Overview
Altitude was created during Round 1 of Building Virtual Worlds, an ETC class where
teams build playable prototypes in two-week sprints. Our prompt was to design a game that
felt like skydiving - using only button inputs.
The final prototype had players lying on a mattress with fans in their face to simulate wind, while
a custom four-limb controller mapped physical movement to avatar control in-game. Players
tilted their body to dive through rings and avoid birds, creating a surprisingly immersive skydiving experience.
My Contributions
While all team members contributed to ideation and design, I was responsible for much of the gameplay
programming and non-player systems. I:
- Implemented ring and bird behavior
- Designed and balanced level progression
- Built basic UI and gameflow
- Added landing pad mechanic with scoring
- Tracked player lives and scores
- Integrated audio feedback
- Programmed diving mechanics
Outcome
We delivered a complete, playable game showcased live during final presentations. The build included audio/visual
feedback, a scoring and life system, three difficulty sections, and win/loss conditions.
The professors and peers enjoyed Altitude's creativity and physical immersion,
making it one of the most memorable prototypes of the round.
