When University of the Pacific computer science student Ethan Perez ’25 started developing his own video game, he never imagined how far the project would go. Today, with a team of three fellow computer science majors, his ambitious vision is taking shape as VR Mech Wars, a virtual reality game that blends gaming with fitness in a creative way.
VR Mech Wars is not just a game; it’s an “exer-game” designed to entertain players while encouraging physical activity. Using an innovative omni-directional treadmill, players physically walk through the game’s environments while battling enemies, earning points and upgrading their arsenal. The game exemplifies how hands-on learning and teamwork can push the boundaries of what’s possible in computer science.
Building skills, one challenge at a time
Perez credits the computer science program at Pacific for giving him the foundation he needed to tackle such an ambitious project. “It has prepared me immensely,” he said. “I focused my courses on game development, which gave me the core fundamentals of computer science and application development. That knowledge has been critical.”
However, turning an idea into reality isn’t without challenges. With experimental technology comes a host of obstacles, from programming issues to game design dilemmas. Each member of Perez’s team brings unique talents and, together, they’ve found innovative solutions to keep the project moving forward.
Teamwork makes the vision work
One early hurdle was incentivizing exercise within the game. Team member Kyra Comstock ’25 took the lead on creating a rewarding point system that encourages players to keep moving. “Finding ways to make gaming beneficial for exercise is very important to me,” Comstock said. “I see this becoming huge in the gaming industry.”
Ethan Donnelly ’24 tackled another key component: the in-game store system. “You’ll have shops where you can upgrade weapons using the points you earn from walking,” Perez explained. “Players love being able to enhance their gameplay experience.”
Meanwhile, Koby Naomi Izunaso ’25 manages the research side of the project, including developing player feedback surveys and drafting a research paper. This work not only supports the game’s development but also builds valuable academic and professional skills. “We’re learning to script in different languages and map diverse environments,” Izunaso said. “These are skills we’ve developed independently through this project.”
Mentorship and independent learning
Although the team meets weekly with computer science professor Daniel Cliburn for guidance, the project is primarily a student-led capstone experience. This balance of mentorship and independence allows the team to develop critical professional skills—from problem-solving to project management—while still having access to expert advice.
“It’s very multidisciplinary,” Perez said. “There’s audio design, texturing and artistic elements, but the most important part, in my opinion, is computer science. Without it, this wouldn’t be a game; it would just be a movie.”
Keeping players engaged
The team’s ultimate goal is to create a game that captivates players beyond the novelty of VR and the treadmill. They’ve put significant effort into designing a balanced reward system and a variety of immersive environments to ensure the game remains engaging.
“VR and the treadmill could easily become a gimmick that players lose interest in after five minutes,” Perez said. “That’s why we’ve focused so much on making the gameplay rewarding and diverse.”
Advice for aspiring computer science students
Perez encourages high school students considering computer science to approach the field with an open mind. “Don’t feel like you have to settle on a specific path right away,” he said. “My experience at Pacific has been centered on video game development, which I love. This focused approach has made it easier to pursue a discipline I’m passionate about.”
With the guidance of their professor and their shared determination, Perez and his team continue to refine VR Mech Wars. For these students, the project is more than a game—it’s a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the exciting possibilities in computer science.