WHALE OF FORTUNE
Run, Compete, and Conquer Inside the Belly of a Whale on Meta Horizon Worlds!
Service
Metaverse Game
Client
Meta Competition
Platform
Meta Horizon Worlds
Year
2024
Building on this concept, I introduced an obstacle course to add a competitive element with a pirate theme. This combination of exploration and competition creates a space that draws people in with curiosity and keeps them engaged with dynamic, interactive gameplay.
The Challenge
Developing Whale of Fortune involved several hurdles. I had to master Horizon Worlds for both mobile and VR users, which required learning new tools and optimizing assets to meet strict file size and geometry limits.
The process also demanded an efficient workflow from asset creation in Gravity Sketch to refinement in Blender and Substance Painter, all while preserving the creative vision.
Whale of Fortune is a dynamic multiplayer experience where players race through a whale’s interior, dodging hazards like rising stomach acid and cannon blasts. The project combines exploration, pirate themed obstacles, and competitive gameplay to create a memorable adventure!
Inspiration
The inspiration for this world stemmed from a desire to create something in the metaverse that sparks curiosity and takes people to a place they’ve never been before. While many metaverse spaces lean into futuristic or real world themes, I wanted to explore something unexpected, whimsical and memorable. This led to the question:
What if you could run around inside a whale?
How It Was Built
Concept & Design:
The project began with designing the whale’s interior in Gravity Sketch. This phase allowed for an intuitive exploration of scale and form, setting the stage for an immersive and playful environment.
Optimization Workflow:
Initial assets were refined in Blender and textured in Substance Painter. The focus was on reducing polygon counts, baking lighting, and creating efficient textures that meet Horizon Worlds’ performance standards.
Integration & Testing:
Optimized assets were imported into Horizon Worlds. The desktop editor streamlined asset management, while the VR editor ensured precise placement. Regular testing on VR and mobile devices helped fine-tune gameplay for a smooth experience.
Interactive Elements:
Interactive features were added to bring the world to life. Spinning barrels, moving platforms, and pulsing organs serve as obstacles, and cannon-style guns combined with leaderboards add a competitive edge.
Accomplishments & Results
Whale of Fortune has resonated with players. The game has seen increased session times and high replay rates. One player remarked, "This is a surreal, pirate-themed adventure, equal parts curiosity and competition." The project also led to a streamlined workflow that balances creative design with technical demands.
Player Engagement:
209+ visits
12 Likes and Saves