Co-Op Cosmonaut
Arduino-Controlled Space Adventure
A unique cooperative space exploration game that combines digital gameplay with physical Arduino controllers. Players work together using custom hardware interfaces to navigate their cosmonauts through challenging space environments.
Platform
Unity + Arduino
Players
2 Player Co-op
Genre
Space Exploration
Hardware
Custom Controllers
Game Design Framework
Mechanics
Core movement mechanic where each player controls one thruster of a shared jetpack. Simple click-to-boost system prevents overwhelming complexity and focuses on cooperative coordination.
- • Dual-thruster jetpack control
- • Physics-based movement
- • Obstacle collision system
- • Height-based scoring
Dynamics
Cooperative dynamics emerge from shared control creating communication requirements. Unity's physics system adds unpredictability, making each attempt unique and challenging.
- • Forced cooperation through shared control
- • Physics-based unpredictability
- • Communication-dependent success
- • Competitive high-score motivation
Aesthetics
Targets Fellowship (social cooperation), Challenge (high-score competition), and Submission (casual pick-up-and-play). Designed for quick sessions in educational environments.
- • Fellowship: Cooperative gameplay
- • Challenge: Skill-based progression
- • Submission: Casual accessibility
Technical Innovation
Arduino-Unity Integration
Uses the “Ardity” Unity asset for Arduino serial communication. Custom C++ code handles button press detection and sends single-byte signals (1 for yellow, 2 for red) to prevent input queue overflow.
Physical Interface Design
Color-coded buttons (red/yellow) match jetpack thruster colors and are positioned to correspond with their on-screen counterparts. Physical separation encourages two-player cooperation.
Iterative Design Process
Three Jetpack Control Iterations
Version 1: Click to Boost
Each button press gives a single thrust impulse. Requires active coordination and communication.
Version 2: Hold to Fly
Continuous thrust while holding buttons. Made game too easy and reduced cooperation.
Version 3: Cooldown System
Limited thrust duration with recharge periods. Added complexity without improving cooperation.
Testing Method: Quick and dirty user testing with rapid prototyping to validate design decisions
Interaction Design Theory
Affordances & Signifiers
No tutorial needed - the game teaches itself through visual and interaction design. Players naturally understand goals and controls through carefully designed signifiers.
- • Vertical screen: Signals upward movement goal
- • Color matching: Buttons match thruster colors
- • Spatial layout: Button positions correspond to thrusters
- • “Height Score”: Cognitive cue about the objective
Feedback Systems
Multiple feedback mechanisms confirm player actions and provide immediate response to input, creating satisfying interaction loops.
- • Visual: Particle effects from thrusters
- • Physical: Character movement response
- • Audio: Sound effects on thruster activation
- • Cooldown: Visual cues prevent button spam
Arcade Machine Concept
Wall-Mounted Design
Designed for the Science building at VID gymnasium as a space-saving wall installation. Featured separated buttons to encourage two-player cooperation and rounded edges to match the building's architectural style.
- • Space-efficient wall mounting
- • 21” vertical screen orientation
- • Separated button placement
- • Rounded edges for architectural harmony
Educational Integration
Specifically designed for educational environments where students need quick, engaging activities during breaks. The simple pick-up-and-play nature fits perfectly with classroom scheduling.
- • Quick session gameplay
- • No tutorial required
- • Cooperative learning experience
- • High score motivation
Game Features
Jetpack Physics
Realistic space movement with jetpack controls and momentum-based navigation
Cooperative Gameplay
Two players must work together to overcome obstacles and reach objectives
Hardware Integration
Physical buttons control in-game actions through Arduino serial communication
