My Bondling - Gooscuit

Genre: Pet-Simulation / Life Sim

Engine: Unreal Engine 5

Team Size: 2 (Programmer & Artist)

Development Time: 1 Week

Bondlings are little pets from another world that humans have quickly adopted. The Gooscuit, a charming mix between a snail and a dog, can be a real handful to care for when young. This project is a collaboration with an art student to bring his dream pet simulation to life, focusing heavily on realistic pet AI and essential care mechanics.

Programming & Technical Magic (My Role)

Gooscuit AI Logic: Programmed the Bondling's internal state machine for Hunger and Bathroom Needs.
Gooscuit AI Movement: Implemented realistic movement behaviors (walking, sleeping) for the pet around the house.
Pick Up Interaction System: Developed the primary interaction system allowing players to pick up toys, feed, and clean up after their Bondling.
Game Timer: Programmed the core timing mechanics that drive the pet's needs and progression.

Design & Focus (Scope Implementation)

I worked closely with the artist to scope and program his creative vision, focusing on core pet-owner loop mechanics.

Pet Need States: Ensuring the AI correctly transitions between hunger, fatigue, and bathroom needs.
Player Agency: Designing the pick-up and interaction system to be intuitive for managing the pet's environment and care.
Environmental Interaction: Designing systems for opening and closing doors and interacting with the house environment.

Key Features - Treasures Discovered

Responsive Interaction System: Allows players to easily manage the pet's environment, including picking up toys, food, and cleaning supplies.
Pet Autonomy: The Gooscuit moves, sleeps, eats, and relieves itself autonomously, ensuring the player must actively respond to its needs.
Collaboration: A successful programming partnership bringing an artist's unique character design to life in a functional Unreal Engine 5 environment.

The Exhibit: The Life of a Gooscuit

Core Interaction System: Demonstrates the key mechanic for pet care: the player's ability to pick up and manipulate objects (toys, food).
Environmental Controls: The system also handles opening and closing doors, which is crucial for managing the Gooscuit's movement within the house.
Technical Goal: To create an easy-to-understand system that felt intuitive for a pet simulation environment.

AI Autonomy: The Bondling's behavior is driven by AI logic for basic needs: the Gooscuit will poop, walk, and sleep autonomously.
Player Responsibility: The player must utilize the interaction system to keep the house clean and the pet's belly full, responding to the AI's programmed needs.