Superhero Sportsday (2024)

A UCL project funded by Intel. Website and download here.
Full research thesis: Superhero Sportsday: Driving and Flying Experiences for Children with MotionInput 3.4 API.

Unity 3D, C#

Roles:
Game Design, Gameplay Programming, Project Management

Gameplay features:

• Flying and driving mechanics with motion tracking as input
• Various superpowers in time-racing games, such as slow-motion, speed boosts, and a magnetic effect
• Hero companions with automatic aiming and shooting, allowing children to enjoy being a hero without needing fine motor skills
• Randomly generated score gems for a replayable experience
• Quad bike mechanics

Superhero Sportsday

Superhero Sportsday is a suite of interactive sports games designed for children including with Autism and integrates MotionInput technology from MotionInput Games. Traditional gaming largely relies on joypad controls, excluding many individuals with disabilities or those who struggle with fine motor skills. At the same time, MotionInput Games has identified a lack of exercise based games for children, that can be fun on PCs and laptops, without the need for separate consoles. The game can be run as long as the player has a Windows laptop with a built-in webcam.

Using AI models for motion tracking, the game recognises and assesses body movements, ensuring a responsive and intuitive gaming experience for users with diverse physical abilities. It has been tested with the Sybil Elgar School from the National Autistic Society UK.

This AI PC game aims to accommodate children with autism and other related conditions, allowing them to participate in a playful, movements empowered environment. The sports theme is designed to simulate kinaesthetic experiences, helping to engage users in a manner that promotes physical activity and coordination, even in a virtual setting. Combining imaginative play with advanced AI, Superhero Sportsday aims to offer an inclusive and empowering gaming experience tailored to children’s physical needs.

I designed the gameplay and programmed two of the games in the collection—Hang Gliding and Quad Biking. These games focus on providing flying and driving experiences for children. Accessibility is a core consideration; the controls are intuitive, ensuring simple gameplay and rules for children. These games create an immersive experience, making players feel as though they are gliding through the sky or riding a quad bike.

A small introduction: what is MotionInput?






Hang Gliding






Quad Biking




Game featured in


July 2024
August
August
September
October

UCL Festival of Engineering
IBM
Microsoft Reactor Event: AI Summer
National Autistic Society (Link)
Microsoft Unmasked at Microsoft HQ, Reading
Demo
Presentation
Presentation
Live Demo


Superhero Sportsday as one of the highlight projects in UCL Festival of Engineering



2024 Victor Chan