A Fun-Filled Game for Fans of “Close Enough”
HBO Max - Ladder World
My Role
Creative Direction, UX/UI Design, Animation, Design System, Game Design
Overview
HBO Max enlisted our team to create a web-based game to promote their new TV show, Close Enough. Ladder World lets players take on the roles of main characters, Josh or Emily, and climb endlessly through a quirky, glitchy world. Designed to appeal to fans of all ages, the game needed to be simple to play but engaging enough to encourage repeat play. With a tight two-month timeline, we set out to create an entertaining game that would capture the show’s humor and tone.
Challenges
The project required us to build an engaging experience using stills from the show as our starting point, with only limited access to existing key art. Custom character animations had to be created to bring Josh, Emily, and the game world to life. Additionally, the gameplay needed to motivate repeat plays and foster a competitive spirit among players.
Solution
We developed an endless runner-style game that was mechanically straightforward, making it easy to pick up but challenging to master. Randomized elements like enemies, obstacles, and power-ups were introduced to keep players on their toes and maintain engagement. The simplicity of the controls and varied gameplay elements created a rewarding, replayable experience.
Delight
To stay true to the tone of Close Enough, we incorporated iconic elements from the show, including fun power-ups like the invincibility joint, hover wings, and a speed rocket. These added layers of risk-reward mechanics and humor, enhancing the authenticity of the game for fans of the series.
Conclusion
The final product was an optimized, high-performing web game that successfully captured the spirit of Close Enough. A built-in leaderboard and social sharing features encouraged competition and added to the game’s replay value, making Ladder World a memorable experience that extended the show’s reach and engagement.
2
Timeline (Months)
2k+
Hours Played
5
Browsers Supported
