Week 2 One-Button Game
Game Title: World in a Bit
Overview: This is a question-solving game where the players can apply physics and maths skills to explore the world under a microscope.
Rules: Users can use one button to control the angle of the main mirror, which will reflect the light from the light source to a series of mirror placing strategically over the screen so that the light can focus into the object lens to see the magnified image of different specimens.
Gameplay Mode:
- Setting
The game happens in a series of scenarios, including seashore, forest, Lakeside etc. Each scenario/environment consists of multiple levels for different microorganisms, plants and other things found in this specific place. The player would have to pick up one object and enter a microscope.
- Challenges
The challenge in this game is to find the right angle to let the light go through the specimen after multiple reflections.
Core Features in the Game
- Scene settings
The scene settings in the game will educate and inspire the players on things around us and lead players into the micro world. The scenes also promote immersion and playability.
- Increasing complexity
Like any other games, the arrangement of the mirrors will be more complexed along the process. Refractions will be introduced into the game and later, there will be other obstacles.
- Graphics
Fine Graphics is the essence of the game. The undertone of the game will be warm and glowy. The specimen images will be presented full screen, with movements if needed.
Game Mechanics
- Data and algorithms used:
The only input data used will be the key pressed. Algorithms will be needed mimic light beams reflecting and refracting in the game.
- Action:
The mirror will move when the button is pressed. Once the button is released, the light beam will form a track following the reflection and refraction rules.
Internal Economy:
- Players need to pay to unlock more microorganisms in one scene or need to pay to unlock more scenes.
Game Balance:
- Positive feedback
Through comment box and statistics of the internal economy.
- Negative feedback
Through comment box and users’ adherence.
- Adjusting the game’s difficulty
The placement of the mirrors can be adjusted in the demo period. Every single level will be tested upon the solvability.
Victory Conditions:
- It’s not a winning/losing game. The players will have one more picture in the virtual book of microscopy images or encyclopedia, which can be ranked among friends.
Storyboard and Interface Design:
There will be instructions on the screen to tell the players where they find the microorganisms. Also, animations will be added to demonstrate the action of picking up the specimen. e.g. There will be hands on screen, getting the water from the lake, and inspect the water and the algae inside.
Business Case:
- What other games out there are like this (i.e., market research)?
Cut the rope by Zeptolab and Where’s my water by Disney.
- How do you make money?
The game will be sold instead of being free to all users and players can pay for more levels and scenes.
- How would you attract players and customers?
For kids and teenagers, the game is very fun and educational at the same time. The puzzle-solving type of game can largely fascinate underaged players. For adults, the graphics of the game is soothing, and it’s a great way to kill fragmented times, which are pretty common in the modern world.
