Spaced Out

Spaced Out is a platformer exploration game where players chart surreal worlds and discover new adventures across the dimensional rift.

Comment 3

🌟 Inspiration

What inspired me to create this stylized game came from a desire to build something that could evolve, an open-ended project that wouldn’t lock me into a single idea or mechanic. With the dimensional theme of Spaced Out, I have the freedom to keep things fresh, jumping into ideas from a cyberpunk city to an underwater world, while staying grounded in the core concept.

I’ve always had a love for adventure platformers. As a kid, they fueled my imagination and sense of exploration. Spaced Out is my way of blending that early passion with the creative freedom to build across dimensions.

🕹️ What It Does

Spaced Out is a dimension-hopping platform adventure designed for up to four players. Players chart surreal environments and explore the unknown as they jump between realities filled with vibrant visuals and unexpected creatures.

The game currently features three levels, each set in a different location within the first dimensional world. These levels offer varied platforming challenges and unique visual styles, introducing players to the feel and mechanics of dimensional travel.

Spaced Out is built around a spirit of connection, curiosity, and hope, inviting players to step into the unknown and discover what lies beyond the familiar.

🛠️ How I Built It

Platform & Scripting

  • Built using Horizon Worlds Desktop Editor
  • Gameplay logic and interactions handled with TypeScript in Microsoft VS Code

3D Modeling & Texturing

  • 3D models created with ZBrush and Blender
  • Photoshop used to design textures and trim sheets

Audio

  • Horizon Worlds Desktop Editor used for music and sound effects
  • Artlist used for music and sound effects

Optimization & Performance

  • Designed with mobile optimization in mind
  • Each level contains approximately 4,000–8,000 polygons
  • A single trim sheet textures key environmental elements like foliage
  • The world maintains around 40 draw calls for smooth performance on mobile devices

⚠️ Challenges I Ran Into

One of the biggest challenges was working solo on the project. That meant doing it all, design, scripting, modeling, testing, every step rested on my shoulders. It wasn’t always easy balancing the creative side with the technical demands, especially when bugs popped up and a looming deadline. But pushing through those solo hurdles helped me stay flexible, problem-solve fast, and ultimately shape the project into something I'm proud of. Looking ahead, I’d love to see the ability to adjust player collision so it only applies to objects. That would open the door to larger player counts for a side scroller and help bring my original 24-player vision closer to reality.

✅ Accomplishments I'm Proud Of

One accomplishment I’m proud of is seeing the project come together as a fully playable experience. Working solo, I had to learn and manage everything from scripting to world building, which came with its share of challenges. But in the end, it captures the imaginative spirit I set out to deliver. Seeing players explore and enjoy the world makes it worth it.

📘 What I Learned

Building this project solo taught me a lot, both creatively and technically. I learned how to manage a full game pipeline, from scripting mechanics to optimizing assets for performance. It also showed me the importance of planning ahead, staying flexible when things break, and trusting the process even when progress feels slow. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow.

🔮 What's Next for Spaced Out

🌌 New Dimensional Levels

  • Expand the game with unique levels, each featuring:
    • Distinct themes, mechanics, and challenges
    • Concepts include:
    • Cyberpunk city
    • Gravity-shifting sky world
    • Underwater ruins

🛒 Shop & Collection System

  • Introduce a shop and collection system
    • Players can unlock and purchase items using achievements or in-game currency
    • Items feature emissive materials that glow in the silhouetted world
    • Examples include:
    • Stylized gear
    • Collectibles that symbolize progress and individuality
  • Enhances player expression and replay value

🤝 Multiplayer & Community

  • Improved multiplayer features
  • Add space for player feedback
  • More polish and quality-of-life updates
  • Goal: Keep gameplay fresh while embracing the core theme of exploration

Built With

+ 6 more
Share this project:

Updates