Sauna Simulator
The Sauna Simulator is a VR game designed to provide an immersive and educational experience of traditional Finnish sauna culture. Developed in Unity, this project aims to bridge the gap for individuals unfamiliar with Finnish saunas, offering a realistic and enjoyable virtual environment.
The goal was to create a tool that not only educates users about Finnish sauna practices but also reassures and guides them through the experience. In an era of rising anxiety and limited opportunities for global travel, the Sauna Simulator brings the beauty and history of Finnish saunas to a global audience.
Problem: Introducing Sauna Culture
The traditional Finnish sauna is a unique environment integral to Finnish culture, but for those unfamiliar, it can be intimidating. The Sauna Simulator addresses the discomfort and anxiety associated with trying a sauna for the first time. Through realistic graphics and user interactions, the VR game guides users on sauna etiquette, clothing, and the overall Finnish sauna experience.
Approach: Immersive Sauna Experience
The approach involved showcasing the sauna environment immersively. Realistic graphics, unique assets, and user interactions were prioritized. The VR game guides users through the Finnish sauna culture, addressing concerns and providing a safe space to learn and experience sauna functionalities. The use of subtitles and narration enhances the user journey, making the Sauna Simulator not just a game but an educational tool emphasizing Finnish culture.
Implementation: Bringing Sauna to Virtual Reality
The VR application was developed in Unity using the High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP) for advanced 3D real-time rendering. The implementation included a collider system for the sauna stove, XR Interaction Toolkit for object interactions, and DLSS technology to optimize performance. The virtual environment was modeled using height mapping from Google Maps, ensuring a realistic Finnish lakeside setting. Subtitles, audio narration, and a tutorial guiding system were implemented to assist users in understanding the virtual sauna experience, with a focus on providing an enjoyable and educational journey.
Results: A Realistic and Educational Sauna Experience
The final AR/VR application successfully combines Unity's powerful development capabilities with advanced features such as HDRP, XR Interaction Toolkit, DLSS, and a tutorial guiding system. The application includes features like a collider system for the sauna stove, realistic 3D model assets, and enhanced lighting and realism with HDRP. The tutorial system, subtitles, and audio narrator contribute to making the virtual sauna experience both enjoyable and educational, providing users with a comprehensive understanding of Finnish sauna practices.