Developers Sarai Cibrian and Stephanie Meza from eenieweenie interactive created Lost in the Woods: Balloon Search, an engaging 3D puzzle game that invites players to navigate a whimsical forest alongside the curious Purple Guy. With intuitive controls, dynamic elements, and charming visuals, the game is a perfect example of how Niantic Studio empowers creators to build unique and engaging 3D web games. We had the opportunity to learn about their creative journey and how they brought Lost in the Woods to life.

What inspired you to create Lost in the Woods?
We’re really into cozy games that focus on puzzles and exploration—think LoZ: Link’s Awakening or Lil’ Gator Game. This was our first fully self-created web game, and we wanted to bring that vibe to life. Lost in the Woods was our way of seeing what we could build with Niantic Studio while making something fun and lighthearted.

How did Niantic Studio help bring your vision to life?
Niantic Studio is incredibly beginner-friendly, which allowed us to complete this as a two-person team. The real-time build-and-play functionality meant we could test our work instantly, and the collaborative feature—where we could work on the same project remotely—was a lifesaver, especially during the holidays. It made the whole process so much more manageable.

Were there any challenges along the way? How did you overcome them?

As two artists new to JavaScript, learning to code was a big challenge for us. We relied heavily on the Niantic 8th Wall forums and studied previously published Niantic Studio projects for guidance. By examining their code, we were able to understand the structure and reuse modules for our own game. Breaking down problems into smaller, solvable tasks also helped us work through any roadblocks.

What were the main steps you took to make this project that would be helpful to share with other developers?

1. Project planning: We spent a week brainstorming the concept, visuals, and production timeline. This helped us stay aligned throughout development.
2. Research and play: By playing other Niantic Studio games, we gauged what was realistic and achievable, allowing us to scale our project effectively.
3. Game logic planning: Mapping out specific gameplay mechanics made coding and debugging much easier.
4. Iterative testing: Regularly testing features helped us fine-tune our game quickly and efficiently.
   

 

What advice would you give other developers interested in building 3D web, real-world games or AR experiences with Niantic Studio?
Go for it! Niantic Studio is simple enough to dive into, even if you’re new to coding. We were amazed at how easy it was to import our 3D models and make them game-ready. Start small, use sample projects for guidance, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish.

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Top Features in Lost in the Woods: Balloon Search:

• Charming gameplay mechanics: Guide Purple Guy with arrow keys and collect balloons while dodging water hazards.
• Dynamic visuals: The game’s forest environment and colorful balloons make exploration fun and engaging.
  
• Interactive UI: Responsive elements like the welcome screen and balloon counter enhance the player experience.
  
• Real-time feedback: A dynamic camera system follows the character, ensuring smooth and engaging gameplay.
• Collaborative build system: The developers utilized Niantic Studio’s real-time collaboration feature to create seamlessly, even while working apart.
  

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Pro Tips for Aspiring Developers: 

• Plan thoroughly:
  Spend time planning your project to avoid missteps later in development.
  
• Leverage sample projects:
  Use existing code and mechanics to jump-start your ideas.
  
• Iterate often:
  Test your game frequently to ensure smooth gameplay and to address issues quickly.
  
• Stay creative:
  Let your imagination guide your development process—every project is a chance to learn and innovate.
  

Ready to Guide Purple Guy Through the Woods?
Explore the whimsical forest of Lost in the Woods: Balloon Search, and let Sarai and Stephanie’s creation inspire your next project. Read their full documentation here. Check out their sample project: 

• Player Movement with Music: Learn how to create character movement and sound effects for an immersive experience.

Start creating today! Create a free Niantic Studio account to start building your own 3D web games or WebXR experiences today.