Concept

This project was completed as a group project for a sensor interactions class. The task was to build an alternative controller using Arduino and develop a game for it in OpenFrameworks. We came up with a space game featuring two wearable controllers strapped onto players' thighs. The controllers determine the speed and angle of the spaceship inside the game. They also contain physical feedback such as LEDs and vibration motors. The game itself is an endless 2D runner style game where the player collects stars and avoids rocks.

A controller with a simple mechanic

At the start, brainstorming ideas was a bit tricky, so we checked out other alternative controllers for inspiration. What stood out to us was that the ones we liked had a simple, satisfying mechanic resembling a real-world action. We decided to build our controller around this concept especially considering our limited time frame.

Visualising the concept

We decided to centre our controller around a single mechanic: moving a lever forward and backward. This choice is all about immersing players in the game, giving them that machinery feel as if they're actually controlling a spaceship. We also added in button pressing for launching projectiles at rocks. I then created some sketches to better visualise our ideas.

Would the idea actually work?

We were a bit worried about the practicality of wearable controllers, thinking they might move around too much while players operated the levers. To put our concerns to the test, I made a simple prototype using some cardboard and other household items to test out the movement of the controller. We had several users try it on and move the lever. To our relief, the movement worked smoothly, and the controller stayed put on the players' thighs.

1. Building the controller

We started off with building the controller by setting up the wiring for the Arduino and enclosing it in a cardboard box. We used two IR sensors, two LED’s, and two vibration motors. We also connected the Arduino to Firmata in OpenFrameworks to test the sensors and filter out any noise.

2. Programming the game

As we were building the controller, we also programmed the game at the same time. We programmed the basic movement of the spaceship, projectile shooting, and star collection.

3. Connecting the controller to the game

Once the controller was done, it was time to connect it to the game. We implemented the Firmata code that we used for testing the controller with the game code.