Board Gamelandia represents a bold step into the realm of virtual reality, where traditional board games are reimagined as immersive 3D experiences. As the Lead Engineer, my role was critical in shaping the project's success from its conception to execution.
A captivating collection of virtual worlds created for Meta’s Horizon Worlds platform.
As the Lead Engineer at a Second Party Studio for Meta, I spearheaded the technical development,
leveraging the Quest 2 VR Headset and TypeScript to transform classic board games into immersive VR experiences.
Key innovations included a bespoke teleporting system linking multiple game worlds and pioneering hand gesture recognition systems.
These enhancements not only enriched gameplay but also streamlined user interactions, making each world a unique and engaging place to explore.
Creating and Prototyping:
I began by developing comprehensive documentation that outlined the capabilities and limitations of the Horizon Worlds platform. Recognizing the constraints imposed by the platform, particularly in handling complex interactions and object limitations, I devised innovative solutions using advanced 3D mathematics. These prototypes effectively demonstrated how we could enhance user interaction beyond the platform’s native capabilities.
Development of VR Worlds:
One of the standout worlds I developed was based on the board game Hues and Cues. This required close collaboration with the art team to ensure seamless integration of both static and animated assets, creating a visually stunning and interactive environment. My technical acumen was instrumental in building sophisticated systems, such as a unique teleporting mechanism that interconnected the various worlds of Board Gamelandia. This not only facilitated navigation but also enriched the user experience by providing fluid movement across different game environments.
Innovations in Interaction:
Another significant contribution was laying the groundwork for a hand gesture recognition system used in a world based on the game Tapple. This system was pivotal in making VR interactions more intuitive and engaging, allowing users to perform actions in the game through natural hand movements.
The project presented numerous challenges, notably the adaptation of board game mechanics to the VR format and the stringent limitations on scripted objects within Horizon Worlds. Through a combination of creative problem-solving and technical expertise, I developed simplified collision detection algorithms that maintained gameplay integrity while adhering to platform constraints.
Additionally, mid-project changes doubled the scope within the original timeline. Despite these pressures, our team successfully met the expanded requirements without compromising on quality, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and teamwork.
Board Gamelandia has been enthusiastically received by users, with each world offering a distinct and memorable gameplay experience. The project's success is a testament to the effective integration of innovative VR technologies and user-centric design principles.
The completion of Board Gamelandia is just the beginning. As we continue to expand this virtual metaverse, I am excited about the future possibilities and the next creations from our talented Nerd Ninjas team. The ongoing development promises to bring even more innovative features and engaging experiences to our growing community of VR enthusiasts.