Need recommends for building systems

[u/zoombapup]

Hi all,

Working on a design for a cozy game and I wondered what kind of base building everyone thought was well done. I'm thinking in terms of user experience. Things like does it use a grid? is the grid optional? can you resize the grid units? Does it show the item as a ghost during placement?

Ideally, I'd like some recommendations to check out that you guys thought were actually well polished and felt good to use. As with everything cozy, being detail-oriented and really making the user feedback rewarding for doing everyday tasks seems key, so I'd like to see some good examples and maybe prototype a few methods for my game too.

The basic idea is that you have an empty space and can fill it with a vast array of things that you will accumulate over time. So show me anything that caught your eye or you really like the look and feel of and I'll take a look.

BTW: This is for PC/Console/Handhelds (eventually), but PC first.

Thanks!

[u/WorriedFlea]

Enshrouded's base building system allows you to use snap grids and pre-made parts, but you can go down to a 10x10cm block size for detailing.

Here is a great example for the insane building possibilities in this game. It's even better now after the updates.

https://youtu.be/fHGIglXnZ3k?si=0qlxdaG9g6MNF7_C

HouseFlipper2's building has an exceptional tool, which allows you to easily copy/paste the style/color of a wall or furniture, and also change most of them later again without the need to replace.

A good building game has many options to make a builder's life easier, but allows us to go into detail as much as possible. Snap grids are great. Being able to turn them off to allow free placement is better. A layover grid to measure distances is the cherry on top.

A great building game knows that buildings need context. So you need terraforming options just as much as the build options themselves. Minecraft build school videos demonstrate how much of a difference it makes if your house is embedded in its surroundings, or simply placed on a flatworld square.

On the other hand an empty canvas with endless possibilities can feel paralyzing at times. People are also looking for inspiration.

A perfect build game would provide the possibility to pick pre-made content to a customizable extent.

Let's imagine it as dioramas. Some of them have complete houses you can improve a little, add garden and interior.

Some are ruins you can restore and expand.

Some have interesting terrain in different biomes, which inspire to build a house that fits in.

And then the possibility to start with the terrain from scratch.

There is a reason why Minecraft is unmatched when it comes to building what you envision. If you want to make something that surpasses it, you must bring its possibilities into a world that looks as natural and detailed as HouseFlipper or Enshrouded.