Ever dreamed of becoming a master builder, architect, or mechanic? Assemble! transforms these dreams into virtual reality, breaking away from traditional puzzle game conventions to deliver an authentic building experience. Instead of abstract jigsaw pieces, you'll work with actual 3D model components - just as professionals do in their daily work. Whether you're piecing together intricate machinery, constructing architectural models, or assembling detailed structures, each challenge brings the satisfaction of real-world assembly to life in XR.

About the Game:

A New Approach to XR Assembly

Step into a customizable workspace where assembly becomes an engaging challenge. Using advanced passthrough technology on compatible devices, you can bring the assembly experience into your own environment, blending virtual components with your real space. Unlike conventional puzzle games, Assemble! presents you with realistic model parts that must be examined, understood, and correctly positioned - mimicking the satisfaction of real-world mechanical assembly work.

Each model is a world you can build - from simple to detailed / from low to highpoly.

The Joy of Building in XR

From the first time Assemble! was showcased at the LFG-Con in Hof, the response has been remarkable. Watching players of all ages become completely absorbed in the assembly process has been one of the most rewarding aspects of development. At the RetroGamesCon in Leipzig, the game drew both children and parents alike, each finding their own joy in the building experience. It's this universal appeal - the fundamental satisfaction of creating and completing - that makes Assemble! special.

Key Features

Authentic Assembly Experience: Experience the role of different professionals - be an architect piecing together building models, a mechanic assembling complex machinery, or a master builder creating intricate structures
Passthrough Technology: Blend your real environment with virtual assembly work on supported devices
Expanding Content: Launch with 20 unique models spanning various professional fields, with additional content available through DLC expansions
Natural XR Interactions: Grab, examine, and place parts just as you would in reality
Progressive Assembly Flow: Each correctly placed piece naturally reveals related components
Spatial Building Challenge: Master the art of 3D assembly in mixed reality
Professional Simulation: Experience different aspects of professional assembly work across various disciplines

Three Ways to Build

Easy Mode: Perfect for learning the foundations of spatial assembly and building confidence
Medium Mode: Challenge your understanding of complex structures and professional techniques
Hard Mode: Master intricate builds that mirror real-world professional challenges

No oily fingers, probably the cleanest build for a mechanic

Platform Availability & Marketing Strategy

Available on Steam VR
Released on Meta Quest Store (Phase 2)
Full passthrough support on compatible devices

A note on the marketing approach: the strategic decision to limit initial marketing efforts, choosing to focus on perfecting the experience and building organic interest through exhibitions and demonstrations. While this meant a quieter Steam launch, it allowed us to gather valuable feedback and refine the experience before our broader Meta Quest Store release.

Exhibition Highlights

The journey of Assemble! has been marked by memorable moments at various gaming events:

LFG-Con Hof: The first public showcase where players discovered the joy of virtual assembly
RetroGamesCon Leipzig: Demonstrated the game's cross-generational appeal
User Stories: From children discovering spatial awareness through play to adults rekindling their love for building and construction

Behind the Scenes:

Leadership & Innovation

As CTO and XR Experience Designer at weltfern, I led the development of Assemble! from concept to launch, focusing on creating an authentic assembly experience in VR.

Technical Architecture

Engine & Performance

Leveraged Godot Engine's capabilities to their fullest extent
Optimized for accessible hardware requirements
Achieved smooth VR performance across supported platforms
Implemented efficient asset management for expandable content

Spatial UI Design

Floating Interface System: Developed a minimal UI system that operates within VR spatial constraints
Edge-of-View Placement: Carefully positioned interface elements to maximize usability while working within Godot's technical boundaries
Information Hierarchy: Structured UI elements to provide clear feedback without interrupting immersion
Comfort-Focused Design: Implemented UI positioning that minimizes neck strain and maintains user comfort
Technical Implementation: Pushed Godot's UI capabilities to create a functional yet unobtrusive interface system

Development Achievements

Technical Direction

Managed complete development cycle
Implemented OpenXR compatibility
Created scalable self hosted DLC delivery system
Seamless integration with the Meta Horizon store API
Developed efficient progress tracking

XR Design Innovation

Authentic Assembly Mechanics: Developed interaction patterns that mirror real-world assembly work
Spatial Learning: Created systems that enhance spatial understanding and assembly skills
Comfort Optimization: Implemented techniques for comfortable extended VR sessions
Intuitive Guidance: Designed subtle assistance systems that maintain challenge while preventing frustration

Project Success Metrics

Steam launch (June 2024)
Established DLC framework with first free content expansion
Positive user engagement
Meta Horizon Store launch (November 2024)
Created foundation for ongoing content delivery

Skills Showcase

Virtual Reality Development
Technical Team Leadership
Spatial UI/UX Design
Performance Optimization
Content Strategy
Quality Assurance
Project Management
Assembly Experience Design

Impact & Future

Assemble! represents a significant step forward in XR assembly experiences, moving beyond traditional puzzle mechanics to create something more authentic and engaging. The project demonstrates the successful merger of technical capabilities with innovative design thinking, resulting in an experience that captures the true essence of assembly work in virtual reality.

Project Journey & Impact

Community Reception

Positive engagement across age groups
Strong appeal to both casual players and profession-oriented users
Growing community of builders and creators

Educational Value

Development of spatial awareness
Introduction to professional assembly concepts
Cross-generational learning opportunities

Looking Forward

The future of Assemble! is bright with planned expansions including:

New professional-grade models and challenges
Additional industry-specific content packs
Enhanced educational features
Expanded passthrough capabilities

Experience authentic XR assembly: Find Assemble! on Steam and the Meta Horizon Store