Space time

FOCUS

Project Manager, Concept Designer, Level Designer, UX/UI Artist

DESCRIPTION

The goal of the project was to create a game that would remain relevant in 30 years, utilizing VR or AR technology. We chose to explore the theme of AI and its impact on art creation. The game centers around a wizard (symbolizing the act of creating magic with one’s own hands) who is abducted by future pirates and taken aboard their ship, where they plan to sell magic on the market—not as the wizard’s work, but as their own. The wizard must use magic to solve puzzles and find a way back to their reality. As a game designer, I believe I developed a solid concept and level that could remain relevant in 30 years. However, the game itself may not stand the test of time. If I were to revisit the project, I would incorporate more interactions with a robot and voice lines, rather than focusing on puzzles. I would design the game with minimal interaction, such as pressing buttons or engaging in magic-based combat with a robot.

TIME

3 months

TYPE

VR Game made in Unity

University Project

Team of five

Design Challenges:

I researched VR games and popular puzzle VR titles on the market to inform my design process. I was also responsible for creating puzzles for the game and collaborating with the team on their implementation. The I Expect You to Die series is one of the most popular in the genre, and I particularly admired how these games effectively integrated narrative storytelling. Drawing inspiration from them, I developed a story about a wizard who is abducted into the future by space pirates, who harvest magic to sell. I worked with the team to establish the game's atmosphere, tone, and visual style, ensuring the narrative was seamlessly integrated into the gameplay.

The sketch on the right illustrates the initial concept of interactable elements and the assets that would need to be created. From this, I began developing puzzle ideas and connecting them in a logical sequence.

My role

Created the initial concept and communicated it to the team.
Refined the concept based on feedback from teachers and peers.
Developed game mechanics and designed puzzles around them.
Designed a room, considering how players would interact with it and the various solutions they could employ.

Challenges:

I conducted extensive research on VR games, particularly focusing on the layout and utilization of space in puzzle rooms. One key reference was I Expect You to Die, which helped me understand the types of puzzles possible in VR and how players interact with them. I learned how to design puzzles that can be hidden from view (e.g., placed behind the player) and how to guide the player through the space seamlessly, thanks to insights gained from this game. Additionally, I explored hand movement mechanics in Rumble. While the gameplay itself wasn't directly applicable, the way the game used hand gestures to create spells was crucial in designing the magic mechanics for this project.

The sketches on the right illustrate my progress in developing what hand gestures for the "magic" system will be used and how they would function. The other sketch shows the spatial layout, detailing where each puzzle would be placed within the environment.

My role:

Developed concepts and refined the powers and puzzles for the game.
Created a level concept that ensured puzzles were intuitive and didn’t frustrate the player.
Conducted QA tests on the level, iterating on the design based on team feedback and refining the implementation.

In the picture to the left are three powers our team decided on and I was thinking about what hand movement player can make and show later in a tutorial.

In the picture to the right, I have been working with the team around me to create a coherent room and puzzle for the prototype. It is the final design and plan for our game.

Challenges:

Create a functioning menu and wrist UI tutorial for the player to understand without reading.

My role:

Designed 2D assets for the menu and wrist UI.
Created an asset list and moodboards.
Developed concepts for 2D assets in various styles for the team to decide on the best design.
Focused on a good color palette and composition.
Collected feedback throughout development from teachers, testers, and teammates, and iterated on the product based on their input.

Challenges:

The team was highly motivated throughout the project, eager to contribute their skills and ideas which I am very lucky to have. I balanced the team's motivation with the additional assignments from Hanze University to ensure the project stayed on track. Additionally, coordinating different schedules and ensuring all team members remained engaged and aligned with the vision required consistent communication and management that I had provided.

My role:

Managed the team, tracked progress, and kept the Trello board up to date to ensure everyone was aware of their tasks.
Ensured the team stayed aligned with project priorities, art style, and deadlines, providing guidance where needed.
Communicated with the team daily to monitor progress, address their concerns, and maintain motivation.
Encouraged team participation in class, ensuring all members remained actively involved in the project till the deadline.

Screenshot (195)

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Polina Porshakova | Game Designer

Space time

Spooky Savings

porshakova771@gmail.com