Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) recently highlighted the creative talents of its students during the annual Fall Festival at the Entertainment Technology Center on December 5, 2023. For 25 years, CMU has been a leader in advancing interactive entertainment technology, and this year’s showcase featured a variety of innovative gaming prototypes designed by students over the past semester.
The festival transformed the center into a vibrant arcade, allowing visitors to engage with diverse gaming experiences. Among the showcased projects, one that stood out was Overboard, a multiplayer game in which competing teams aim to sink each other’s pirate ships. Frank Lin, an artist and producer for the game, emphasized the importance of fun and camaraderie in gameplay. “They don’t have to care about strategy or think too much. What they can do is just kind of like, destroy the friendship in a good way and just have fun,” Lin remarked.
Other projects required a more strategic approach. The Escape March, inspired by the classic film “The Shawshank Redemption,” immerses a single player in a thrilling jailbreak scenario. Using a controller fashioned like a hammer, players must time their actions with the sound of thunder to avoid detection by guards. Ivy Hu, an artist involved in the project, aimed to create an intense and immersive experience. “The physical components of the game help with that,” she noted, referring to the unique design choices that enhance player engagement.
Innovative Concepts and Teamwork Focused Games
The festival also showcased projects from first-year graduate students, who were challenged to develop their games within a two-week timeframe. One notable project was The Cavern, where participants engage in a cooperative car racing experience. Demonstrated by Jose Mireles, the game encourages teamwork by allowing players to control the crowd’s cheers rather than the cars themselves. This interactive design means players must collaborate effectively to influence the race, creating a dynamic atmosphere that can lead to chaotic moments. Mireles explained, “We are using this playground to spark conversation about communication and cooperation.” Even when crashes occur, the game remains educational, with the primary objective still being enjoyment.
The festival served not only as a platform for students to showcase their creativity but also as a space for visitors to experience the potential future of video gaming. With an emphasis on fun, strategy, and collaboration, these student projects highlight the innovative spirit at Carnegie Mellon University and its commitment to shaping the interactive entertainment landscape.
