At Genopets, innovation is the key to keeping the player community engaged and excited. One of the latest features introduced in Genopets v0.9.0 is the Arcade Mode—an endless runner game that not only challenges players' reflexes but also rewards them with valuable Nurture Items. Let's take a deep dive into the meticulous process behind the creation of this gaming experience.
Step 1: The Genesis - Why Arcade Mode?
The inception of Arcade Mode was fueled by a desire to offer players a traditional yet engaging gaming experience. Responding to community feedback, the development team sought to provide an alternative method for players to acquire Nurture Items. Additionally, the introduction of Arcade Mode aimed to leverage the benefits of classic runner games, known for enhancing attention spans and reaction times.
And the best part about Arcade Mode? It's an Endless Runner experience that no other game offers! In this game, you get to run with YOUR Genopet. Your avatar isn’t a random graphic assigned to you by the game that everyone plays with. It is the actual Genopet that you Nurture on the home screen of the app and compete with in Step Battles.
Step 2: Crafting the Experience – The Run
Drawing Inspiration:
The development team extensively studied popular Endless Runner games like Alien Rider, Subway Runner, and Claynosaurz. This not only served as a foundation for designing the Arcade Mode run but also allowed for a nuanced understanding of player expectations and preferences in the genre.
When it came to inspirations for the art design of our game, we turned to Tron and retro Arcades.
Segmented Design:
Creating distinct segments for obstacles and items within the run was a meticulous process. Careful consideration went into the placement of challenges and rewards to ensure a balanced and engaging experience. The skybox, a critical component of the game's aesthetics, underwent updates with rotational movement to add a dynamic visual element to the gameplay.
User Interface and Unity Tweaks:
The user interface received thoughtful attention, introducing clear instructions through flutter scenes and refining the HUD to showcase vital elements such as score and HP. Unity tweaks addressed concerns raised by players, with adjustments to starting speed, color schemes, and chest fragment positioning for a seamless and visually appealing experience.
Sound Design:
To elevate the immersive experience, a bespoke soundtrack was created for the run. Additionally, sound effects were designed, including one to indicate when a player collects an item or collides with obstacles, adding an auditory dimension to the gameplay.
Step 3: Crafting the Experience – Prizes
Prize Logic and Animation:
Implementing the logic behind the prizes involved careful consideration of player performance. A captivating prize reveal animation was crafted, adding an element of suspense and excitement to the post-run experience. The design of visually appealing chests complemented the overall aesthetic, creating a sense of accomplishment for players.
Play Again:
The idea to give players a chance to play again and continue their run introduced a strategic layer to gameplay at a critical time in the user journey, allowing players to extend their runs and enhance their chances of obtaining better prizes. We all experienced the frustration of getting so close, but being one more step away from that next prize and knew we had to introduce a way to extend your runs in the arcade.
Dynamic Screens:
Screens for scenarios where players don't earn a chest were created to guide player behavior. These screens serve not only as motivational tools but also as a means to encourage players to collect more chest shards for improved rewards in subsequent runs.
Step 4: Balancing Act—The Math Behind The Run
Scoring System:
The scoring system was intricately designed, with gems serving as a key currency worth 100 points each. The Genopet's level and Augments, particularly those with HP stat modifiers like the Aviana Style Set, directly influenced the HP score. This interplay of factors added strategic depth to the gameplay, empowering players to optimize their Genopet's attributes for longer, more rewarding runs.
Stage Difficulty Dynamics:
A dynamic difficulty system was introduced, where stage difficulty adjusts based on the player's performance. This ensures that the challenge remains engaging and scalable, catering to players of varying skill levels. The association of speeds with different stages further enhances the strategic component of Arcade Mode, providing a well-rounded and balanced gaming experience.
Check out this early rendering of this mechanic:
Closing Thoughts
Arcade Mode stands as a testament to Genopets' commitment to delivering innovative and engaging gameplay experiences. From the genesis of the idea to the meticulous crafting of each element, Arcade Mode exemplifies the dedication of the development team to provide a thrilling and rewarding addition to the Geoverse. As players embark on endless runs, dodging obstacles and collecting shards, the legacy of Arcade Mode continues to unfold, promising exciting adventures for Genovians worldwide.
As a reminder, this is just a tiny sample of what we’ve been up to over the past few weeks. There’s a lot more in store, so follow along on Discord and Twitter to stay in the loop. Till next time.
— Team Genopets
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Summon your Genopet and start moving to begin exploring and evolving together. Stay tuned for future updates and join the conversation in our community channels below. See you in the Genoverse!
About Genopets
It’s time to step up your game. Genopets is the world’s first Free-to-Play, Move-to-Play NFT mobile game that makes it fun and rewarding to live an active lifestyle. A Genopet is your digital pet whose evolution and growth are inextricably linked to your own. The steps you take every day power your journey through the Genoverse as you explore, battle, and evolve — earning crypto while you play.
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