Desert Blast Pit Firing Rang - Meta Mobile Competition

Inspiration To push ourselves out of our comfort zone to meet the challenge of learning new skills, and to make our world accessible not only to VR users but also Mobile and PC.

What it does To create an environment for both children and adults to have some fun and blow off some steam

How we built it We decided early on to only use the tools, meshes and effects provided by Meta's Horizon Worlds for both the environments and scripting

Challenges we ran into User interface was a challenge. We kept the world optimized for the best smooth user experience without stops or freezes often found with multiuser experiences. It runs very smoothly.

Accomplishments that we're proud of We so proud of what we learned along the way with every tweek and modification to make it flow. People intuitively know what to do too as soon as they arrive without needing much direction. This makes us happy and our guests too.

What we learned Aside from new scripting and attention to environment details for flow and optimum lighting, we learned that users just want to have some straight forward fun.

What's next for Desert Blast Pit Firing Rang - Meta Mobile Competition. Welcome to an exhilarating VR experience crafted for Meta's VR world-building competition, designed to captivate users across mobile, PC, and Oculus Quest platforms. Set against the striking backdrop of a rocky red desert valley, this world is dotted with scattered cargo containers, creating a dynamic and interactive environment. The rich landscape is both visually stunning and ripe for exploration, offering a seamless experience for all players, regardless of their device.

The core of this world is its array of regenerating gun and grenade targets, which include formidable big spiders, explosive wasps, and shimmering stars. Players can blow up cargo containers for added excitement, and a confetti cannon perched on a hill rewards hits with bursts of colorful confetti. Each gun is meticulously designed to fire different projectiles, from precise bullets, intense lasers to wide shotgun spreads, providing a variety of strategic options. The world is a sandbox playground for blowing things up, featuring big explosions, smoke, burning trees, and goo splattering from the regenerating spiders and wasps, making every encounter thrilling and unpredictable.

Adding to the immersive experience is the soundtrack, featuring Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, which provides a dramatic and energetic backdrop to the chaos. This world is designed for pure fun, allowing children to enjoy running along the raised wooden pathways and blowing things up, while adults can find it a satisfying way to release pent-up energy from a day at the office. The weapons are carefully designed to ensure player safety, as they don't affect humans, making it a perfect environment for players of all ages.

For moments of respite, players can retreat to a small lounge area atop one of the rocky outcroppings. This serene and safe spot offers a chance to chat with friends, take a break from the action, and capture photos in the mirror to add to the world’s slideshow. The thoughtful inclusion of this lounge area adds a social aspect to the world, making it not only a place for thrilling play but also for relaxation and connection. This blend of intense action and social interaction ensures that the world is a standout entry in the competition, highlighting the creativity and versatility that VR technology can offer. Whether accessed via mobile, PC, or Oculus Quest, this VR world promises an unforgettable, multi-faceted experience.