Paddle Panic
Action Sports, CO-OP
Responsibilities
Gameplay Design Engagement Design
Time span
4 Weeks Jan through Feb 2024
Contributors
Team of 16 Game Developers
Awards
The Rookies Highly Commended 2024
Programmes
Jira | Miro | Unity
Gameplay
Gameplay Design
Core Mechanics
For this project, we set out to create a local cooperative experience with core mechanics that were simple yet adaptable. Since player communication would naturally become a mechanic, we designed the gameplay to encourage interaction and teamwork.
Our main focus was on the “Paddle Mechanic,” the most crucial and challenging feature. Each player controlled one of two paddles on a shared raft, with options to speed up, brake, and reverse.
Players needed to coordinate their movements, as opposing actions would multiply their effects. This design emphasized satisfying, collaborative gameplay, where success depended on effective teamwork.
To enhance engagement, we added environmental challenges inspired by white-water rafting. With a checkpoint system, players could take on an additional challenge, earning rewards as they navigated through the rapids.
Balancing and Tuning
During development, we noticed players frequently lost control of the raft, despite level designs that funneled them towards the end. To address this, we introduced a stamina mechanic: if players rowed too intensely, their controls would temporarily disable, prompting them to row with purpose.
This adjustment improved the co-op experience, making gameplay more rewarding and allowing players to feel a sense of accomplishment as they set new highscores.
Easy Class: Introduced game elements in a simple way, allowing players to complete levels on the first try. This low-stress entry point showcased what Paddle Panic had to offer.
Medium Class: Built players' confidence by challenging them to apply basic skills. These levels reinforced key mechanics, helping players feel comfortable and progressively more skilled.
Hard Class: Introduced tougher challenges requiring critical thinking and adaptation. Providing players with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Engagement Design
Player Retention
Difficulty classes were incorporated to create a clear progression system. Players could easily understand their path: complete a level to unlock the next, similar to Super Mario games.
With increasing difficulty, players were encouraged to improve their skills while advancing through the game.
Psychological Engagement
To encourage replayability in Paddle Panic, we simulated water physics allowing players to unlock and use different boats, each with unique characteristics. By earning stars based on their performance, players could revisit levels with fresh strategies.
Each boat offered a distinct gameplay experience: some were fast but hard to steer, others were slow but agile, and some offered balanced performance.
This variety encouraged players to experiment and replay levels, experiencing the game in new ways.
By incorporating these unique boat experiences, we kept the gameplay fresh and engaging, providing continual incentives for players to return and explore Paddle Panic further.
Social and Community Features
For Paddle Panic, we focused on a leaderboard system to add a social and community element. At the end of each round, players could see their score and completion time.
To avoid stressing players during gameplay, we used a hidden timer that activated at the start and revealed their time only at the finish line. This allowed us to emphasize the casual, goal-oriented nature of the game, rather than creating a race against the clock.
The leaderboard enabled players to share and compare their times with friends, adding a subtle layer of friendly competition. Even as a simple feature, it had a significant impact, encouraging players to challenge each other without detracting from the game's laid-back feel.
Reflection
Working on this project taught me the impact of small details and how they can significantly shape the overall experience.
During playtesting, I noticed how small, overlooked elements made a big difference in player engagement.
This experience also highlighted the commonalities among different audiences and showed me how to bridge gaps between them, uniting diverse player groups under a shared experience.
By focusing on these connections, I learned the importance of community building, even for audiences who might not naturally connect.
Paddle Panic
is an award winning 3rd-person, extreme rafting co-op game for mobile. Two players each control one of the boat's paddles, making communication and quick decision-making essential for success!
Players can choose from various rafts, each suited to different situations. Every raft comes with unique perks and drawbacks, such as differences in buoyancy, stability, and maneuverability. My primary responsibilities in this game project was Gameplay Design, Engagement Design and Player Experience Design. Also having secondary roles such as the Product Owner and Level Designer.
