Trombone Champ: Unflattened
A VR reimagining of the viral rhythm game, expanding its quirky humor into a full campaign, trombone economy, and immersive musical experience.
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problem
The original Trombone Champ became an internet sensation for its chaotic humor and parody of rhythm games. But its success posed a challenge for VR adaptation: how do you preserve the absurdity and timing precision of a 2D rhythm game while making it physically engaging, readable, and fun in a 3D space?
solution
Unflattened transforms Trombone Champ into a full VR experience. It is not just a port, but a complete reimagination of the structure and progression of the game. Players embark on a trombone-centric filled journey filled with challenges, unlocks, and customization. The new economy and campaign give players long-term goals while keeping the humor intact.
As Creative Lead, I directed the design and tone of the VR-exclusive campaign. My goal was to maintain the musical expression and comedic chaos, while introducing systems that rewarded long-term play.
I built the campaign structure from the ground up, transforming each song into a self-contained journey with three distinct challenges. To give players reasons to keep playing beyond high scores, I designed a trombone-based economy that rewarded mastery and collection. Players can earn, unlock, and customize instruments with their own distinct personalities.
Working closely with the art team, I oversaw the creation of more than fifty trombones, each balancing visual flair, rarity and humor. I also guided the UI/UX direction to ensure every interface, from menus to progression screens, felt grounded in 3D space and part of the Tromboner universe.
TCU launched in November of 2024 and was recognized among the Most Innovative Apps in Meta's Best of Quest end of year awards. Since launch, I've continued to lead design and feature development, expanding the game with new content, systems, and rewards that sustain its community and keep the experience evolving.
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