Build a 3D Interactive Experience

Create a simple interactive experience in Unity using a basic game mechanic (e.g., billiards, bowling) or a real-world task (e.g., rearranging furniture, walking a dog). Objects can be symbolic (e.g., spheres for people, capsules for dogs) or more detailed using models from Blender or free assets from the Unity Asset Store. Refer to the class example for adding input and making objects respond to mouse clicks, and utilize Unity’s built-in physics for realistic interactions. Record a screen grab showcasing the experience and interactions, then post it on your design blog with a description of its goal and creation process.

I want to create an interactive treasure hunt experience in Unity that immerses players in a fun and exploratory adventure. My goal is to design a dynamic and engaging game where players search for hidden objects or clues within a beautifully crafted environment. Scavenger hunts are inherently exciting, offering a sense of discovery and accomplishment, which makes them a great foundation for an interactive experience. I want to enhance this by leveraging Unity’s powerful tools to build stunning landscapes and detailed worlds that encourage exploration.

The experience will not only be about finding objects but also about enjoying the journey—whether it’s navigating through hills, rivers and caves. I aim to create an engaging and memorable adventure that players can enjoy.

Building on the lesson from Maxim's class, I decided to expand my environment to create a more immersive and dynamic experience. I added rolling green hills, towering snowcapped mountains, and a serene body of water, all designed to encourage exploration. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the sense of adventure by offering varied terrains for users to discover. The combination of lush landscapes and mountainous scenery sets the perfect tone for an exciting journey, inviting users to explore every corner of the world while fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder.

The next step in my project was to incorporate three hidden treasure chests into the environment. I used assets from the Unity Asset Store to find and add these chests to the scene. The objective of the game is for the user to explore the world and discover all three hidden chests. Each chest is strategically placed in different areas, encouraging players to engage with and explore the dynamic landscape. Once the user finds all three chests, they win the game, adding a rewarding sense of discovery and accomplishment to the experience.

First treasure chest.

Second treasure chest.

Third treasure chest.

I wanted the chest to have a unique and engaging interaction by making it glow upon discovery. The idea was to create a visual effect that would grab the user’s attention and signal that they’ve found something significant. When the user clicks on the chest, it begins to glow, making it clear that the chest is interactive and rewarding. This effect not only draws attention to the chest but also provides feedback that the user has successfully interacted with it, enhancing the overall experience. The glow serves as a subtle but effective cue, emphasizing the importance of the chest within the scene and creating a sense of discovery and accomplishment.

Glowing Treasure Chest.

This activity was a lot of fun and gave me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of Unity. I was able to apply what I’ve learned so far by integrating interactive elements into my environment. Specifically, I hid three treasure chests throughout the scene, using different areas of the landscape to make the search more engaging. The goal now is for the user to explore the environment, discover the hidden chests, and solve the challenge. This process allowed me to get hands-on experience with both asset placement and designing an interactive exploration, and it was exciting to see how the hidden chests added a new layer of gameplay and intrigue to the environment.