Blog #15
Level Design and Capstone
The last week I have been grinding out our Gamelab project, working on Dillo’s Dilemma (capstone), and finalizing my LD level. Check them out below!
Gamelab:
VR Haunted House Project
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen significant progress on our VR Haunted House Project. I recently completed the initial blockout of the haunted house itself, focusing on the “lobby” area—an introductory space that familiarizes players with the VR environment before we begin altering their movement. This foundational work ensures that our level designs flow smoothly and players can acclimate to the spooky atmosphere right from the start.
As we head toward our major deliverables (First Playable, Prototype, and Final Presentation), we’re integrating core features like the “Hellevator” with a rumble pad and a suspension bridge that leverages redirected walking. We’ve secured a Quest 3 for our primary platform, and the 3D model for our interactor mocap character is now ready for implementation. We’re also exploring budget options for items such as gel beads and a washing machine rumble pad to enhance tactile immersion. Stay tuned for more updates as we refine gameplay, optimize technology, and continue building out the rest of our VR haunted house!
Level Design:
This past week in level design has been all about refining geometry for my multi-route pathways and polishing up the project’s level page. I’m especially excited about a new nuclear testing facility area that channels strong Chernobyl vibes—I can’t quite put my finger on why I like it so much, but it’s easily one of my favorite additions so far.
Focusing on these details has brought a fresh burst of creativity to the overall design. There’s something compelling about weaving in subtle layers of intrigue while also ensuring each route feels distinct and purposeful. I’m eager to keep iterating on this setting, exploring ways to heighten the eerie atmosphere and reinforce the post-apocalyptic feel as I continue to expand and refine the level.
Portfolio Website Reimagination
I completely reimagined my portfolio website this week, shifting from a vibrant color palette to a more refined combination of white, grey, black, and navy. The previous design was inspired by another portfolio I admired, but it never quite meshed with my own content or style, and I soon realized a more understated palette would allow my work to shine. Now, the clean and cohesive look is already making it easier to bring my pieces to life on the page.
With the new layout in place, I’ve been actively applying for jobs and sharing the site with potential employers and colleagues. It’s always exciting to gather fresh feedback, and I’m eager to see how these changes resonate with new audiences. Ultimately, this redesign not only reflects my evolving aesthetic but also reinforces my professional goals—here’s hoping the new look takes me one step closer to where I want to be.
Capstone
Working on my Capstone project has been an invigorating process this past week, especially as I experiment with fast-paced movement, narrow pathways, and dynamic gameplay to create a truly engaging experience. Each design iteration provides valuable insights and sparks fresh ideas, reinforcing my excitement for what’s to come. My focus now is to finalize a fully functional prototype level, bringing these core elements together and setting the stage for further refinement and playtesting.
