Sort It Out

Sort It Out – A First-Person Platformer About Cleaning, Recycling, and ExplorationSort It Out is a first-person platformer that blends environmental awareness with engaging traversal mechanics. Developed during a game jam focused on positive world changes, my team sought to create a game that promotes cleaning, recycling, and environmental responsibility in a relaxing and immersive way. As a level and gameplay designer, I contributed to the design of the world, ensuring the gameplay felt rewarding, fluid, and enjoyable.
A Game of Discovery, Movement, and RelaxationIn Sort It Out, players must traverse a 3D environment, collect trash, and sort it into the correct recycling locations. The game encourages mindfulness, patience, and an appreciation for keeping spaces clean. Unlike traditional platformers, the first-person perspective enhances immersion and exploration, making each movement feel dynamic and personal.Key gameplay elements include:Platforming Challenges – Players must jump across gaps, climb obstacles, and navigate moving platforms to access different areas.
Puzzle Solving – Certain areas require ladders, ramps, or elevators to reach hidden trash deposits.
Freeform Cleaning Gameplay – Inspired by titles like PowerWash Simulator and House Flipper, players can relax at their own pace with no time constraints.Level Design: The Factory & Open ExplorationThe primary level takes place in a factory setting, with:Semi-trucks parked outside, acting as platforms to reach the factory entrance.
Ladders, conveyor belts, and elevators to help players explore vertical spaces.
An open-ended traversal system that allows different approaches to collecting and sorting waste.The tutorial eases players in with a small, enclosed space, before opening up into a larger, freeform level where they can explore, jump between vehicles, and discover hidden pathways to clean every last piece of trash.
Why Sort It Out MattersSort It Out isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about showing the player the joy of making an impact. By focusing on relaxing, pressure-free gameplay, the game creates a cozy and satisfying experience while reinforcing a real-world message: small actions lead to big change.