Game Development
Creating Mobile Game HopGoblin
Overview
HopGoblin is an accessible yet challenging arcade game designed for mobile devices. Players earn coins by progressing through the game or can purchase them directly, which can then be used to unlock a variety of cosmetic items to customise their character.
Personal Growth
HopGoblin was a smaller, focused mobile game we developed as part of our strategy to help fund future projects. It gave me valuable hands-on experience handling environment art, character modeling, and VFX from start to finish in a complete production cycle.
This project helped me strengthen my skills in:
- Mobile performance optimisation while keeping a vibrant visual style.
- Modular asset design for the cosmetic system.
- Rapid iteration based on real player feedback from PAX AUS playtesting.
the process/behind the scenes
Environment & Technical Art
I was responsible for creating all background environment models, textures, VFX, and the character model. We launched with two environments — a Dungeon and a Jungle level — with more planned for the future.
The environments were designed to support an endless scroller experience, where players earn points to purchase new levels (such as the Jungle level), which increases the difficulty and replayability.
Progression & Cosmetics
To encourage players to return and keep playing, we designed a progression system where points earned in-game can be spent on cosmetics. This allowed players to personalise their character with different hats, outfits, trail effects, and backpacks.
Overcoming hurdles
During playtesting at PAX AUS, we received feedback that the game was too difficult. In response, we added a new wall-bouncing mechanic: if players miss a precise jump, they can bounce off the walls to recover. However, repeatedly bouncing off the walls causes the lava wall to catch up faster, keeping the challenge balanced and rewarding precise play.