Jest to Impress VS
A VR arcade game developed using Unity.
Role: Lead Designer/Programmer
Trailer
About the project
After the success of Jest to Impress (part of CN Journeys VR) Cartoon Network requested a collaboration on their next experiment: multiplayer VR arcade games! Having a game released to an arcade was on my bucket list. How could I say no?
This is a high intensity wacky party game for all ages, designed to offer new experiences through multiple playthroughs. 1 to 3 players compete to be the best jester in the kingdom. It’s set up in the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster, PA.
This is a pseudo sequel to the original Jest to Impress but most of the game had to be designed, programmed, and animated from the ground up. I’m pleased that the “gameshow but medieval” theme comes through even stronger in this title.
Challenges & Solutions
Networking
I’ve dabbled with netcode in the past but for this project I needed to ensure a strong, stable connection between 3 player PCs plus a server to handle all of the game’s complex physics objects.
💡 I rapidly tested several contenders, then learned and implemented the most promising candidate. I used a custom Unity event system to help translate game logic to network events.
Restrictive play space
The CN Hotel has a meager 10x10 foot floor space to handle up to 3 players. It’s important that players don’t smack each other while flailing VR controllers around.
💡 This required layered solutions to resolve. The game strictly informs the player where to stand and draws many effects when they ignore these indicators. Minigames were continually tweaked to prevent players from reaching towards the same physical space.
Short, replayable design
To keep arcade traffic flowing smoothly this experience had to be under 6 minutes including onboarding. We also wanted players to keep coming back for more.
💡 It took a lot of iteration to cut back the onboarding to its core essentials. Then, I made more and more minigames, requiring multiple play sessions to experience them all.
First person footage
2 players compete in an extremely close game.
