Built in the Unity engine, the prototype utilized 3D low-poly environment assets from Synty Studios, which I adapted, re-textured, and optimized to match the visual identity of an MCC Thrift shop. I modeled and rigged the main player character, structuring an expandable asset pipeline that allowed for quick iterations of store layouts, donation bins, and processing stations.
Thrift Shop Simulator – Video Game
Frantic Couch Co-Op Gameplay & Strategic Balance
The core gameplay loop was designed as a high-energy local co-op experience where players managed an overwhelming influx of incoming donations. To earn points, players had to rapidly sort, clean, and price items before impatient shoppers walked out. The tension was driven by a dual-metric mechanic balancing a Community Score against a Charity Score:
The Pricing Dilemma: Pricing items too low delighted the local community but starved the charity of needed funding.
The Margin Dilemma: Pricing items too high raised funds for relief work but alienated local shoppers.
Every decision required instant strategic trade-offs, turning real-world non-profit operational challenges into addictive, cooperative gameplay.
Stakeholder Premiere & The Steam Publicity Campaign
I premiered the functional Unity demo live at the national company retreat to enthusiastic reception from executive leadership and store managers. Beyond internal engagement, the project was architected as a major public relations and volunteer acquisition campaign slated for a full Steam launch:
Volunteer Appreciation Incentive: Steam keys were to be gifted exclusively as a zero-cost incentive to volunteers across nearly 100 thrift locations during National Volunteer Week.
Twitch / Live Streamer Activation: Designed a PR stunt pairing popular gaming streamers with MCC’s Executive Director on Twitch. The live broadcast would feature the streamer teaching executive leadership how to play co-op games while discussing MCC’s global humanitarian work, introducing the thrift brand to an entirely new demographic.