Overview

Goal

Design and create an engaging game from the ground up utilizing game logic.  

Approach 

Learn, develop & build, test and iterate. A game needs to have a balance of ease and challenge to create engagement.

Methods & Tools

Unity Development, HTC Vive, Steam VR, Leapmotion, 3D modeling & Asset development, Environment design.

Time

2 months (2018)

Background

There is a whole process that goes into development, many people may not know how much work it takes. In the exploration of utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool within design research, I designed and created a VR game. Most of the assets were created from scratch for this project. If you own a pair of VR headset that is steamVR compatible, you can download my game, PolyStroid. Just click on the button.

Game Mechanics & Logic

Understanding how it works

It is crucial to understand the logic behind how game mechanics work. This is needed in development being it for games or other experiences that are not game-related. Here you see an analysis I made of an older Japanese 2D game with a more simple game mechanism.

Example of game logic in motion

This is an example demonstration of a game mechanic from Snow Bros. You can see the opponent (pink ball) guarding the platform. 

Prototypes & Testing

There were a couple of different types of interactions that were experimented with. I first designed a hand gesture-based interaction that would shoot out projectiles. This proved to be a real challenge with getting the correct physics right. There was also a limitation with the hardware of hand gesture recognition, the leap motion. This early prototype was eventually scrapped because it lacked the engagement needed.

There was an alternate interaction system using the controllers for some parts of the game. Eventually, with user testing, it was discovered that the controllers that offered more control and precision became the favorite. This was the new direction. The game itself went through an extensive theme and concept with a total rebuild of environment art.

PolyStroid [low-poly-asteroids]

You are in space trying to escape an astro field to get to the white shinning star. You command center ship can teleport astro-orbs which can be used to destroy the astros. Each astro hit releases negative energy which may have entered your command center so be careful!

Gameplay 

You start in the tutorial level where you will learn and be able to practice throwing with your VR controller. There are then 2 modes for you to choose from Zen and Rush.

Astros come in 3 colors, Blue, RED and Green. They each represent a certain type of dark negative energy. Blue is anxiety, Red is Stress and Green is Tension. Each astro gives out a humming sound wave so be careful, they get louder when they come close.

Zen Mode

This is for the relaxed player who just wants to have some fun and take a break from the busy day. Dive into the VR world of Polystroid. You have more life and there are no warning sounds when you are almost losing. The command center ship also moves at a more relaxed pace.

Rush Mode

For the adrenaline seekers that want a thrill, get up and challenge themselves. The command center ship moves faster here with lesser player life so you can’t take lots of negative energy. Warning siren goes on as when you are down to your last 2 lives so be prepared.

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