Milky Way is an experimental 3C (Camera, Character, Controller) project in which the player controls Milky, a computer mouse, using their own IRL mouse.
The project’s objective was to design and build, in collaboration with a programmer, an innovative 3C (Computer-Controlled) game. Our concept involved transforming an everyday peripheral—the computer mouse—into a true primary gaming tool, drawing inspiration from the sensations of piloting a fast and agile vehicle.
We envisioned a control system that fully exploits the mouse’s physical capabilities: the player can accelerate Milky, change gears, drift, and more, all without a keyboard or controller. The prototype thus offers a fluid, intuitive, and rhythmic experience, evoking the sensations of speed and looping in a Sonic-like game.
Game Design
My main role in game design was to imagine the various possible interactions with the controller (the real-life mouse) and to contribute to the writing of the Game Design Document (GDD), particularly regarding all aspects related to the control system.
Once the GDD was finalized, it was passed on to the programmer in charge of developing the prototype.
Level Design
Level design was central to our design process. I designed several tracks (called « zoos ») to test the sensations of speed, control, and fluidity. These levels then served as testing grounds for the game designers to collect gameplay data.
This data fed into an iterative cycle focused on the character and camera, and was then passed on to the programmer for technical adjustments and corrections.