Concept Overview
My final project idea is to develop an immersive and interactive surfing simulator game. The idea came to me when I went to the arcade and saw a snowboarding game and it sparked my interest to know how it was made and if I could replicate it with something I enjoyed and miss which is surfing. This game will use a physical skateboard found in the IM lab equipped with an accelerometer to capture the player’s movements, and a P5.js-based game that simulates a surfing and will have the concept of collecting and avoiding.
Inspo:
Components
1. Arduino Setup:
Hardware: A skateboard with an accelerometer attached to its bottom. The accelerometer will detect tilt and motion, translating the player’s physical movements into digital inputs.
Functionality: The Arduino will continuously read the accelerometer data to determine the orientation and motion of the skateboard. This data will be sent to the P5.js game to control the virtual surfer’s movements.
2. P5.js Game Development:
Visual Interface: A surfing game created in P5.js, displaying a cat surfer surfing through the ocean. The game will have an avoiding and collecting concept.
Game Mechanics: The game will respond to the skateboard’s movements, controlling the surfer’s actions like speeding up, slowing down, turning, and performing tricks.
Feedback and Scoring: Visual and auditory feedback will be provided based on the player’s performance, along with a scoring system and life left.
3.Interaction Flow:
– The player stands on the skateboard and starts the game through a simple interface.
– As the player tilts and moves the skateboard, the accelerometer sends this data to the Arduino.
– The Arduino processes these movements and sends corresponding commands to the P5.js game.
– The game responds in real-time, translating these movements into the surfer’s actions on the screen.
– The player receives visual and audio feedback from the game, creating an engaging loop of action and response.
4.Design Considerations:
Responsiveness: Ensuring that it doesn’t feel or look shaky between physical movements and digital responses for a seamless experience.
User Safety: Designing the physical setup to be safe and stable for users of different skill levels.
Game Challenge: Balancing the game difficulty to be both fun and challenging, encouraging players to improve their skills.
Aesthetic Appeal: Creating an attractive and immersive game environment that enhances the overall experience.
5.Potential Challenges:
– Ensuring accurate and consistent data transmission from the accelerometer to the game.
– Balancing the physical skateboard movements with the digital game mechanics for a realistic surfing experience.
– Optimizing the game’s performance to prevent lag or glitches that could disrupt the immersive experience.
Conclusion
This project aims to create a novel gaming experience that blends physical activity with digital interaction, using Arduino and P5.js. It not only introduces a new way to play and enjoy a surfing game but also encourages physical movement, making gaming a more active experience.