Ericsson
Zero Game Studio
martin.ericsson@tii.se
Enchanting Reality - big experiences on small platforms
Abstract for Paper Submission
Games for mobile platforms (phones and PDA) tend to be simple remakes or clones of gaming hits like Snake and Defender or in the case of high end-devices, Starcraft and Myst. Only a very small number of games use the unique properties of mobile computing. These location-based or mixed reality games represent a game form in its infancy, struggling to find functional gameplay models. Is it possible to create powerful immersive game experiences using the mobile platforms unique properties? How can technical limitations like limited display size, resolution and sound quality be made to work with the game instead of against it? What challenges face designers of games played on handheld devices in a real physical setting?
Using the functional Visby Under prototype as a starting point this paper presents a novel approach to location-based mobile games. The mobile gamers presence in physical space, his ability to move though and interact with it, is seen as the central quality of the game-form. Using experiences from live-action-roleplaying design the paper explores the possibilities of using the real world as the primary user interface for deep mobile games. The device is used as the engine for story-progression and gameplay without breaking the illusion of the fiction, transforming everyday reality into an engaging multi-player game space. The paper also presents a number of possible gameplay formats mixing reality and the virtual based on currently existing as well as possible future technology and closes with ruminations on the possible impact of mixed reality games on society and the individual.
Martin Ericsson, born -73 in northern Sweden, concentrates his research and design efforts on exploring deep immersion and character identification in role-playing games of all descriptions. He has studied theatre theory at Stockholm University focusing on interactive narrative and ritual performance. Martin has written and produced more than 20 live-action roleplaying events for hardcore enthusiasts, institutions, companies and the public alike. Recent productions include a highly praised Hamlet adaptation in collaboration with Riksteatern JAM (the Swedish national theatre's youth division), an educational game for the alcohol monopoly and several games designs for major national museums.
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