Overview
Leviathan Games was contracted to create a mobile freemium game with the Horse Life Adventures brand. This series had seen wide release on console platforms like the Nintendo Wii and DS.
My Role & Mission
Designed and implemented UI and interaction systems for a mobile freemium game, working directly within Unity to integrate gameplay systems and refine player experience. It also needed to ring true to the original IP and appeal to fans of the series, while also bringing in a new casual game audience.
Systems & Gamification Design
- Supported a freemium progression system including resource collection, upgrades, and unlockable content
- Designed UI supporting player feedback loops (earn → upgrade → compete → progress)
- Contributed to systems involving horse traits, breeding mechanics, and progression paths
- Helped structure gameplay elements to balance accessibility for casual players with long-term engagement
Process
I reviewed the existing products in the series as well as competing titles both in the casual games space as well as in the horse training genre. We worked with the IP holder to include graphics they had already created and to get continued approval for the overall direction of the process.
I wanted a clean, crisp, and friendly UI that was colorful, fun and approachable. Using simple white frames allowed for easy scalability across different mobile platforms and resolutions and allowed the vibrant icons to take center stage.
Artwork was created in Photoshop. When working inside my creation tools of choice I usually like to use vector layers, effects, and smart layers to keep any imagery as scalable as possible. Most of the graphics for this game were made the same way.
I also was able to contribute illustration to the game's world, creating a grassy farm with paths that revielved themselves as the player built out their farm.
I had a ton of fun creating icons for the game. This included both icons for the various in-game resources as well as traits for the horses. Players were able to breed horses and doing so allowed them to pass traits on to their offspring.
I also created the 2D world map and icons for the game.
Impact
The result was a mobile-friendly experience that expanded the IP into a more accessible, progression-driven format for a broader audience.
