ChuChU Rocket! Universe

20 years after ChuChu Rocket! invaded the Dreamcast and became the very first online multiplayer experience for many players, the ChuChus are back in a brand-new episode.

The storyline is new, but the objective for players remains the same: help all the ChuChus escape by placing directional arrows that lead them to their space rocket. In multiplayer, the objective for players is to help more ChuChus escape than their competitors.

ChuChu is a game which was launched on the new Apple Arcade platform. With new game mechanics and beautiful 3D worlds, it was not a remake but a reimagining of the original. 

This game had a very short development time - around 9 months. When I came onto the team I created the flow for the game, this was the first time the design document and any technical requirements came together. Problems I found were addressed there are then. These problems could have easily found themselves hidden until the end of the project so there was great value in having the game flow. 

Alongside the usual wireframing and prototyping (mostly in Adobe XD this time around), in is project I expanded my skills in UX Research. Facilitating observed playtests, establishing success metrics and then deconstructed those playtests to feedback to the team. I actively encouraged other members of the development team to observe others playing the game. This is to increase their empathy for the player, and highlight we’re making the game for others and not to satisfy their desired game experience.

After being dormant for 20 years the ground-breaking ChuChu was given a new lease of life. Being a part of launching the old gem of a game to the new Apple Arcade was absolute fantastic.

Pocket Gamer video of ChuChu Rocket! Universe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWvx9144Vp0