Shaping the Universe
Welcome to the first Lifa Progress Report! This series will document the milestones, challenges, and progress as we build Lifa Genesis, a puzzle-action rhythm game where players embody the Sun and guide the formation of a solar system. Positioned as both an immersive game and an educational platform, Lifa combines scientific accuracy, creative mechanics, and strategic gameplay to create a unique experience.
In this report, we cover progress across creative, research, design, and development areas, tying each achievement to our overarching vision for Lifa.
What We’ve Accomplished
Creative Development
Conceptualization of Visuals & Prototypes
Lifa will be simulating our physical reality as accurately as possible so visuals at this stage are straight forward; however, we still need to tell the story of the game experience. So, we created visuals and mockups for some key areas in the game. Here are some early-stage concepts built out in Figma.
Object focus concept illustration.
Narrative Integration
Introduced L.I.S.A (Lifa’s Intelligent System Assistant), a guiding AI character that personalizes gameplay. L.I.S.A interacts with players directly, breaking the fourth wall, and makes the interface feel like a living operating system.
L.I.S.A Introduction concept illustration
System overview concept illustration.
We need to build a foundation for all of the systems we are going to be building out, so a design library and key screen mockups have been created to provide us a common visual communication for development.
Research Insights
Conducted detailed studies on Physics
Protoplanetary Dynamics
Ensuring that gameplay reflects real-world processes of accretion, orbital mechanics, and planet formation.
Thermal and Gravitational Mechanics Balancing scientific accuracy with intuitive player interaction for realistic yet engaging gameplay.
Key Takeaway
The research serves as the foundation for Lifa's core mechanics, reinforcing its credibility as both a science-driven game and an educational product.
Game Design & Development
Progress on Core Features
Game loop diagram
Gravity Mechanics
Fully implemented gravitational interactions between celestial objects, enabling orbits, collisions, and coalescence.
Preview build of orbital mechanics with push coords.
Thermal Push Mechanic
Introduced the ability for players to apply directional pushes using energy bursts from the Sun. This feature currently works but requires further polish to ensure precision and balance.
Preview build of thermal push mechanic testing.
Celestial Actors
Integrated dust particles, planetesimals, and proto-planets and more into the system. These objects interact dynamically, simulating realistic physics-based growth.
Unreal Engine editor view of a sun.
Camera System
A single, fixed camera has been implemented for early gameplay tests. Plans are in place to expand functionality for panning, zooming, and tracking specific celestial events.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1 Balancing Scientific Accuracy and Gameplay Fun
Solution Iterative playtesting and refinement of mechanics will ensure that realism enhances rather than detracts from the player experience.
Challenge 2 Push Mechanic Precision
Solution We’re fine-tuning input responsiveness and force calculations to create smoother, more intuitive interactions.
Challenge 3 Expanding Camera Functionality
Solution Next steps include implementing dynamic tracking and adjustable perspectives to better showcase player progress.
Next Steps
Focus Areas for the Coming Weeks
Polishing Thermal Pushes Improving control precision and force feedback.
Enhancing Visual Effects Adding more realistic particle dynamics for dust, collisions, and energy bursts.
Prototyping Rhythm Mechanics Testing early rhythm-action features to integrate them seamlessly with gravitational and thermal gameplay.
Building Progression Milestones Developing goal-oriented gameplay, such as forming planetesimals or achieving specific planetary alignments.
Dynamic Camera System Adding features like zoom, pan, and event tracking.
Join the Journey
We’re excited about the future of Lifa and would love your feedback as we move forward. What aspects of the gameplay or vision resonate most with you? Let us know, and thank you for shaping the universe with us!