How to create an AR FPS Game for Instagram?

I developed and designed an augmented reality (AR) first-person shooter (FPS) game for Instagram using Spark AR in six steps, which included creating models for targets, and finalizing the development process.

💻 Software: Spark AR, Cinema 4D (or any 3D software) and Canva

Being kind, I will demonstrate how I accomplished this task. If you are interested in learning more about the project, Click here to check out my portfolio. I will be showing you how to create the basic level, but if you want to make it more challenging, you can add more targets or decrease the time.

Here is a link for you to play the game!

1. Covid: Easy — 15 seconds to shoot at 3 virus
2. Delta: Medium — 15 seconds to shoot at 6 virus
3. Omicron: Hard — 15 seconds to shoot at 12 virus

Anti-Covid - Augmented Reality FPS Game for Instagram

Step 1. Designing the 3D Target:

Using Cinema 4D or any 3D software, create a 3D model of the target. This includes modeling the shape, texture, and color.

Step 2. Programming the placement and rotation of assets:

Using Spark AR, program the placement and rotation of the virus in the game. This includes determining the starting position of the virus, how it moves and rotates, and how it interacts with other elements in the game. Don’t forget to make it loop!

Position of the 3 targets

Rotation of the 3 targets

Make the 3 targets loop

Step 3. Implementing interaction:

Create an interactive game where hitting the target adds to the score and causes the virus to disappear. Program a countdown of 15s, where once it has ended, the game is over.

When the countdown is over, sound is on and “Game Over” UI come

When the target is being touch, target disappear, sound is on and “You Win” UI come

Step 4. Designing the user interface (UI) elements:

Create on Canva the Main Page, instructions, “You Win” and “Game Over” pages for the game. This includes determining the layout, design, and overall aesthetic of the game. To be able to see your UI, add a plane. For the instructions, put a time of 3s, so the user have time to read and it will not disturb them while they play.

UI of the game (add a plane, instructions and Main Page)

Step 5. Incorporating sound effects:

Add sound effects to the game to enhance the overall experience. This includes creating sound effects for when the player hits the target, when the virus disappears, and when the game is won or lost. (See the blueprints at Implementing interaction)

Step 6. Test and Publish:

To test the effect on a device, click the “Test on device” button located in the bottom left corner of the screen. Then, select Instagram and a link will be sent to your phone. To publish the effect, click the “Publish” button in the bottom left corner of the screen and wait for the process to finish. Next, click “Upload” which will take you to a website where you can fill in the necessary information. After uploading, the effect can be found on your Instagram page.

I hope the information was helpful. If you have any questions or would like to work together, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out to me on Instagram.

louiseryr@gmail.com / royerlouise.com

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