SoulBound

Forge a SoulBound and breathe life into your “magical reality” dragon companion. Blur the lines between reality and fantasy, while transcending the virtual into the new realm of mixed reality.

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Inspiration

"SoulBound" draws its inspiration from the concept of virtual AR card multi-elemental soul beasts, known as "Virters," which was originally conceived by Frane Bilić in 2018. The essence of this digital spirit animal concept has been reimagined, incorporating elements of pet simulation and infusing it with mainstream magic and dragon themes specifically for the PICO DevJam. Additional sources of inspiration stem from nostalgic childhood experiences, particularly the simplicity and engagement of digital pet toys like Tamagotchi. Moreover, thematic influences from diverse sources, including the captivating world of the Shaman King manga and TV series, "The Boy Who Dances with Ghosts," the charming character design of My Little Pony, and the enduring appeal of Pokemon, contribute to the rich tapestry that shapes the imaginative landscape of "SoulBound." The collection of these diverse influences serves as the creative foundation for the development of an immersive and enchanting mixed-reality gaming experience.

Game Concept

Ever dreamt of having a dragon as a friend? With "SoulBound," that dream becomes a reality.

"SoulBound" is a mixed-reality game, inviting players to establish a bond with a dragon companion. Leveraging MR devices, the game transcends the boundaries of traditional virtual experiences, seamlessly merging elements of reality with the fantastical. Enhancing the experience further, intuitive hand gestures and voice activations allow for a more immersive connection. You become a caretaker and trainer for your dragon. Socialize with your dragon, and introduce it to the vibrant world of single-player challenges and multiplayer modes, allowing them to interact with other dragons. Witness your dragon's evolution, modify its DNA, and choose traits and elemental configurations. Engage in duels with other dragons, putting your dragon's skills to the test.

DEMO

What it does

The demo provides players with an interactive experience where they sync room data, discover an egg, and engage in simplified rituals and hand gestures to hatch the egg. Players then navigate the world with a hatchling, exploring and interacting through gestures like fetching.

How we built it

Developed using the new PICO Tracking and Sense SDK for Unity, the demo integrates anchors with custom room detection logic, procedural point generation, and placement. Hand tracking is implemented for basic palm movements. The demo features a sample dragon model and animations for illustrative purposes, not representing the final dragon design.

Challenges we ran into

Challenges included optimizing mixed reality integration and designing AI and pet systems. Handling different PICO system versions that currently support room capture added complexity to the development process.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Successfully created a simple procedural environment generation and implemented AI navigation with a basic AI pet system. The achievement lies in achieving a seamless integration of the real and magical realms, complemented by crafting the narrative of "SoulBound."

What we learned

The development of "SoulBound" provided valuable insights into the possibilities and challenges of mixed reality gaming, particularly with the new capabilities of PICO devices.

What's next for SoulBound

The initial market-ready pre-release version of "SoulBound" is anticipated by February 2024, featuring basic AI pet care and training concepts, with an expansion into a more immersive multiplayer experience. Plans include the creation of a new and original dragon aesthetic and continuous updates to introduce additional magical realms and customization options. The goal is to enhance the player's journey continually.

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