Sustainable Survival

Sustainable Survival is a VR experience where the user simulates the planning and maintenance of a power grid while generating income and fending off pollution-based enemies. The game consists of a player purchasing buildings, which they can then place on a gameboard. The experience then simulates a turn-based system, where generator buildings can provide power to special buildings which can defend against enemies or generate income.

Design Process Flowchart

We started with the idea of piloting a renewable airship

We then refocused on the challenge of maintaining a renewable power grid

Midreview feedback was incorperated by introducing conflict. This was done by incorporating pollution-themed enemies

Game Loop

Precedent Image

We liked the playstyle of placing die on a board based on their interactions with one another.

Precedent Image

We were inspired by the aspect of a game where you can interact with the environment around you.

Inscryption

Die in the Dungeon

Research & Inspiration

Coal Carbon Production

• 1 ton of coal emits around 1000 grams of CO2 for every kWh of power produced

Inspired Design Choice

This information aided us in determining the overall rate of pollution for each building.

Hydro Carbon Production

• High-impact hydropower produces ~25g of CO2 for every kWh

First Concept Sketches

Dynamic Enviroment Showcase

Showcasing the building affecting the tiles around it.

Iteration Sketches

These are initial sketches for a board-based VR game, we brainstormed varying types of tiles and game mechanics.

Image

What Worked?

What Didn't?

We liked the aspect of a large room centered around the gameboard

We felt that the room was too empty and bland. It could use some dynamic aspects as well as more props.

Our first prototype was a demo of the board and room environment.

First Prototype

Added day/night cycle

We added a mock day/night cycle to emulate real life

Enemy and pollution

We scaled the amount of enemies with the amount of pollution

Gameroom Floor Plan

Pollution Text displays the amount of pollution in the system

The turn text shows the amount of turns survived

The gameboard is where the player places buildings

This text shows the amount of money the player has

The vending machines dispense buildings for the player to use

Final Photos

Final Photos

Reflecting & Looking Forward...

If we had more time, it would be interesting to add more enemies and strategy.

If we started over we would most likely include more buildings and increase interactibility

Video