vCoder
OVERVIEW
Learning to code isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s an essential skill. vCoder is a virtual reality experience that teaches computer science fundamentals through logic challenges and engaging mini-games. Geared towards kids ages 6-12, we focused on making coding as approachable as possible while representing real coding practices, like for-loops and if-statements, in a virtual world. vCoder is one of the 2018 Oculus Launchpad Scholarship recipients.
ROLE
As a Gameplay & Interactions Developer on the Beach Day Studios team, I was responsible for used Unity, C#, and VRTK to develop in-game interactions, including code-stacking, interactive gadgets, and in-game inventory selection. I was also in charge of rapid prototyping and visually designing these interactions.
In addition to developing interactions, I also optimized the PCVR version to port the project to the Oculus Go, where I adapted the environment to target mobile performance and developed interactions using the single-controller scheme of 3DOF headsets.
CHALLENEGES
Targeting the younger generation meant many users who played vCoder might be entering VR for the first time. This made it difficult to rely on standards established in other VR games such as holsters or backpacks. I helped the team make the interaction of coding as easy as possible while being careful not to dilute the overall coding curriculum.
Through rapid prototyping and influences from Scratch, we created a visual programming language using colored, spatial coding blocks. These blocks could be connected or disconnected at will, and the environment responded to these coding actions.
CREATING CONTINUOUS ENGAGEMENT
We designed vCoder to push curiosity and reward creativity. Kids can use the knowledge they gained to build personal mini-games using existing code blocks; Beach Saber is just one highlight where users can slice fish to the beat of the music.
