Blender Start Here: Gamifying an unapproachable UI

Can gamification make the user experience of advanced 3D modeling software easy to learn?

The Blender Start Here game stars Lizzy the Pigeon and a cast of other characters to help players navigate the complicated Blender interface. Image from — https://www.xrio.io/press

On July 8th, developer XRIO announced via Twitter, “To align w/ trademark guidelines, we’re updating our game title & logo. Same game, new name.”

I will update this article with the new name when it is announced.

Blender is a free, open source 3D modeling software. There’s nothing more accessible than “free,” right? In actuality, Blender has a reputation for being unapproachably difficult to navigate.

The interface is intimidating, and new users balk at the sheer amount of windows, drop downs, and complicated controls. Jumping in without a tutorial is nigh impossible and even then, old pros can often be found in the comments of said tutorial clarifying how to deal with the finicky functions of Blender.

Do you know what to do with this interface? Yeah, me neither. Image from — https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/interface/window_system/introduction.html

This is where XRIO has stepped in. The game development studio has tackled the challenge of simplifying Blender through a game meant to slowly introduce users to Blender’s UI in a fun, intuitive way.

”Blender Start Here” by XRIO leverages gamification to demystify the complexities of 3D modeling, offering a seamless bridge between novice creativity and professional digital artistry.

The project launched on Kickstarter on June 21st of this year and quickly gained attention for its fun trailer and mission to turn Blender’s “steep learning curve into a thrilling quest.” The message of accessibility (and the pigeon mascot) really resonated with me and, clearly, many other prospective 3D artists. The project met it’s goal of $30,000 and then some, standing today at $38,534 from 978 backers.

While learning Blender, players can save Lizzy the Pigeon’s friends. Image from — https://www.xrio.io/press

Gamification is becoming a more recognized strategy for making learning fun, engaging, and practical. Artists, educators, and UX designers alike should acknowledge gamification strategies as a powerful…