Eightball is a Berlin-based gaming startup developing immersive, browser-based multiplayer games that blend nostalgia with modern design.
Company
Fleeki
Timeline
2024
—
2024
Role
Visual, Motion Design
Project overview
Eightball set out to revive the charm of old-school arcade culture but for a new generation of players who expect seamless multiplayer, responsive design, and social integration. They wanted a platform that not only hosted their games but also fostered community—leaderboards, chat, and friend systems included. Elliot’s role was to design a UI that balanced playfulness with usability, ensuring the platform felt like a modern social hub while still evoking the raw, neon-drenched vibe of arcade nostalgia. The end goal wasn’t just functionality but creating an experience that made users want to hang around even when they weren’t actively playing.
Challenges
The biggest hurdle was handling contrast—visually, functionally, and emotionally. Retro aesthetics can easily slip into feeling outdated if not handled carefully, while modern UI trends can clash with the boldness of arcade design. Finding the sweet spot required experimentation with color systems, typography, and motion design. On the technical side, integrating real-time features like multiplayer lobbies, friend invites, and live chat demanded close collaboration with Eightball’s backend team. Elliot had to ensure the front-end felt effortless, no matter the device or connection speed, while still carrying the richness of an arcade-inspired design system.
Results
The final platform delivered exactly what Eightball needed: a high-energy, visually striking environment that still felt intuitive and modern. Players could jump into matches in seconds, check their stats, and interact with others in a lively, responsive interface. Motion elements and interactive micro-transitions brought personality without slowing performance, helping the brand stand out in a crowded indie gaming market. Post-launch, user retention rates exceeded projections, and Eightball successfully built an active community around its games. The project demonstrated how thoughtful design can bridge nostalgia and innovation to create something fresh and engaging.
Eightball is a Berlin-based gaming startup developing immersive, browser-based multiplayer games that blend nostalgia with modern design.
Company
Fleeki
Timeline
2024
—
2024
Role
Visual, Motion Design
Project overview
Eightball set out to revive the charm of old-school arcade culture but for a new generation of players who expect seamless multiplayer, responsive design, and social integration. They wanted a platform that not only hosted their games but also fostered community—leaderboards, chat, and friend systems included. Elliot’s role was to design a UI that balanced playfulness with usability, ensuring the platform felt like a modern social hub while still evoking the raw, neon-drenched vibe of arcade nostalgia. The end goal wasn’t just functionality but creating an experience that made users want to hang around even when they weren’t actively playing.
Challenges
The biggest hurdle was handling contrast—visually, functionally, and emotionally. Retro aesthetics can easily slip into feeling outdated if not handled carefully, while modern UI trends can clash with the boldness of arcade design. Finding the sweet spot required experimentation with color systems, typography, and motion design. On the technical side, integrating real-time features like multiplayer lobbies, friend invites, and live chat demanded close collaboration with Eightball’s backend team. Elliot had to ensure the front-end felt effortless, no matter the device or connection speed, while still carrying the richness of an arcade-inspired design system.
Results
The final platform delivered exactly what Eightball needed: a high-energy, visually striking environment that still felt intuitive and modern. Players could jump into matches in seconds, check their stats, and interact with others in a lively, responsive interface. Motion elements and interactive micro-transitions brought personality without slowing performance, helping the brand stand out in a crowded indie gaming market. Post-launch, user retention rates exceeded projections, and Eightball successfully built an active community around its games. The project demonstrated how thoughtful design can bridge nostalgia and innovation to create something fresh and engaging.