Overview
Nextbots: Sandbox is a 3D sandbox action game focused on survival in a dynamically escalating environment where the player is constantly pursued by AI agents (nextbots).
The gameplay loop is simple but highly repeatable: survive → take risks → gain rewards → progress. The main focus is pacing, player reaction, and using the environment as a survival tool.
The project was developed as an independent product with a strong focus on rapid gameplay iteration and hypothesis validation through live metrics.
My Role
- Full-cycle solo development (from concept to release)
- Designed core gameplay loop and progression systems
- Implemented nextbot AI and pursuit behavior
- Built reward and in-game economy systems
- Developed UI/UX and game screens
- Integrated monetization via Yandex Games SDK
- Optimized performance for WebGL and mobile
- Handled testing, balancing, and release management
Technical Highlights
- Optimized AI pathing for WebGL, reducing CPU overhead
- Implemented dynamic enemy spawn system improving engagement and difficulty adaptation
- Designed lightweight MVC/MVP architecture, speeding up feature iteration (~20%)
- Reduced draw calls and CPU load to maintain stable 60 FPS on low-end devices
- Integrated player analytics to improve balancing and retention accuracy
Tech
Metrics
- DAU: ~1K+
- MAU: ~31K
- Retention: ~15–20%
- Playtime: ~5–10 min
- FPS: stable 60+ on target devices
Media
