Xhaler

Where Breath Meets Gameplay

Xhaler is a VR adventure game developed by a team of five graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center. The project explores breathing as a core mechanic to enhance immersion and interactivity in virtual reality experiences. The team investigates the potential of breath-based interaction in games by utilizing alternative input devices, including a wind sensor and a respiration belt, to create novel gameplay experiences. [project website]

— PROJECT NAME

Xhaler

— ROLE

Producer & Technical Designer & Programmer

— DATE

Jan, 2025

My Contribution

Core VR Framework Development

1. Architected foundational framework: spawn systems, event-based scene transitions, and camera effects
2. Created Unity Editor scripts to standardize development logic and enable team collaboration

Breathing Data System

1. Developed system to process respiration belt data and recognize breathing patterns (inhale, exhale, breath-hold, sequences)
2. Enabled breath-based gameplay mechanics and interactions

Locomotion System Design & Testing

1. Prototyped multiple locomotion methods (trigger-held, joystick, teleportation)
2. Designed "move-in-place" system using arm swing detection to reduce motion sickness and enhance immersion

Player Physics & Embodiment

1. Implemented physics-based player with gravity and collision detection
2. Enabled realistic interactions: walking, falling, and object manipulation

Performance Optimization & Integration

1. Integrated gameplay elements into cohesive experience
2. Optimized performance via dynamic asset loading/unloading, maintaining 60+ FPS

Project Management & Leadership

1. Managed timelines and milestones to align team vision
2. Delegated tasks based on members' growth goals

A VR GAME EXPORING BREATHING AS A CORE MECHANIC