Fifteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

‘The Woods’ is a local multiplayer cooperative game that employs augmented reality (AR) and 4-channel audio spatialization panning to produce a shared experience that is both digital and physical. It is designed to promote social interaction and encourages players to collaborate. As players choreograph their movement in real-world space, they interact with birds, clouds, and other objects in online space. Together, players experience an immersive sonic narrative of rumbling storm clouds and desperate voices that weave together stories of reconciliation. ‘The Woods’ provides positive social impact by illuminating our own connections to one another while inspiring players to talk, to move, and to collaborate in pursuit of a shared goal.