Research Questions
- How can we leverage technology not possible on a live stage?
- What does the immediate context of a background do for viewer understanding?
Game Overview
In this game, one performer takes on the role of an airport security agent, and the other a traveler. The traveler is trying to get through security by sending their luggage through baggage check, but the agent notices suspicious items inside. These items, which are submitted by audience members, show up on an x-ray visible to everyone. The traveler must justify the purpose of the items in their luggage and create an emergent narrative tying those objects into a story. Once the performers discuss about three items, they wrap up the scene. New performers then take the stage to start a new scene. Traditionally, the previous traveler becomes the new security guard.
Interface
We used Google Drive to collect user-submitted images, so we provided a link to the folder on the extension.
Technical Implementation
As the interface just provided a link, this game was easy to implement in the extension. We then transferred these images from Google Drive to a Google Slides presentation in order to display them on the auxiliary monitor on-stream, manually removing inappropriate submissions in the process.
Lessons Learned
- This game ended up being our most popular experience.
- Using the green screen background generated immediate context for viewers coming in halfway through the show or skit.
- The image submission mechanic gave users a large creative space, but with some guiding constraints provided by the theming.
- A smoother, easier way to collect and display images would be a valuable way to spend time.