[B22] Between Us

Between Us is a cooperative platformer where two separated players rely on trust to move forward. With shared puzzles and perspective swaps, only communication can close the distance.

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Inspiration

Between Us was inspired by a simple idea:
what if distance itself became the core of cooperation?

We wanted to explore how two people, separated and barely able to see each other, could move forward only by trusting the other’s timing, guidance, and communication.
From this concept, a set of cooperative platforming challenges took shape.

What it does

Between Us is a cooperative platformer built around a sequence of challenges, each designed to test a different aspect of communication and trust.
Two separated players must navigate a shared journey where progress is only possible together.

The experience features:

  • platforming paths activated alternately by the other player
  • a guided labyrinth with top-down vision for one and first-person exploration for the other
  • block-trigger puzzles that unlock platforms one step at a time
  • a shape-passing room that requires precision and shared timing
  • a concluding sequence where players converge on an ethereal structure and complete the run

At the end of the experience, a leaderboard displays the fastest completion times.

How we built it

All assets were modeled from scratch in Autodesk Maya and textured using Substance 3D Painter to achieve a clean, ethereal look.
Once the asset pipeline was complete, the entire experience was built inside Meta Horizon Worlds, from level design to scripting, interactions, camera systems (including a custom top-down camera mode for the labyrinth), and multiplayer logic.

The build was designed for rapid iteration, keeping mechanics simple but meaningful.

Challenges we ran into

  • Designing puzzles that genuinely require two players without overwhelming them
  • Syncing platform states between mirrored rooms
  • Implementing a smooth and readable top-down camera for the maze
  • Creating a shape-passing system that feels precise and intuitive
  • Managing time constraints while keeping the experience polished
  • Occasional editor freezes that interrupted iteration

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Building six interconnected cooperative rooms in a short timeframe
  • Making communication feel essential, not optional
  • Achieving a minimalist, atmospheric look that supports the narrative tone
  • Creating clean, readable mechanics that stay consistent throughout
  • Delivering a full run with leaderboard support

What we learned

  • How to design cooperation-first gameplay where both players matter equally
  • The importance of readable spaces when players can’t see each other
  • How small mechanics (passing shapes, activating platforms) can become meaningful when framed around trust
  • The value of rapid prototyping for testing puzzle flow

What's next for Between Us

  • Expanding the journey with additional cooperative rooms
  • Improving visual polish and atmosphere
  • Implementing optional difficulty modes and alternative paths
  • Enhancing leaderboard functionality with categories and weekly challenges

Between Us continues to explore how connection grows through shared motion, timing, and understanding — even when players begin far apart.

Built With

  • maya
  • substance-3d-painter
  • typescript
  • visual-studio-code
  • worlds-desktop-editor
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