Updated build
This is an updated build with a new challenge mode, Sink or Swing. To play when it's published, simply open the game, select Challenges from the main menu, and choose Sink or Swing.
Inspiration
Spatial Web Shooter started as a mixed-reality experience where players stayed grounded in their physical space and interacted by shooting webs. Over time, one request kept coming up:
“I want to swing around with the web.”
That recurring request became the seed for Sink or Swing, a new Challenge Mode designed to let players swing, traverse space and feel motion through an exciting gameplay mechanic.
What it does
This game mode lets the player swing through randomly generated floating blocks, combining momentum, timing, and risk. If you fail to swing well, you sink. There’s no finish line — the farther you go, the more points you earn.
The blocks are varied and diverse, making each swing a fresh and unique challenge.
How I built it
- I managed the entire project using just the Notes app, creating checklists for each idea and task. Building the app was simply a matter of checking off the items on those lists.
- I developed the experience using Unity and the Meta Quest XR SDK, supporting both hand and controller inputs. The Meta Interaction SDK handled UI interactions and rendered the virtual hands. I also wrote custom scripts for smooth transitions between hand poses when using controllers.
- The web visuals and additional physics were built from scratch, giving me full control without relying on third-party rope plugins. For this challenge mode, I'm making a major update to the web structure, as many of the new features are unique and specific to this mode.
Challenges I ran into
- Creating this swinging experience was a completely new direction for Spatial Web Shooter. Moving the player through the air with flexible web controls is quite challenging.
- Traditional rope physics resulted in excessive bounce. I adjusted the physics by combining standard algorithms with custom tweaks to create a smoother and more natural swinging experience.
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
- Implemented a completely new swinging ability within the existing web control system. Although it was not originally designed for swinging, it now works seamlessly and functions smoothly.
- Implemented web spiral motion when shooting, enhancing the visual appeal of the web.
- Created large portal-like frames that dynamically transition the world as you swing in and out of them.
- The wind trail that renders based on the player's motion through the air, enhancing the sense of speed and movement.
What I learned
- To add more flexibility and attention to detail to your ideas, start by mastering the fundamentals. There are plenty of resources and AI tools to help you learn and refine them.
- Don’t underestimate the potential of the experiences you can bring to a device. Think big, get creative, and just build.
What's next for Spatial Web Shooter - Sink or Swing
More potential is yet to come:
- More variants of floating block designs.
- Additional items to collect while swinging.
- Upgradeable web shooting speed.
I’ll also be exploring new gameplay possibilities with the web swinging ability.
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