Paul Nunes

• Responsible for core design including story, block types, power-ups, victory conditions • Created GDD, feature specs, wireframes, performed paper playtesting • Designed and balanced 40 of initial 70 levels, including tutorial section • Mentored one writer/designer, delegating writing, design and balance of 30 levels • Created analytics strategy including all events and parameters to be sent • Led A/B testing initiative, resulting in 15% increase in monetization, and 25% increase in retention • Designed additional block types to extend gameplay as part of update roadmap

The core tiles in the game are based on items that might be used to create magic in the Smurf world - with the exception of coins (which can be collected and spent). Various special tile types exist, forcing players to make matches on top of, or beside them to remove them. These special tiles often tie into the level objectives, giving players a strong visual sense of progress beyond the UI indicators.

By combining tiles into special configurations (4 in a row, a 3x3 intersection, or 5 in a row), players earn level special power tiles such as potions which clear an entire row or column, gift boxes that explode the surrounding 9 tiles, drop, and burst again, and spellbooks which clear all occurrences of a targeted color.

Smurfette helps motivate players through fun animations as the player succeeds at making strong matches. Earning chains and completing levels causes a fun Smurf phrase to be displayed, punctuating key moments for the player in addition to Smurfette's cheers.

The map allows players to chart their progress through the game, and highlights the number of stars earned on completed levels. The map is visually similar to Smurfs Village, creating a familiar visual style for players of that game, and features various animated Smurfs and critters, adding fun and excitement as the player navigates the map.

Players earn the coins they've matched during a level, which can then be used to purchase new clothing items for Smurfette. Each episode unlocks new outfits for Smurfette, motivating players to return to the wardrobe frequently.