AR/VR Rhythm Game with React Three Fiber

Overview

Japan is renowned for its unique arcade culture, and one of its most iconic rhythm games is Taiko no Tatsujin — fast beats, intense rhythms, and pure fun. But what if you could create a similar experience for the web or even VR headsets? That’s exactly what this tutorial will teach you: building a VR/AR rhythm music game using Three.js and React Three Fiber.

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started with 3D web development, this project will challenge and inspire you to bring immersive, interactive experiences to life. From setting up a 3D scene to syncing music with gameplay and enabling VR functionality, we’ll cover all the key aspects of game creation.

Reimagining Rhythm Games with 3D and VR

The traditional way of experiencing rhythm games, like Taiko no Tatsujin, has largely been confined to arcade machines or console gaming. While entertaining, these platforms don’t offer the flexibility of modern technologies like web browsers and VR headsets. Developers face challenges in creating applications that integrate immersive 3D environments, synchronized audio, and seamless interactivity in a way that feels natural and engaging.

This tutorial guides you through the process of building a web-based rhythm game that’s accessible, customizable, and scalable. Imagine creating a game where users can drum to the beat, visually see and hear their interactions, and even experience it in VR. These concepts aren’t just for games; they’re applicable to educational tools that teach music theory, interactive virtual concerts, or storytelling experiences that respond dynamically to user actions.

By learning these techniques, you’ll gain a versatile skill set that can be applied to a wide array of interactive 3D applications.

Insights and Skills

By the end of this project, you'll learn how to:

Set up a 3D Project: Using a starter pack, setting up an environment, and incorporating high-quality assets.
Play Audio: Synchronizing music with gameplay mechanics, including positional audio and polyphony.
Set up VR Features: Setting up VR emulators, deploying on Meta Quest, and handling controllers.
UI Integration: Building a user-friendly interface with UI kits.
Add Notes: Implementing note timing, scoring, and missed note logic.
Polish with Effects: Using particles, animations, and spring effects to enhance visual appeal.

Tech Stack

React Three Fiber
Three.js
Logic Pro X
Zustand
Meta Quest 3

Experience the project in action and explore the final implementation

Resources

#threejs #webdevelopment #reactthreefiber

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