TŌRŌ
A Relaxing VR Gardening Experience
"Tōrō" is a relaxing VR experience set in a traditional Japanese garden. Players take on the role of a devout Buddhist who tends to the garden, collecting flowers and lighting the eponymous tōrō lanterns along the garden's path. This meditative game offers a serene and immersive escape into nature.
Game Details
Genre: VR, Single-player, Meditation, Relaxing, Japanese
Platform: Oculus Quest 2
Project Info
Team size: 3
Duration: Oct-Dec 2023 (3 Months)
Game Engine: Unity
My Contributions
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Designed the level for an intuitive player experience; crafted the narrative to enhance the relaxing aspects of the game.
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Created and integrated all environmental assets into the level, bringing the traditional Japanese garden to life.
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Scripted game mechanics for immersive interactions within the traditional Japanese garden setting.
Level Design
Experience Design
Unity Developemt
Programming
Research
Meditation
Purpose: Research has shown mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing anxiety, blood pressure, and insomnia, and in helping people recover from substance use disorders – National Institute of Health
Process: Take a seat, set a time, notice your body, feel the sensation of breathing, and be kind to your wandering mind. – mindful.org
Historical and Cultural Background
There were three main Buddhist sects practiced during Tokugawa (Edo) Japan: Zen, Nichirin, and Jodo.
The Edo period in Japan was a peaceful period, so gardens were made more for aesthetics than those in past periods.
Environment Art Reference
Ghost of Tsushima - PlayStation, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Interaction Design
Walking
Move and walk around in the garden environment
Light Up Toros
Light up the stone lanterns using candle fire
Collect Flowers
Pick up, put, or throw the debris and objects on the walking path