This week, I focused on writing my literature review, which is a crucial part of my thesis. It’s where I summarize and discuss the existing research on my topic of how character design in games has evolved, from low-poly models to high-detail AAA characters. I aimed for around 550-600 words to keep it clear and concise, while also giving enough detail to show how my research fits within the larger conversation.
Instead of simply summarizing the articles, I organized the information by common themes. I grouped sources by topics like the role of game engines in character development, the impact of new modeling tools like ZBrush, and the technological advancements that allowed for more realistic designs. I also looked at the shift from basic design to more expressive, detailed characters, and how this affects the player’s experience.
While writing, I made sure to highlight gaps in current research, such as areas where technology has advanced faster than academic discussions, and areas that might need further exploration. This process not only helped me understand the current state of the field but also made me think about how my own work contributes to these ongoing discussions.
Now, I feel more confident in the direction my project is taking. I’ve identified key themes and connections in the existing research, which will help me in the next stages of the project.