Cookie Capitalist

Inspiration

We wanted to bring the addictive simplicity of idle clicker games to VR/mobile, reimagining the classic cookie-clicking experience as a social, immersive world in Meta Horizon Worlds.

What it does

Cookie Capitalist is an idle clicker game where players tap cookies to build their empire. The core gameplay includes:

Cookie Tapping: Tap the giant cookie to earn cookies, with satisfying visual popups showing earnings
Dunk Multiplier System: Swipe down to "dunk" the cookie into milk, activating streak multipliers (2x → 4x → 8x → 16x) that reward fast clicking
Automated Production: Purchase upgrades like Clickers, Grandmas, Farms, and Factories that passively generate cookies over time with visible progress bars
Tier Progression: Upgrades unlock tier bonuses at milestones, increasing production speed
Offline Earnings: Return to find cookies earned while away via the Welcome Back modal
Interactive Onboarding: A mascot named "Coogie" guides new players through tutorials with spotlight effects and step-by-step instructions

How we built it

We used TypeScript for game logic and NoesisGUI (XAML) for the 2D UI layer:

Backend.ts: Server-authoritative game state, handling cookies, upgrades, leaderboards, and persistent storage via PPV (Player Persistent Variables)
Controller_player.ts: Local client handling mobile gestures (swipe detection), raycast-based cookie clicking, and camera positioning
Noesis_cookie.ts: Cookie UI with tap animations, floating +cookie popups, dunk mechanics, and multiplier glow effects
Noesis_shop.ts: Shop interface with upgrade cards, production timers, and purchase validation
Noesis_overlay.ts: HUD displaying cookie count, CPS, navigation tabs, and milk background animations
Noesis_onboarding.ts: Tutorial system with chat bubbles, spotlight focusing, and step-by-step guidance

Challenges we ran into

Synchronizing client-side production timers with server state while maintaining smooth UI updates
Implementing the multiplier streak system with proper timeout management and visual feedback across multiple UI layers
Making swipe gestures work reliably on mobile while preventing input conflicts with XAML UI elements

Accomplishments that we're proud of

The satisfying dunk mechanic with escalating multipliers and glowing visual feedback
Smooth 24-finger "Clicker" ring animation entirely driven by XAML
Comprehensive onboarding that teaches gameplay without overwhelming new players
Seamless offline earnings calculation and welcome-back experience