This article was taken from the April issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content bysubscribing online
Parrot's AR.Drone is a quadricopter with an 18kph top speed and Wi-Fi remote control via an iPhone. An onboard processor translates your tilts into expert aerial acrobatics, while video streaming puts you directly inside the cockpit for augmented reality. It's an open platform -- so how would four leading designers build a game around it?
Tom DowdingLead developer, Mobile Pie (makers of B-Boy Beats and Oh, My Word! 2)"Remote bomb disposal: standing in one room, the player pilots the drone through the building in search of a bomb which is represented by an AR marker. Once found, it must be carried outside to the disposal team. But be careful -- the slightest bump will set it off. The clock is ticking."
Charlie PohlManaging director, Conduct (makers of The Hidden Park)"A high-speed race through an urban obstacle course. AR tags representing boost pads, shield upgrades and missile ammo are littered throughout -- so play dirty. Winning races earns you valuable points which you can use to upgrade your drone's engine, handling and weapons."
Simon JohnsonDirector, Simon Games (co-organiser of the Interesting Games Festival)"A professional treasure hunt over a small area, contested by several teams. AR tags are hidden on rooftops accessible only by the drones, each tag triggering a video clue or puzzle game. Find the solution to reveal the next location, but be quick - the battery won't last forever!"
Gary NapperGame designer, EA Bright Light (makers of the Harry Potter game series)"A futuristic game of cat-and-mouse. Humans wearing AR glyphs must avoid the drone prowling the corridors. People who are 'shot' must switch sides and join the hunt for those who remain. The ultimate survivor wins the right to control the drone in the next round and exact their revenge."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
