Assemble! — the XR game where virtual assembly gets real
No abstract puzzle pieces — real 3D model parts from professional contexts, from yachts to V8 engines. The journey from LFG-Con to the Horizon Store.
Assemble! is an XR assembly game I led at weltfern from concept to store launch — available on Steam and the Meta Horizon Store. Instead of abstract puzzle pieces, it works with real 3D model parts: assembling machinery, constructing architectural models, putting together structures — with the satisfaction of real workshop work, minus the oily fingers.
About the game
A new approach to XR model building
In the customizable workspace, assembly becomes hands-on: via passthrough, virtual components blend directly into your own surroundings. Unlike classic puzzle games, the realistic model parts have to be examined, understood and positioned correctly — just like real mechanical assembly.
Every model is a world of its own — from simple to detailed, from low-poly to high-poly.
The joy of building in XR
Since the first presentation at LFG-Con in Hof, the response has been remarkable. Players of all ages became completely absorbed in the assembly process — one of the most rewarding moments of development. At RetroGamesCon in Leipzig, the game drew children and parents alike. That universal appeal — the fundamental satisfaction of creating and completing — carries the game.
Key features
- Authentic assembly experience: Different professional roles — architectural models, machinery, intricate structures
- Passthrough technology: Assembly work inside your real environment on supported devices
- Expandable content: 20 models at launch, extendable via DLC
- Natural XR interactions: Grab, examine and place parts — just like in reality
- Progressive assembly flow: Each correctly placed part reveals related components
- Spatial building challenge: 3D assembly in mixed reality
Three ways to build
- Easy: Learn the fundamentals of spatial assembly and build routine
- Medium: Complex structures and professional techniques
- Hard: Demanding builds that mirror real-world professional challenges
No oily fingers — probably the cleanest engine assembly in the world.
Platforms and go-to-market
- Steam VR (June 2024)
- Meta Horizon Store (November 2024)
- Passthrough support on compatible devices
An honest note on strategy: marketing was deliberately kept small — the focus was on perfecting the experience and building organic interest through exhibitions and demos. That meant a quieter Steam launch, but it delivered valuable feedback ahead of the Horizon Store release.
Exhibition highlights
- LFG-Con Hof: First public showcase — players discovered the fun of virtual assembly
- RetroGamesCon Leipzig: Proof of the game's cross-generational appeal
- Player stories: From children developing spatial awareness through play to adults rediscovering their love of building
Behind the scenes
As CTO and XR Experience Designer at weltfern, I led Assemble! from concept to launch — aiming for an authentic assembly experience in VR.
Technical architecture
- Godot Engine with OpenXR support
- Optimized for accessible hardware requirements
- Efficient asset management for expandable content
- Scalable, self-hosted DLC delivery system
- Meta Horizon Store API integration
- Progress tracking across the difficulty tiers
Spatial UI design
- Floating interface: Minimal UI operating within VR spatial constraints
- Edge-of-view placement: Elements positioned to avoid neck strain and fatigue
- Information hierarchy: Feedback without breaking immersion
- Comfort-focused: Designed for extended sessions
XR design innovation
- Authentic assembly mechanics: Interaction patterns mirroring real workshop work
- Spatial learning: Systems that build spatial understanding and assembly skills
- Intuitive guidance: A subtle hint system that preserves challenge while preventing frustration
Results
- Steam launch (June 2024) and Meta Horizon Store launch (November 2024)
- DLC framework with a first free content expansion
- Community resonance across all age groups — from casual players to profession-adjacent users
- Educational value: spatial awareness and professional assembly concepts, across generations
Looking ahead
The Assemble! roadmap includes new professional models and challenges, industry-specific content packs, expanded educational features and extended passthrough capabilities.
The technical lessons from production — performance budgets, Godot 4 APIs, store submission — are covered in the companion piece on XR development with Godot.
Update September 2026: This article has been editorially revised — page chrome removed, tone unified, images migrated locally, sources added. Facts (platforms, model count, launch dates) unchanged.
Sources
- Assemble! on Steam — Steam store page
- Assemble! on the Meta Horizon Store — Meta Horizon Store
Questions about Assemble!, the production journey or an XR project of your own? Write to ingmar@konnow.de or reach out via LinkedIn.