Inspiration
ZenWord was inspired by my interest in mental well-being and my desire to create a calm, approachable game as my first step into game development. I wanted to work with a familiar puzzle format and reimagine it as something that encourages focus rather than stress. Word search puzzles felt like a natural choice, and using mental health–related words allowed the theme to be expressed gently through gameplay.
What it does
ZenWord is a word search game where players find mental health–inspired words hidden within a grid. The game uses a time limit to encourage focus and engagement while maintaining a calm, uncluttered experience. There are no harsh penalties and players are encouraged to stay present and enjoy the process of discovery.
How I built it
ZenWord was built using Unity. I implemented a grid-based word system, letter selection and highlighting logic, a countdown timer, and a minimalist user interface. Special attention was given to visual clarity and smooth interactions to ensure the game feels relaxing and intuitive to play.
Challenges I ran into
As a first-time developer, one of the main challenges was designing the word selection system so it felt natural and flexible rather than restrictive. Another challenge was achieving a visually calming presentation, balancing color choices, spacing, and animations while keeping the game readable and enjoyable. This required several iterations and adjustments.
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
I’m proud of completing and submitting a fully playable game. Creating a cohesive experience that combines a familiar puzzle mechanic with a thoughtful theme was a major milestone, especially as this was my first game project.
What I learned
Through building ZenWord, I learned the fundamentals of working with Unity, including UI systems, user input handling, and basic game state management. I also learned the importance of scope control, iteration, and how small design decisions can significantly impact player experience.
What's next for ZenWord
In the future, I would like to expand ZenWord with additional word categories, adjustable difficulty levels, and accessibility options. I’m also interested in exploring ways to further enhance the calming experience, such as adaptive music or customizable visual themes.
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