Project GBPL

READ FIRST: Project GBPL (Game-Based Photography Learning) was an idea I had a couple years ago that I began working on using the Unity game development system, and then switching over to Unreal Engine. As a long-time photographer and a software developer by profession, with my fair share of video gaming, it occurred to me that video game tech could be leveraged to teach and learn the principles of photography. Sadly, however, the Project failed to generate enough interest from game developers and educational professionals, and so I now consider Project GBPL on hold. I’m leaving my Devlog videos up on YouTube that illustrate the concept of game based learning, at least for the time being. The Discord Server mentioned in the videos has been taken down. This webpage will also remain to explain the concept to those who might find it interesting. I’m open to discussing the Project. Just email me at projectgbpl DOT patcook AT outlook.com. Thanks! Pat.

Project GBPL (Game-Based Photography Learning) explores how current 3D game technology can be leveraged to learn real-world photography.

Using the Unreal Engine 4 development tools I built a prototype to evaluate if 3D game technology could be leveraged to learn real-world photography. I’ll release Devlogs to YouTube as the project progresses. Below are the Devlogs published to YouTube to date.

If you would like to join in the project discussion, please join us on the Discord server for Project GBPL.

2/7/2022: Project GBPL (Game-Based Photography Learning) Devlog #1 Unreal Engine 4.27 Prototype Demonstration
The first Devlog demonstrates the prototype made with Unreal Engine 4.27. In this Devlog I discuss the core criterion for the project, which are:

  • The game environment offers realistic photo opportunities

  • The game environment supports embedded teaching content

  • A believable character that promotes learner involvement

  • An in-game camera that closely simulates real-world camera behavior

  • In-game photos are stored for later review and sharing

  • The principles of photography learned in the game translate to real-world photography

2/14/2022: Project GBPL Devlog #2 - DSLR/Mirrorless Depth of Field behavior versus UE4 prototype camera.
In Devlog #2, the Depth of Field of two real-world cameras, a DSLR and a mirrorless, are demonstrated after which the Depth of Field of the in-game camera is demonstrated. This Devlog establishes that the behavior of the in-game camera of the UE4 prototype closely follows real-world camera behavior. Being able to simulate the real-world camera is essential for learning photography through game simulation to enable what is learned in the game to be transferred to real-world photography.

2/19/2022: Project GBPL Devlog #3 - 12 Ways 3D Game Simulation Helps Develop Photography Skills
In the third Devlog I describe 12 ways that I believe 3D game simulation helps develop photography skills. Game simulation for learning photography is interactive, entertaining and combines teaching content and practice opportunities within the same learning environment.

Here is a list of 12 Ways that 3D Game Simulation Helps Develop Photography Skills:
#1. Eliminates camera intimidation
#2. Narrows the topic scope to control complexity
#3. Reduced time between theory acquisition and practice
#4. Creates an immersive learning situation
#5. Integrates learning materials with practice opportunities
#6. Helps break the snap-shot habit
#7. Eliminates the expectation that photos must be high quality
#8. Encourages risk-taking and experimentation
#9. Encourages learning by de-emphasizing the gear
#10. Yields learning progress to the learner
#11. Entertains to make learning more attractive
#12. Encourages learner self-assessment

What is interesting about Project GBPL is that it demonstrates the variety of ways that game simulation helps develop real-world photography skills. Game-based learning could be the next frontier for teaching photography because most of the principles of photography can be taught and practiced right within the game environment itself.

2/26/2022: Project GBPL Devlog #4 - Evaluating the In-Game Simulated Camera Part 1 of 3
In this Devlog, part 1, I examine how closely the in-game camera asset simulates the exposure behavior of a real-world camera. This is important because the closer the in-game camera simulates the behavior of a real-world camera, the more optimized learning photography within a 3D game environment. In this first part I concentrate on the exposure controls of the in-game camera.

2/26/2022: Project GBPL Devlog #5 - Evaluating the In-Game Simulated Camera Part 2 of 3
In this Devlog, part 2, I continue examining how closely the in-game camera asset simulates the focusing behavior of a real-world camera. In this part I concentrate on the focusing behavior of the in-game camera.

2/26/2022: Project GBPL Devlog #6 - Evaluating the In-Game Simulated Camera Part 3 of 3
In this Devlog, part 3, I continue examining how closely the in-game camera asset simulates the behavior of a real-world camera, here focusing on the remaining menu selections of the in-game simulated camera.

3/5/2022: Project GBPL Devlog #7 - Practicing Principles of Photographic Composition in the Game Environment
In this Devlog I demonstrate how the 3D game environment supports practicing principles of photography. With some rules of photographic composition as exercises, the player reads each assignment and then explores the game environment for a photo opportunity that satisfies each assignment. This Devlog helps evaluate how learning photography can be facilitated by the rich visuals of a 3D game environment where photographic principles can be practiced.

3/6/2022: Project GBPL Capture Gallery #1 - Demonstration of In-Game Photography Composition
This is a gallery of 24 images captured from the simulated camera of the Project GBPL UE4 prototype. These images demonstrate that the principles of real-world photography can be practiced in a 3D game environment, including compositional and aesthetic objectives. Shown in the lower left of each of the images is a brief statement of the photographic objective(s) of the capture. Project GBPL (Game-Based Photography Learning) explores how current-day 3D game technology can be leveraged for teaching real-world still photography. Please enjoy this gallery presentation, which is set to a beautiful and interesting musical soundtrack.