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TABULA
2025 >>> Present
A puzzle adventure on a computer desktop!
Platform
Windows PC
Game Engine
Unity
C#
Tools Used
Aseprite
Audacity
Team Size
7
Team Role
Creative Director
Puzzle Designer
A mind-bending, level-based puzzler about overlapping computer windows to create traversable, top-down landscapes. Delve into the heart of an unusual operating system, one folder at a time!
Tabula is currently under development and is planned to be released in Early Access in 2026!
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Multiple Solutions
Each Tabula puzzle is designed to have multiple solutions - finding the right balance of difficulty and 'sandbox' playfulness is an engrossing challenge unique to the project.
+ Design
+ Playtesting
Paper Prototyping
Paper prototyping was used to get a feel for the kinetic core gameplay of Tabula, and begin establishing its foundational rules, before jumping into engine.
+ Design
+ Playtesting
A Classic Feel
The game combines old-school computer interfaces with the fidelity of the Gameboy. This presented the challenge of conveying important game information using a very limited colour palette and pixel count.
+ Art
+ Design
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
Tidbit 1: It's A Face!
Due to the non-linear nature of Tabula's puzzles, I have very little control over the pace or way in which a player will complete a level. As such, it's important to make a strong first impression when the player first opens a puzzle!
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
One way I did this was by laying out windows in a level to make a picture, such as a face or recognisable scene. It's a fun and simple way to add a little surprise and cohesion to each level, even without direct control over its pace.
Tidbit 2: Windows Adventure Game
Tabula started out as a prototype from 2023 called 'Windows Adventure Game' (or WAG for short). I put the idea on pause as the 'overlapping' mechanic wasn't possible to make on the version of Unity being championed by Falmouth University that year, but eventually ended up revisiting the concept in late 2024.
Tidbit 3: Alignment Game
Towards the end of 2024, I had an opportunity to revisit WAG in the form of a paper prototype, which I named 'Alignment Game'.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
I shared the prototype with my team at This Way Up, and it ultimately led to Tabula being the next game we would develop as a studio.
Tidbit 4: Unusual Puzzle Design
Tabula puzzles are built so that players can find their own unique solutions, rather than one plotted out for them by a designer. This means the puzzle design process for the game is a bit unorthodox.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
After making a couple dozen puzzles for the game and playtesting them, I produced a simple design document that explores my design process and some considerations I take when working on a puzzle for Tabula.
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