General Info
TimeBOMB is an interactive game station that enables players to experience the history of computers and video game development. They compete with each other playing an adaption of the classic game "Bomberman". As a novelty, each of the four sides of the station represents a different time period with corresponding input and output modalities. They consist of an oscilloscope interface with self-made, analogue control dials, a text-based interface controlled by a keyboard, a 2D arcade interface controlled by a joystick, and a 3D interface controlled by a gamepad. These four styles resemble iconic examples from the history of computer games. The game's art style also differs for each side accordingly.
Audience and Educational Framework
Educational Details
The exhibit consists of four sidewalls in a form of box. On each sidewall the visitor has the possibility to play the game TimeBOMB. Characteristically, each page represents a different period of computer game time. On one side the game provides a modern controller, on another side with an older arcade joystick, on the third side with a keyboard and on the fourth side with simple buttons. From all sidewalls gamers access the same game and play against each other.
TimeBOMB is a simple game. It can be played by almost any person with a short explanation. Additionally it encourages exchange, because many young people do not know what computer games or technical elements looked like several years ago. Through the explanation of the student’s valuable and exciting conversations with different generations arise.
The construction of the station was planned in a CAD application with millimeter precision. A metal section frame and wooden covers were designed to define the final shape and look of the station. The station can be mounted at a height of either 140cm or 170cm. Three of the four faces have rectangular cutouts of various sizes to accommodate the corresponding screens. On the flat beech plywood sheets elements, like the oscilloscope body, the CRT monitor frame, and the rest for the keyboard are attached. The arcade side is lowered into the cuboid to give the impression of a real arcade cabinet. The wooden body was primed white and laminated with plastic sheeting. A single PC occupies the interior of the game station with a GPU (GTX 1050Ti Strix ROG) powerful enough to control 4 individual monitors.
Implementation
(where and how the practice was implemented)
So far about 200 people have seen and tried it.
It was a physical challenge to make it robust and safe so that children could handle it and nothing would break. There was hardly any readjustment to the game, only details such as volume. The computer provides the game even without access to Wifi.
Educational material/resources (file/URL) accompanying the practice
English