Thermocore
Lead Designer, Technical Designer
Team: 7 people
Duration: 16 weeks
Overview
Thermocore is an educational puzzle game focused on interactive learning of thermodynamics concepts.
I designed the core gameplay loop and thermodynamics-based puzzle systems, translating abstract formulas into interactive machine-driven gameplay.
The experience is structured around the Explore → Explain → Test loop, guiding players from observation to problem-solving.
Contributions
Gameplay Cycle
The core challenge of the project was balancing educational clarity with engaging gameplay in a complex subject like thermodynamics.
After exploring multiple approaches, I established the core gameplay loop through: Explore -> Explain → Test.
This structure guides players from observation, through contextual theory, to interactive problem-solving.
Thermodynamics puzzle design and implementation
Designed and implemented thermodynamics-based puzzles that translate abstract physical processes into clear, interactive systems.
Developed machine-based visualizations to make invisible phenomena observable, structuring puzzles around familiar academic problem types and real-time player interaction.
Built core machine logic in Unity (C#), connecting player input with simulation values, visual feedback, and completion conditions through target ranges and tolerances.
Narrative design
Developed a narrative layer to support player engagement and progression alongside the educational experience.
Designed a character-driven journey that mirrors the player’s learning curve, evolving from basic thermodynamics concepts to complex systems.
This approach helped maintain player interest and was positively received during user testing.
Progression & Level Design
Designed the spatial and mechanical progression of rooms and machines to guide players from fundamental concepts (temperature, pressure, volume) to complex thermodynamic processes.
Controlled the pacing of learning by gradually introducing new variables and increasing puzzle complexity within each level.