multiplayer games and multiuser experiences

typical trade show installation, Las Vegas 2007
Working with Inhance Digital, I've developed and deployed a number of multiplayer games and multiuser experiences in event environments, typically tradeshows. Such a system consists of several kiosks (usually touchscreen-driven) and often includes some sort of central display (such as a plasma panel, array, or projection). All these elements are networked to allow the user's activity at each station to be reflected on the central display, or to allow a moderator (in the case of a multiplayer game) to control the action.

touchscreen kiosk with camera
Some systems have included cameras and photo printers, taking snapshots of attendees and printing takeaway postcards while displaying a collage of user photos on the central screen. In the multiplayer game scenario, users complete against each other with results and high scores displayed on the large format display.
touchscreen kiosk interface for Valeant game
In a multiplayer game developed for Valeant, players were presented with a database-generated 3D city that they must explore. Points were awarded for finding specific locations and answering product-related questions correctly. The names of current players as well as the current high scores were posted on a central plasma screen for the audience to see.

These applications are most often developed with Director/Lingo, a development environment well-suited to kiosk creation. Communication between stations is usually a local Ethernet LAN installed on-site.

These projects have in many cases involved being a member of the on-site production team - installing, testing, and maintaining the system for the course of the event.


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