Digital

Break the Loop  

Left Field Labs partnered with Google to develop ‘Break the Loop,’ an interactive social puzzle game designed to announce and build excitement for Google I/O 2024.

Overview

Our work

  • Game development from concept through design and deployment
  • Custom WebGL development, including physics-based interactivity for an addictive gameplay experience
  • Community engagement inspired by users wanting to solve levels

Highlights

01

Innovative and accessible game design

02

Physics-Based interactivity with WebGL

03

Community collaboration and engagement

01

Innovative and accessible game design

Game concept

To announce the date of Google I/O 2024, we needed an engaging and accessible way to encourage people to save the date. Our solution was ‘Break the Loop,’ an interactive puzzle game that challenged users to work together as a community to solve levels and reveal the event’s date.

Design process

Our design process began with paper-prototyping in Figma, exploring the question, “How might we create an addictingly fun game reminiscent of retro marble mazes?” This iterative approach allowed us to refine the game’s mechanics and aesthetics, ensuring an engaging and intuitive user experience.

Atomic game components


From art to development, our teams designed atomic game components that built in complexity, with each level ending in a festive celebration. This modular approach allowed us to create a cohesive and progressively challenging game experience.

02

Physics-based interactivity with WebGL

Engaging gameplay

The game was built using WebGL, enabling engaging physics-based interactivity. Players navigated twists, turns, and teleportations, reminiscent of retro marble mazes. The physics-based mechanics added a layer of realism and challenge, making the game both fun and addictive.

Interactive puzzles

Each level presented unique puzzles that required players to think creatively and logically. The game’s design encouraged community interaction, fostering a sense of collective achievement as players progressed through the levels.

Celebratory endings

Each level concluded with a festive celebration, rewarding players for their efforts and maintaining a high level of excitement and engagement throughout the game.

03

Social Engagement

Social Interaction

‘Break the Loop’ was designed to be a social game, encouraging players to work together to drive progress towards a global reveal. This community-driven approach not only made the game more engaging but also built anticipation for Google I/O 2024.

Reveal of Event Date

As players progressed through the levels, they collectively contributed to a global "progress bar." When enough players beat all of the puzzle's levels, the date for Google I/O was revealed. This interactive reveal kept users engaged and informed, effectively promoting the event in an innovative and memorable way.

"This was so much fun that I went through all the levels again... #15 requires lots of experimenting with the switches. You can do it! Keep solving, #DevFriends!"

- @sandyhubbard (via X)

Let's talk about what's next

Whether you’re facing a complex challenge that needs strategic thinking or have a plan ready for execution, we can help at any stage of your journey. Let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life.