Roary Runner AR Game
The Roary Runner AR Game enables users to step into the paws of Roary, Florida International University's cherished mascot. Players can guide Roary's movement using either their eyes or mouth, steering him through an array of scrolling obstacles. The project prioritized accessibility to ensure that all users, even those who may struggle with rapid blinking, can engage by controlling Roary with their mouths. The game's soundtrack complements its 2D/3D graphic blend, reminiscent of Nintendo's Paper Mario, making it an affinity-building entertainment filter for FIU students, alumni, and their children.
Project Objectives
The primary objectives of Roary Runner were:
- Affinity Building: Create an interactive and captivating AR filter to foster a strong sense of connection and nostalgia among FIU students, alumni, and their children.
- User Accessibility: Develop an inclusive gameplay experience by offering multiple control options, enabling users with diverse abilities to participate fully.
- Entertainment: Provide an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience through a combination of 2D/3D graphics inspired by Nintendo's Paper Mario and an original musical score.
Project Development
Concept and Design
Roary Runner's concept was born from the desire to immerse users in an interactive AR environment with FIU's mascot, Roary the Panther. To deliver a truly immersive experience, the development team drew inspiration from the aesthetics of Nintendo's Paper Mario series, which seamlessly blends 2D and 3D graphics to craft a visually captivating world.
Accessibility Features
An essential challenge was ensuring the game's accessibility for a diverse user base, including those with varying physical abilities. To address this, Roary Runner offered two distinct control modes:- Eye Control: Users could command Roary's jumps by blinking their eyes. The game incorporated sophisticated eye-tracking technology for precise detection of rapid eye movements.
- Mouth Control: For users who found blinking challenging or uncomfortable, an alternative control method was introduced. They could navigate Roary's jumps by opening and closing their mouths.
Development Tools
The primary development platform for Roary Runner was Meta Spark Studio, which provided the essential tools and resources to create the AR filter seamlessly integrated with Facebook and Instagram.
Graphics and Music
Roary Runner's graphics fused 2D and 3D elements, crafting a visually appealing and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Paper Mario series. To elevate the overall experience, an original musical score was composed, tailored to the game's lively and adventurous theme. The music added depth and immersion to the AR filter.
Launch and Reception
Roary Runner was launched on Facebook and Instagram as an AR filter, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience. The filter garnered praise within FIU's community, serving as a delightful and interactive means to connect with the university's beloved mascot. The artwork from the game was also seen painted on glass at the FIU bookstore welcoming students.
Roary Runner exemplifies the potential of Augmented Reality in crafting engaging and inclusive experiences. By amalgamating elements of FIU's mascot with graphics inspired by Nintendo's Paper Mario and incorporating accessibility features, this AR filter achieved its primary objectives of affinity building and entertainment. It serves as a blueprint for creating interactive, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences in the realm of Augmented Reality.
Client:FIU Social
Role:AR EngineerContent StrategistUX/UI DesignerProject Manager3D Modeler
Tools: Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Cinema4D Meta Spark Studio
Development:Javascript