Bubble Runner

Revolutionizing learning through VR: Where education meets imagination and everyone thrives.

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Bubble Runner is a VR math game designed to build core math skills in an engaging and collaborative way. Players are challenged to solve equations and locate the correct sum hidden in bubbles scattered throughout a vibrant, alien world. The game features three rounds, each reinforcing foundational math skills such as number comparison, basic addition and subtraction, and pattern recognition.

What Inspired Me The inspiration for Bubble Runner came from a desire to create a space where parents and children can learn together. I believe it’s crucial for parents to see that safe and engaging educational opportunities exist, especially in a time when education is facing challenges such as rising costs and political scrutiny. With Bubble Runner, I wanted to provide a free, accessible resource that bridges the gap between home and school, encouraging connection and curiosity.

Drawing inspiration from childhood favorites like Crashbox and The Magic School Bus, I embraced the creative possibilities of VR. Instead of creating a familiar classroom-like setting, I envisioned a serene, otherworldly environment. Thus, Bubble Runner takes place on the Bubble Gum Planet—a calming yet playful world that makes learning feel like an adventure.

What I Learned Developing this project was as much a personal journey as a creative one. Balancing my responsibilities as a teacher, 3D animation student, and creator forced me to confront long-standing challenges around prioritizing self-care and my family. I learned to recognize the difference between pushing myself toward productivity and overextending to the point of burnout. This journey helped me develop a stronger awareness of when to take a step back, rest, and recharge.

How I Built the Game I began with an initial concept and realistic sketches but quickly realized they didn’t fit the playful, immersive experience I wanted to create. Leveraging tools like Blender and Maya, I reimagined the design to better suit the limitless potential of VR. The Bubble Gum Planet, with its vibrant colors and cozy atmosphere, came to life as a space where learning is approachable and inviting. The mechanics of the game were designed to be intuitive yet challenging, offering opportunities for both practice and parent-child collaboration.

Challenges I Faced Time management was my biggest challenge. Between my professional commitments and personal life, I often found it difficult to carve out time for development. I also had to refine my creative vision multiple times, which sometimes felt daunting but ultimately strengthened the final product. Listening to myself and knowing when to pause was a hard but necessary lesson that helped me stay consistent and motivated. I think knowing when enough is enough was the hardest part, do I focus on the loop, the art, do I give something over the top that wows the audience or do I go for simplicity.

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