Artist Biography
Jared Manelas is a graphic designer who grew up in the sweet spot of southern New Hampshire, where he has easy access to the mountains, the lakes, the city, and the ocean. Specializing in digital/print marketing and user experience design, he strives to find different ways of combining his many passions into the field of graphic design, whether it be snowboarding, hockey, video games, or nature. Jared often explores areas of design outside of his comfort zone in hopes to expand his skillset into many different avenues. With his thesis project, Jared explored the world of game design by focusing on his number one passion: snowboarding.
Check out his online portfolio at JaredManelas.MyPortfolio.com
Contact him by email or phone at [email protected] (603)913-3734
Thesis Abstract
CARVED is an endless 2D snowboarding video game created for mobile devices that aims to provide a unique experience for its wide range of targeted players. The game’s environment and customization aim for realism while maintaining a simple visual style. The in-game user experience allows the player to steadily progress through the 5 real-world locations at their own pace, providing different customization options that allow for specific playstyles. There are cosmetic items that can be mixed and matched to suit the player’s preferred clothing style, and even some that provide extra benefits, including the ability to get up and continue riding after crashing. There are different types of snowboards that hold unique strengths and weaknesses, which are unlocked as the player progresses through each level. Each level contains multiple sets of challenges, which is how the player is able to unlock subsequent levels as they play. Additionally, there is a freeride mode on each level, giving players the chance to carve through the endless scenery for as long as they want, even after they crash. As a nod to ski & snowboard culture, the currency system utilizes waffles that the player can collect within each level. Chocolate waffles are a rare collectible in-game which counts as 10x the value of a regular waffle. The player is provided many chances to pick up bottles of chocolate sauce, which convert all regular waffles to chocolate waffles for a short period of time. Waffles give the player the ability to shop for new clothing to customize their style as they choose. Due to the simple and easy-to-understand controls, this game guarantees a unique experience for players of all ages and skill levels.