About the game

Game description: Merge is an unusual combination of puzzle and decoration, where the player has complete control of the creative process of decoration and restoration. The player restores and expands his workshop by combining different materials and forming new tools.

Genre: Puzzle, Merge

Graphic style: Casual.

Development environment: Unity (C#)

Graphic editors: Adobe Photoshop, 3Ds Max, Spine

Technologies: Firebase, Applovin Max, Unity Gaming Services

Platforms: Android

Game design: level balance, sounds/music, creation of GDD and technical documentation, creation of game script.

Other: Particle system; Animator in the Unity environment; Shaders; Scrum methodology; 2D art, 3D art, animation.

Goal

To develop an MVP for a casual Merge game utilizing interesting merging and decorating mechanics to keep players involved.

Game development stages

Creation of GDD and technical documentation

Our team defined the goal of the MVP by establishing the minimum features needed to run the game. After that, a GDD (game design document) was created, including all game features such as mechanics, levels, difficulty progression, sound, etc. We defined the game objectives, core mechanics, workshop decoration system, and materials available to the player.

Creation of the game scenario

A scenario was developed to enrich the player’s experience. We created a story about the restoration and decoration of the workshop.

Level balance

We created a sequence of levels, increasing the difficulty of the game, and distributed materials and tools in each level.

Mechanics development

The workshop, where the player can place and arrange objects, was created down to the smallest detail with Unity (C#). We developed a fusion mechanic that allowed players to combine different materials to create new tools.

Animation creation

2D and 3D art was created from materials, tools, and decorative objects. The objects and tools were animated to bring them to life in the game.

Sounds and music

Our team of specialists integrated sound effects for player actions and game elements. Background music has also been added to match the game style.

Testing 

Extensive testing has been done to ensure that all mechanics work correctly and are understandable to the player. All bugs and glitches detected during testing have been eliminated.

Results

• It is a full-featured game with the minimum features necessary to provide a satisfactory gaming experience for users.
• Merge combines puzzle and decoration elements to make the game fresh and exciting for players.
• The game’s interesting mechanics of merging and decorating keep users interested and entertained as they progress through the levels and decorate their workshop.
• With the integration of Applovin Max and other monetization technologies, the game generates revenue through advertising and other forms of in-game monetization.