Case study: Meta Horizon Worlds

Context

Horizon Worlds was conceived as a VR “everything” app where one could socialize, game, or create their own experiences. As part of the gaming aspect of the app, I was asked to develop an achievement system. One requirement was that people should be able to display their achievements on their avatars as a way to spark conversation and incentivize other people to do more in the app in order to unlock achievements.

Challenge

Horizon Worlds isn’t like most games, and its achievement system couldn’t be either. Unlike most games, Horizon World’s achievement system needed to function without getting in the way of the social aspects of the app. There was also a concern that a flashy achievement system would signal to new users that this is an app for gaming and gaming only. We needed a way for users to feel accomplishment and set goals, without intimidating new users or creating an achievement-based social pecking order.

Solution

I developed an achievement system with an emphasis on self-expression rather than displaying status symbols. When looking at industry comparisons, I noticed that many Call of Duty players do not display their most prestigious, hard-to-get badges on their avatars. Instead, they use badges to be funny or to express their identity.

In Horizon World’s achievements, no achievement was obviously superior to the other. I avoided language that implied superiority or mastery. I avoided colors like silver and gold that implied higher value. Instead of language like “Mini Game Champion” or “Bowling Master,” I might use language like “Mini Game Fan” or “Super Bowler.” In this way, the user could show off an achievement they’re proud of, but instead of expressing status or superiority to other users, it instead invited other users closer, sparking conversation and letting folks know about an activity we might do together.