COUNTING SHEEP

Inspiration

My inspiration for this game comes from simple, addictive games that leave a lasting impact through their minimalistic design and engaging mechanics. I’ve always admired how straightforward concepts can captivate players and create memorable experiences. Classic arcade games that balance simplicity with replayability also influenced my approach. By adding a social aspect, I aimed to reimagine this type of game for a more connected, interactive experience.

What it does

This game provides a simple, engaging experience where players tap or use the right trigger to jump over obstacles. The scripting is carefully focused on enhancing the user experience, ensuring smooth gameplay that feels intuitive and reliable. It’s designed to handle most situations seamlessly, making it easy to pick up and hard to put down. The goal was to create a straightforward yet polished game that players of all skill levels can enjoy.

How we built it

We built this game entirely using TypeScript, which was a new language for me when I started. I had no prior coding experience, but Horizon provided the tools I needed to develop my skills and grow my confidence. Through this platform, I learned how to create and refine mechanics that focus on user enjoyment. This journey has been about combining technical learning with creativity to deliver a game that’s simple, fun, and rewarding to play.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was getting the mobile interactions to feel seamless, especially when transitioning from the focused interaction back to third-person view. It required a lot of fine-tuning to make sure the experience felt natural and intuitive for players. Gathering feedback from others was crucial in refining this aspect, which highlighted the collaborative benefits of developing on a platform like Horizon.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud of creating a game that feels simple yet polished, providing a fun and engaging experience for players. Learning new skills, like scripting in TypeScript, and overcoming challenges along the way has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the game come together and knowing it can bring enjoyment to others is an accomplishment in itself. It’s been a great journey of creativity and growth.

What we learned

One key lesson we learned is the importance of knowing when to step away from a problem. If something isn’t working after a set amount of time, it’s often better to take a break and come back with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, a new approach or simply revisiting the issue later can make all the difference.

What's next for Counting Sheep

I plan to add a ranking and progression system to keep players engaged and motivated. Customization options will allow sheep to change colors or appearances based on rank, with in-world purchasing to enhance personalization. Additionally, I’m working on a mini social game that lets spectators interact and play without distracting from the main game.