Dreams Research

Dreams, a game created by Media Molecule, is largely based on the creative essence of their last successful series called ‘Little Big Planet’. In Dreams the player is given a simplified tool kit for making and developing videogames, this ranges from 3d modelling to incorporating complex game mechanics. This gives the player unparalleled freedom in what they can produce when compared to other creative sandbox games, with the game trying its best to present these complex concepts in an extremely intuitive fashion. Any project made in Dreams can then be uploaded to the Dreams library where other player can view and interact with them. Projects can range from rudimentary animation to genuinely impressive videogames that appear like they have been produced professionally. As a result, the game has garnered a strong creative community that plays into the core of the games longevity. However, despite this there is a point to be made that if the players are placing a large amount of time and effort into these Dreams game projects then why don’t they just make their own games on a platform that they can profit off since there is a comparable level of complexity between an actual low budget game and some of the projects being made. Well, this is mainly due to the games accessibility to those who don’t have any coding ability, along with the community aspect that the developers put a lot of effort into cultivating.

Overall, I think that it is a very impressive game for the freedom and variety that it offers. However, whilst I think that it could act as a great gateway into game development, I do think that ultimately it seems somewhat wasteful that some of the more impressive projects were made in dreams and can’t be profited off without external sources such as Patrion. However, you could say that this does speak to the impressiveness of the tools that the game offers the player.