Project Universe is not just a game; it’s a groundbreaking digital experience powered by the Unreal 5 engine, designed to merge entertainment with practical education. At its core, Project Universe aims to offer players an engaging, immersive world where learning and gameplay go hand in hand. Utilizing the latest in gaming technology, the game provides stunning visuals, realistic physics, and dynamic environments, setting a new benchmark for what educational games can achieve.
Educational Gameplay
The essence of Project Universe lies in its commitment to providing an enjoyable educational experience. The game is meticulously crafted to teach players a wide array of skills and trades, such as welding, carpentry, agriculture, and more. Through interactive gameplay, players can learn real-world applications of various trades and skills, making education not only accessible but also fun. This approach ensures that players of all ages can find value, enhancing their knowledge and abilities while navigating through the game’s universe.
Innovative Features
One of the standout features of Project Universe is its integration of 3D models for 3D printing directly within the game. Players can design, modify, and create items in-game, which can then be brought to life in the real world using 3D printing technology. This unique feature bridges the gap between virtual creations and physical utility, allowing players to produce tangible items for their homes, farms, and personal projects. It exemplifies the game’s commitment to extending the gaming experience beyond the digital realm, providing practical benefits and fostering creativity among its players.
Conclusion
Project Universe represents a visionary step forward in the intersection of gaming and education. By harnessing the power of the Unreal 5 engine, it delivers an unparalleled digital experience that is both visually captivating and intellectually stimulating. Through its educational gameplay and innovative features, such as the ability to 3D print in-game designs, Project Universe is poised to transform how players engage with games, making it a beacon for the future of educational gaming. Whether you’re looking to learn a new trade, explore vast and detailed environments, or simply enjoy a rich gaming experience, Project Universe invites you on an adventure where the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Download
Thanks for your interest in downloading Project Universe! Listed below are all the builds posted to this website. Old versions have their associated zip file deleted to save server storage space.
Provide feedback by creating/logging into your account here then commenting on the post for the version you’re using and/or joining the Discord.
Project Universe v1.0.2
Project Universe Alpha 1.0.2.zip
Good new everyone! The next build is here! Thanks to community feedback we’re already identifying bugs and squashing ’em!
- Reactor controls have been largely finished, and most of the reactor behavior is done
- Render state manger is much less likely to trip up, so the ship stops disappearing
- Esc now closes the inventory and game menu
- Jump sound fixes
- Elevator sound control improvements. Fixed some bugs with the core coolant
Project Universe v1.0.0
Project Universe Alpha 1.0.0.zip
Good news everyone! The first public release of Project Universe is officially here! There’s not much to do, but you can explore what’s currently available. No saving/loading progress, yet.
- radiation
- atmospherics
- reactor/power system
- volume rendering system
- remote control drones
- basic space flight
- mining
Features
If you have any comments, concerns, questions, ideas, and/or suggestions for improving the features below feel free to share by commenting directly on the feature’s post page, joining our Discord to chat with the developers directly, or use one of the alternative contact methods available.
We are in early development, expect bugs/changes, please provide feedback.
Solar Resource Distribution
This post is dedicated to raw resource distribution in solar systems; we’re using our solar system as the default example. This data was originally assembled by a volunteer within our Discord community and is now open to the public to refine further as comments here or within our Discord.
Mall
The mall is a dedicated location where users can socialize and buy/sell real-life/virtual goods/services to generate revenue without requiring us to place intrusive immersion breaking ads throughout our platform. The best example of how the mall will function is similar to the shopping scene from the movie Ready Player One.
Any online retailer is able to be added to the mall when they provide us with a dedicated affiliate link; theoretically this means every website on the internet is a potential partner resulting in significant revenue providing funding for development.
We want to be able to sell any product/service through our platform and have a 3D representation of products when possible. Users could virtually shop for new clothes, vehicles, or even houses for real-life purchase; obviously the virtual experience will be different than the real-life experience, but it gives us another way of trying-before-buying.
Shown below is a concept layout illustrating how we want to have various sections dedicated to specific things ensuring users understand when they’re buying real-life products/services and virtual products/services.
Our primary method of funding development (excluding crowdfunding) is done via affiliate marketing. Businesses providing us affiliate links are advertised in-game at kiosks specifically designated for them within the mall.
Businesses are listed in the mall starting with those who donate the most followed by the date the business provides the affiliate link. All businesses receive the bare minimum dedicated kiosk; by donating a larger kiosk and other options become available.
If you’re a business interested in becoming an affiliate be sure to contact us!
Affiliates:
Amazon
- Register a SNAP EBT card
- Try Amazon Fresh
- Try Audible Plus
- Audible Gift Memberships
- Try Audible Premium Plus and Get Up to Two Free Audiobooks
- Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial
- Join Amazon Prime – Start Free Trial Now
- Prime Student 6-month Trial
XeroShoes
From Reactor To Routers Then Substations Then Rooms
Power for homeships are generated at reactors, that power then flows to routers which then distributes power to substations then breaker rooms. Excluding shutting off the reactor, routers are the best way of turning power on/off for large sections of the ship.
Controlling Power With Substations
Substations provide general control of power for spacecraft allowing crew to turn power on/off for entire breaker rooms.
Tanks Within Tanks
Spacecraft are just containers within containers within containers. If one container happens to carry a large amount of water and it breaks that water is now filling another container; unless of course it’s venting straight to space! Water is incredibly dangerous in space, so keep an eye out on water levels to make sure you haven’t sprung a leak.
Homeship
Rooms
Private Section: Your Personal Space
Embark on a journey of personalization and comfort in the private section of the homeship in Project Universe. This area is your sanctuary in the stars, a customizable space tailored to your preferences and needs. From the cozy confines of your bedroom with a view of the cosmos to the practicality of your own kitchen, each room is designed to provide a unique and intimate experience. Your private section is more than just a living space; it’s a reflection of your identity and style, equipped with all the amenities needed for your interstellar adventure.
Bedroom – Personal Sanctuary
- Size: 3x3x3 meters.
- Features:
- Bed with a view of space through a large window.
- Walls and ceiling serve as interactive displays for entertainment, games, and accessing character information.
- Function: A personal space for relaxation, planning, and accessing various game features.
Closet – Character Customization
- Size: 3x3x3 meters.
- Features:
- Interactive interface for changing character appearance, outfits, and accessories.
- Function: Allows players to personalize their avatar’s appearance and gear.
Computer/Gaming/Work Room
- Size: 3x3x3 meters.
- Features:
- An advanced treadmill for realistic movement simulation.
- Interface for selecting and embarking on missions or accessing other games.
- Function: Serves as the starting point for adventures within and outside of Project Universe.
Kitchen – Nourishment and Crafting
- Size: 3x3x3 meters.
- Features:
- Equipped with futuristic appliances and tools for food preparation.
- Interactive elements for learning cooking skills and crafting consumables.
- Function: A place for sustenance and experimenting with in-game recipes and crafting.
Living Room/Common Area – Social Hub
- Size: 3x3x3 meters.
- Features:
- Comfortable seating, social interaction tools, and entertainment options.
- Function: A space to relax, socialize with friends, and engage in group activities.
Farm Area – Agricultural Learning Zone
- Size: Approximately 32×32 meters (quarter acre).
- Features:
- Various plots for crop cultivation, animal pens, and farming tools.
- Interactive tutorials for learning about sustainable farming and agriculture.
- Function: An outdoor area for practical learning and application of agricultural skills.
Garage/Workshop – Storage and Crafting Station
- Size: 32x32x9 meters.
- Features:
- Storage for loot, resources, and equipment.
- Crafting stations for creating tools, gadgets, and other items.
- Function: A multifunctional space for storage, crafting, and managing in-game resources.
Public Section: The Community Hub
Step into the vibrant and bustling public section of the homeship, the heart of community life in Project Universe. This area is a social melting pot where you can interact, collaborate, and engage with fellow space travelers. From the expansive communal hangar showcasing an array of vehicles to the lively atmosphere of the space mall, every corner is an opportunity for discovery and connection. The public section is where the pulse of the homeship beats the strongest, offering a plethora of activities, amenities, and experiences designed to foster a sense of community and shared adventure.
Communal Hangar
- Description: A vast area housing an array of spacecraft, from small shuttles to large battle cruisers, available for exploration and missions.
- Features: Spaceship docking bays, maintenance and upgrade stations, interactive displays for learning about space travel.
Space Mall
- Description: A bustling center for shopping and social interaction, offering a variety of stores, eateries, and leisure spaces.
- Features: Retail shops, food courts, virtual reality arcades, social lounges, event spaces for community gatherings.
Fitness and Wellness Center
- Description: A comprehensive gym and wellness space equipped with facilities for physical training, sports, and relaxation.
- Features: Workout equipment, virtual fitness classes, sports arenas, spa and meditation areas.
Reactor and Engineering Bay
- Description: The powerhouse of the homeship, showcasing the advanced technology that powers the spacecraft.
- Features: Interactive displays on spaceship engineering, energy management simulations, workshops for aspiring engineers.
Hydroponic Gardens
- Description: Lush green spaces within the ship, providing fresh produce and a serene environment.
- Features: Hydroponic farming areas, educational tours on sustainable agriculture, relaxation zones amidst greenery.
Medical and Research Facility
- Description: State-of-the-art medical center and research labs focusing on health and scientific advancements.
- Features: Medical treatment rooms, research labs for experiments, health monitoring stations.
Cultural and Educational Hub
- Description: A center for learning and cultural exchange, offering a range of educational and cultural activities.
- Features: Libraries, virtual classrooms, art galleries, cultural exhibitions, lecture halls for talks and workshops.
Recreational Park
- Description: An area for relaxation and leisure, simulating natural environments and offering various recreational activities.
- Features: Simulated natural landscapes, picnic areas, virtual reality adventure zones, relaxation lounges.
Command and Control Center
- Description: The strategic heart of the homeship, overseeing operations and space navigation.
- Features: Command decks, strategic planning rooms, interactive space navigation simulations, communication stations.
Minigames
Minigames in Project Universe offer players a diverse array of specialized activities, from crafting and farming to combat and exploration, designed to enrich the gaming experience with depth and educational value. These engaging segments cater to various interests and play styles, providing focused tasks that not only entertain but also impart real-world knowledge and skills. Integrated within the game’s larger ecosystem, each minigame is interconnected, ensuring that success in one area can support and enhance endeavors in others, fostering a community of collaboration and shared progress.
The design of these minigames emphasizes progression, customization, and the practical application of learned skills beyond the virtual world. As players advance, they unlock new levels and resources, allowing for personalized gameplay experiences and specialization in areas of interest. Project Universe blurs the lines between gaming and learning, offering a platform where education is seamlessly woven into the fabric of entertainment, promising a dynamic and ever-evolving universe of opportunities for exploration, learning, and community building.
Building
Building gameplay in Project Universe invites players into the intricate world of architecture and construction, differentiating itself from crafting through the creation of structures, vehicles, and entire habitats. This gameplay aspect emphasizes strategic design, resource management, and creativity, allowing players to construct everything from simple dwellings to complex space stations and vehicles. Building not only serves a practical purpose, providing shelter and transportation, but also allows for personal expression and community development within the game’s universe.
Constructing Structures and Habitats
The core of building gameplay revolves around erecting structures that range from basic shelters to elaborate homes and community buildings. Players engage in the planning and design process, selecting materials based on their properties, such as durability, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. This segment teaches important principles of architectural design and environmental adaptation, challenging players to consider factors like location, climate, and functionality. Moreover, constructing habitats introduces players to the concept of sustainable living spaces, integrating systems for energy, water, and food production that mimic real-life ecological balance.
Vehicle and Spacecraft Creation
Beyond stationary structures, building gameplay expands into the design and construction of vehicles and spacecraft, offering an avenue for exploration and mobility within the game’s vast universe. This process involves a detailed understanding of mechanics and aerodynamics, as players select engines, materials, and layouts that influence the performance and capabilities of their creations. Crafting vehicles and spacecraft not only enhances exploration and trade but also introduces players to engineering challenges and solutions, mirroring the innovation and problem-solving seen in aerospace and automotive industries.
Community and Customization
Building gameplay stands as a testament to Project Universe’s commitment to community and customization. Players can collaborate on large-scale construction projects, contributing to the game’s dynamic landscapes and societies. The ability to share designs and constructions encourages a vibrant community of builders, architects, and designers, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation flourish.
Educational Benefits
Through building gameplay, Project Universe offers a hands-on learning experience in architectural design, engineering, and environmental sustainability. Players gain insights into the practical aspects of construction, the importance of planning and resource allocation, and the impact of design choices on functionality and aesthetics. This immersive educational approach not only enriches the gaming experience but also equips players with knowledge and skills applicable in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between virtual creativity and tangible achievements.
Crafting
Crafting in Project Universe stands as a cornerstone of player creativity and ingenuity, differentiating itself from building by focusing on the creation of smaller, yet essential items and components. This gameplay element immerses players in the detailed process of producing everything from basic crafting materials to sophisticated handheld equipment and ammunition. It not only simulates the complexities and rewards of manufacturing objects but also imparts valuable knowledge on resource management, item design, and the integration of technology in crafting processes, applicable in both the virtual and real world.
Crafting Components and Materials
At the heart of crafting gameplay is the collection and refinement of raw materials into crafting components. Players explore their environment to gather resources, which they then process using various tools and machinery. This phase teaches players the importance of resource efficiency and the basics of material science, as they learn which materials are best suited for specific components. The game encourages experimentation with different combinations, reflecting real-life innovation and problem-solving in manufacturing.
Handheld Equipment and Tools
Crafting extends to the creation of a wide array of handheld equipment and tools, each serving distinct purposes within the game. From survival gear to specialized instruments for exploration or combat, players must understand the functional requirements and design principles behind each item. This aspect of gameplay mirrors real-world engineering and design processes, challenging players to think critically about usability, durability, and the practical application of their creations.
Ammunition and Consumables
The crafting of ammunition and consumables introduces an element of strategy and foresight. Players must balance the demand for these items with the availability of resources, simulating supply chain management and logistical planning. Crafting ammunition, for example, requires a detailed understanding of the properties needed for effectiveness and safety, paralleling real-world considerations in munitions manufacturing.
Educational Benefits
Crafting gameplay in Project Universe serves as a multifaceted educational platform, where players gain insights into the complexities of product design, manufacturing, and the practical application of scientific principles. It fosters a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship behind everyday items and the innovation driving modern manufacturing. By simulating real-world crafting challenges, the game equips players with transferable skills in problem-solving, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Moreover, the crafting system promotes a culture of learning and sharing, as players exchange knowledge on crafting techniques and innovations. This interactive aspect of the game underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing technology and crafting practices, both virtually and in reality.
Farming
Farming gameplay in Project Universe offers players an immersive experience into the agricultural world, blending virtual farming activities with real-world applications. This unique aspect of the game not only entertains but also educates players on sustainable farming practices, crop management, and animal husbandry. By engaging in farming gameplay, players learn valuable skills in planning, resource management, and automation, applicable both in-game and in real-life farming scenarios.
Plant Farming
Plant farming in Project Universe allows players to cultivate a variety of crops, from staple grains to exotic fruits. Players learn to manage soil health, plant seasons, and crop rotations, mirroring real agricultural challenges. The game introduces concepts such as permaculture design, organic pest control, and water conservation, encouraging sustainable farming practices. Advanced gameplay involves automating irrigation, planting, and harvesting processes, teaching players how technology can enhance efficiency and productivity in agriculture. These virtual skills translate into real-world knowledge, empowering players with the insights to start or improve their gardening and farming endeavors.
Animal Farming
Animal farming introduces players to the care, breeding, and management of livestock, including cattle, poultry, and more exotic species. It emphasizes the importance of animal welfare, balanced diets, and disease prevention, reflecting the complexities of real-life animal husbandry. Players can experiment with different farming scales, from small homesteads to large commercial operations, learning about sustainable grazing, biosecurity, and market dynamics. The game also explores automation in animal farming, such as automated feeding systems and health monitoring, showcasing the potential for technology to support ethical and efficient livestock management.
Educational Benefits
The farming gameplay in Project Universe serves as an educational tool that bridges the gap between virtual and actual farming. Players not only enjoy the satisfaction of building and managing their farms but also gain practical knowledge and skills. The game encourages research, experimentation, and adaptation, qualities essential for successful farming in any context. Additionally, it provides a platform for players to share experiences, tips, and innovations, fostering a community of learning and mutual support within the realms of agriculture.
By integrating real agricultural principles with engaging gameplay, Project Universe offers a unique opportunity to cultivate an appreciation for farming, inspire future farmers, and promote sustainable practices among a global audience.
Shopping
Project Universe redefines the boundaries between gaming and real-life commerce by integrating a sophisticated shopping gameplay feature that connects players with the real-world marketplace directly within the game environment. This groundbreaking approach allows players to not only enhance their virtual experience with in-game purchases but also to explore and acquire real-life vehicles, homes, buildings, and a plethora of other products and services from leading vendors like Amazon, Walmart, and more, all through convenient affiliate links.
Real-World Products in the Virtual Marketplace
Imagine browsing for your next car, dream home, or the latest tech gadgets without leaving the comfort of the game. Project Universe makes this possible by offering players access to real-life products and properties, which they can view, compare, and purchase in-game. This integration extends the gameplay into tangible real-world outcomes, where the lines between virtual achievements and real-life rewards blur, offering an immersive and practical gaming experience unlike any other.
Affiliate Links and Revenue Generation
By leveraging affiliate marketing within the game, Project Universe opens up new revenue streams that benefit both the game developers and the players. Affiliate links to external vendors are seamlessly integrated into the game’s shopping platform, ensuring that players have direct access to a wide range of products and services. This model not only generates additional revenue to support the game’s development and maintenance but also offers players the convenience of shopping for real-world items without disrupting their gaming experience.
Educational and Economic Impact
The shopping gameplay in Project Universe serves as an educational platform, teaching players about e-commerce, financial literacy, and the dynamics of the global marketplace. It encourages players to make informed purchasing decisions, understand the economic principles of affiliate marketing, and appreciate the value of goods and services in both the virtual and real world. Additionally, this feature promotes economic activity by directing player purchases to partner vendors, creating a symbiotic relationship between the gaming industry and the wider economy.