover glimpses of hope in an otherwise grim world.

How we built it

The development of ZombieQ relied on a combination of AI tools and manual coding. AWS Q played a crucial role in handling backend processes and supporting the creation of assets. We used AI to generate visuals, such as character designs and environments, but achieving consistency required refining the prompts and iterating on the outputs. For gameplay mechanics, we manually adjusted values for hitboxes, movement, and difficulty scaling to ensure the game was balanced and engaging. Frequent testing and feedback loops allowed us to refine both the technical and creative aspects of the game.

Challenges we ran into

One of our biggest challenges was generating consistent and thematic visual assets. AI tools often produced results that didn’t align with the game’s post-apocalyptic aesthetic, requiring us to experiment with prompts and keywords repeatedly. Another major challenge was coding accurate hitboxes for the characters and zombies. While AI-assisted coding provided a solid foundation, the initial results were not precise enough for smooth gameplay, and we had to manually fine-tune these values through extensive testing.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are incredibly proud of how ZombieQ brings the tension and strategy of survival to life. The immersive visuals, dynamic gameplay, and polished mechanics reflect the effort and creativity poured into the project. Overcoming challenges, such as refining AI-generated assets and balancing gameplay elements, was a rewarding experience. The finished product captures the haunting atmosphere and thrilling intensity we envisioned from the start.

What we learned

Developing ZombieQ taught us valuable lessons about leveraging AI for creative and technical tasks. We learned how to refine outputs through iteration, balance automation with manual adjustments, and rely on player feedback to improve gameplay. This project emphasized the importance of adaptability and teamwork in overcoming challenges. Most importantly, it showed us how persistence can turn a complex vision into a successful, engaging game.

What's next for Zombie-Q Project

We plan to add new levels, diverse environments, and unique zombie types. Cooperative multiplayer and enhanced AI for dynamic zombie behavior are in development. Additionally, we aim to optimize ZombieQ for mobile and console platforms, ensuring a broader audience can enjoy the game’s thrilling experience.