🌟 Introduction

Workhorse is a VR game built around the theme of oppression. With the team, we wanted to create a workplace atmosphere where all your colleagues are watching you.

You’ll have to complete daily tasks, print documents, clean your desk, while feeling like something is wrong. The other employees stare at you, even walk toward you.

This project was especially exciting for me, as it was my first time working in VR. Designing inputs and features that match human vision and physical interaction was fun and challenging.

I also wanted to experiment with creating an oppressive atmosphere using SFX and VFX. A lightly story-driven game with player interactions, it was a very interesting experience.

👾 Gameplay

The gameplay in Workhorse is linear and narrative-driven. The player spawns at their desk in an office. Tasks are assigned by the boss via the computer.

As the player completes tasks, their colleagues begin to watch and approach them, building pressure and creating an anxious atmosphere.

This tension is amplified through dizzying VFX and unsettling soundtracks. Eventually, when the pressure reaches its peak, the player has two choices:

- Leave the building, which restarts the day with slight changes

- Submit a resignation letter to the boss, ending the game and escaping the toxic environment

📃 What I've realized on the project

• The storyboard

  With the other Game Designers, I sketched out the full storyline on the blackboard. Even though it’s a short game, we wanted to include some twists and replayability through a loop mechanic.

  We focused on having two endings, one that restarts the loop, and one that ends the game completely with a "You've finished it" moment.

• The printer

  The printer is a key part of the game. The player has two tasks involving it: printing regular documents and printing the resignation letter.

  To use it, the player must grab a USB key from their desk, plug it into the printer, and hold their hand on the print button until the loading bar fills.

  As the player holds the button, colleagues begin to approach, increasing the pressure. Once they’re close, an intense soundtrack plays, making the player feel like the center of attention, watched by everyone in a hostile way.

• The desk

  The desk is the heart of the game’s atmosphere. The player spends most of their time here completing tasks.

  It includes a computer that displays tasks, and drawers filled with props like pencils, papers, books, and paper balls.

  The player must sort these items to complete tasks and uncover hints about the situation and how to finish the game.

• The collegues

  The colleagues are the main entities in the game, surrounding the player and making them feel uncomfortable.

  Our goal was to make the player feel like the new hire, afraid to make noise with the printer, or even while walking.

  The more the player interacts and makes sound, the closer the colleagues get, until they’re just centimeters away.

📌 Lessons Learned

⚡ Quick infos