We modeled our game after the delivery system, simplifying it into two key processes: sorting and delivering. These mechanics worked together to form a cohesive loop where players could only deliver the number of packages they had successfully sorted. Their deliveries earned them money for business upgrades and impacted their reputation with the planets they served. A low reputation meant investing in costly public service announcements to regain favor, creating stakes and reinforcing the interplay of strategy and consequence.
The game’s aesthetics reinforced the types of fun we aimed to deliver. Abnegation came from the repetitive, almost meditative act of sorting packages—allowing players to lose themselves in a simple yet rewarding task. There was also the nostalgia if people recognized our inspiration, that is, Club Penguin’s bean counters game. Discovery emerged as players explored different planets and realized the strategic implications of managing reputation and upgrading their delivery systems. The game invited curiosity while grounding the experience in a structured loop that felt satisfying to play.
Before starting this project, I had little experience with Unity and assumed I would struggle significantly with its interface. However, after taking over the sorting minigame from Ana, who had already set the scene, I found myself exploring the environment with increasing confidence. Unity’s interface turned out to be cleaner and more intuitive than I had imagined. It was satisfying to tinker with the minigame mechanics, update features, and integrate sprites, which helped me visualize the game holistically. This marked a shift from my usual role on the art team and gave me insight into how art assets function in the broader game environment.
It was super rewarding to watch Ana’s little siblings play because children are honest and their emotions were obvious. I could see when they were frustrated and when they felt reward, like when they shrieked when the research finally worked and they unlocked the second planet. It was adorable and definitely relieved the stress of the deadline (they tested half an hour before midnight).
