CONCEPT / UNITY / WEBAR
debt whackers
OVERVIEW
WebAR game that is themed around student debt!
Redefining unique website in VR environment
Role
Development
User Interaction
User Experience
Tools
Unity
Figma
Zappar
Duration
40 hours
Hammer Away Debt in Augmented Reality!
How can we rethink websites in VR?
Debt Whackers is an innovative WebAR game centered on student loan debt. The concept is delightfully quirky—you wield a virtual mallet to whack sneaky debt collectors and sly scam artists.
Breon Waters II, the visionary designer behind Debt Whackers, approached me to bring his concept to life as a WebAR game. Inspired by a blend of Whack-A-Mole and Fruit Ninja, the game challenges players to hit targets within a minute, offering a unique and engaging experience while thinking about individual financial empowerment.
With the fantastic character design by Lubo Vladov, the game comes to life with vibrant and memorable visuals that enhance the fun immersive experience.
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
From Coast to Coast: A Creative Collaboration
The development of Debt Whackers was a collaborative effort involving professionals across different locations. Despite the challenges of working remotely and managing other commitments, the team maintained effective communication and organization. To ensure a unified vision for Debt Whackers, a detailed project vision document was created in Notion by Breon. This document outlined all aspects of the project, including game mechanics, rules, screen breakdowns, inspirations, character profiles, and style direction. This comprehensive overview helped the team stay aligned and focused, facilitating efficient collaboration across different areas of the game's development.
Game Mechanics
Whack-A-Mole and Fruit Ninja Fusion: The gameplay combines elements of Whack-A-Mole and Fruit Ninja, creating a unique and engaging experience.
Timed Challenge: Players have 60 seconds to hit as many targets as possible, adding a sense of urgency and excitement.
Penalty System: To increase complexity, hitting the wrong character, specifically Mr. Rozay "The Collector," results in a penalty. If the player hits Mr. Rozay three times, the game ends, introducing a strategic element to the gameplay.
Combo Dynamic: Players can achieve combo scores by hitting multiple targets consecutively without missing. This dynamic adds a layer of depth and strategy, encouraging players to focus and aim accurately.
Game Sound: The game features distinct sound effects for different actions, including hitting targets and penalties, enhancing the immersive experience. The background music and sound cues help set the tone and pace, making the gameplay more engaging and enjoyable.
Character Design
The characters in Debt Whackers bring a vibrant and humorous touch to the game. Players encounter various whimsical characters that are shady, and untrustworthy, yet amusing with distinct looks and backstories.
The Dealer (Ace): A cunning figure, known for his slick demeanor. Perfect at exploiting others for his own gain and interest.
The Scammer (Slick): True master of deception, embodying the mischievous spirit of the game. He is a scam artist on steroids. 
The Collector (Mr. Rozay): Inspired by cartoon mob bosses, he is the formidable yet comically exaggerated antagonist. Hitting him will be problematic.
Unity Development & Prototyping
The game was developed using Unity, which provided a flexible platform for fine-tuning mechanics and ensuring smooth gameplay for AR.
Unity allowed for the seamless integration of characters and the adjustment of gameplay dynamics, enhancing the overall user experience. After collecting game assets such as 3D models, textures, sounds, UI sprites, and logos, these elements were meticulously developed and integrated to ensure a cohesive and immersive gaming experience.
This robust development & prototyping environment facilitated iterative improvements and the smooth incorporation of AR features, resulting in a polished final product.
After finalizing the game in Unity we looked for a WebAR platform to publish the game.
WEBAR INTEGRATION
WebAR Workflow
Debt Whackers leverages Zapworks' Universal AR SDK for Unity to deliver a seamless WebAR experience. Initially aiming to use image tracking, the game shifted to instant world tracking due to technical challenges. This allowed for a stable AR experience, accommodating the varied environments in which players might engage with the game.
QR Code Target and "Postcard" Design for Debt Whackers
For 'Debt Whackers,' the physical card with a QR code is crucial for accessing the WebAR game. Designed to be more than just functional, the card introduces players to the game's theme and builds intrigue.
The front of the card features the word 'Debt' being struck in a style inspired by Whack-A-Mole, reflecting the game's mechanics. The back includes a QR code with 'scan to play' instructions, paired with the word 'Debt' and playful money-eyed emojis. This design not only facilitates gameplay but also enhances the narrative, making the card a memorable and shareable keepsake.
GAMEPLAY
Whack your debts away!
Debt Whackers is a fun and successful WebAR game with fast-paced action, creative character designs, and immersive sound effects, all developed in Unity. This innovative and collaborative project offers engaging gameplay that stands out in WebAR.
Watch the gameplay video to see how it all came together!
INTO THE DEBT WHACKERS LORE
Story Continues!
Debt Whackers has garnered significant attention, with four Medium articles delving into its development and impact. These articles, written by Breon, provide an in-depth look at various aspects of the game, including the creative process behind its development, the unique character cards, and the creation of the game's anthem. These detailed insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Debt Whackers came to life, showcasing the creative and technical efforts that made the game a success.
Ideas into Action
The Debt Whackers' innovative design and engaging gameplay have not only captivated players but also led Breon Waters II to be selected for the prestigious Idea to Launch Bootcamp by Grid 110. This recognition highlights the project's success and sets the stage for future developments.
The journey of Debt Whackers is far from over, and we look forward to sharing more exciting updates as the story unfolds.
RETROSPECTIVE
Innovative Use of WebAR and Printed Media
Debt Whackers successfully leveraged WebAR technology to create an engaging and accessible gaming experience, complemented by the use of a physical postcard with a QR code. This combination of digital and printed media added a unique layer of interaction, enhancing player engagement and setting a new standard for AR-based games. Next Goal: Expand the game's reach by optimizing it for more devices, enhancing the AR features for an even more immersive experience, and exploring additional creative uses of printed media to further enrich the player experience.
Collaborative Creativity
The project's success was largely due to the effective collaboration across different regions and disciplines. By bringing together diverse talents in game design, character development, and AR technology, Debt Whackers became a standout example of what can be achieved through teamwork and creative synergy. Idea for Improvement: Strengthen the collaborative process by incorporating more frequent and structured feedback sessions, ensuring all team members are aligned and contributing their best.
Balancing Fun and Purpose
Debt Whackers managed to balance entertaining gameplay with a thought-provoking theme. By incorporating humor and playful elements into a serious subject like student loan debt, the game provided both a fun experience and a subtle commentary on real-world financial issues.