Sustain
A Tower Defense & Resource Management Game
Introduction
Sustain is a 3D isometric tower defense and resource management game set on an alien planet. This project was developed as part of my year 3 professional project module, where students were tasked with forming teams to create a game based on a prompt provided by an industry client.
Our team was largely made up of Dare Academy 2023 finalists, bringing a level of experience and collaboration that helped us push through challenges. The game received positive feedback throughout various playtesting events.
My Role in Development
During the development of Sustain, I was responsible for:
- Programming the game in Unreal Engine using C++ and Blueprints.
- Integrating audio triggers to enhance the game’s interactivity.
- Helping manage version control, ensuring smooth collaboration across the team.
- Creating documentation to assist team members unfamiliar with version control tools.
Working in a larger team setting introduced new challenges, particularly in coordinating assets and managing collaborative workflows, but it also provided an opportunity to refine my skills in both programming and team communication.
Gameplay Trailer
The video below is the official gameplay trailer for Sustain, showcasing its tower defense mechanics, resource management systems, and atmospheric world.
Final Thoughts
This project was one of the most valuable learning experiences I’ve had so far. Working with other Dare Academy finalists, we understood the pressures of game development and supported each other throughout the process.
Sustain was an exciting challenge, and I look forward to applying these Unreal Engine skills to future projects!