Mosquito Caught

🦟 Mosquito Caught — A 2D AR Game on Snapchat

Inspiration
The idea came from observing how simple, reflex-based games keep users engaged for just a few seconds — perfect for Snapchat. I wanted to turn a real-life annoyance (catching a mosquito 🦟) into a playful AR moment that feels instant, fun, and intuitive.

What I Built
I created a 2D AR mini-game in Lens Studio, where the player uses a chopstick-like control to catch a moving mosquito on screen. The goal is simple: react fast, aim precisely, and beat the timer.
The gameplay revolves around time pressure, which can be expressed as:

[ \text{Score} \propto \frac{1}{\text{Time Taken}} ]

What I Learned

Structuring game logic cleanly in Lens Studio (timers, collisions, resets)
Managing 2D physics and movement for smooth, natural motion
Designing clear visual feedback so users instantly understand what to do
Optimizing assets to keep the Lens lightweight and responsive

Challenges I Faced
The hardest part was balancing difficulty — making the mosquito fast enough to feel challenging but not frustrating. Collision detection and precise timing also required careful tuning to ensure the game felt fair and satisfying.

Takeaway
This project taught me that even a small AR experience can tell a story. With the right mechanics, visuals, and polish, a few seconds of gameplay can create a memorable interaction.

Built with curiosity, iteration, and a love for interactive AR.