Developed during the UKGF Tranzfuser program, (We Are All) Stars in the Galaxy is a narrative-driven rhythm VR game about being a Japanese pop idol in space.

Taking inspiration from Japanese idol culture, the main features of the game are the hand tracking based rhythm mechanic, custom selectable gesture detection, as well as environmental storytelling.

Although currently a 13 minute prototype we continue to apply for funding to create a full 2 hour VR experience.

Watch the trailer here!

Custom Hand Gestures

Using the OpenXR hand gesture module I was able to implement in the score logic of the rythym part of the game. The premise is simple: the player choses from three different idol gestures that will become part of the choreography, successfully holding the pose for a determined period of time gives a considerable score and enters hyper-drive mode

Heart

Peace sign

Watch it in action!

K-pop heart

3D Modelling

The first half of the demo relies heavily on environmental storytelling, considering the time limitations we chose a premade room that we could tailor with interactable custom 3D models. The player learns the story by touching each of the models which prompts a narration.

  • User interaction with objects

  • Lamp simulating Earth's vegetation

  • Panda plushie

  • Custom glowstick for audience members

  • Wrist phone

  • Room with custom 3D models

  • Cat tea set

  • Books on idol culture and teenage romance

VFX

The VFX I developed served one of three purposes: signaling, player feedback or ambience creation. I used either the Unity Particle System or VFX Graph to create them depending on their complexity.

Coloured smoke as you go up the platform for your concert.

Particle bursts of different intensities show the accuracy of the hit

Sci-fi continous ring signals for interacting with the objects in the room

The team

From left to right:

Arthur Reiji Morris: Producer and Cultural Consultant

Julia Mascetti: Programmer and Producer

Vicente Didier Edwards: Main Programmer and VFX Artist

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A Swan's Dream