Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Locomatrix: Bringing Gaming Back Outside (Contributed by Robyn - Thank you!)

Mixing videogames with physical, outdoor games, Locomatrix is designed to get kids off the couch, without making them leave their virtual worlds. Based in the UK, Locomatrix offers games that kids play in both the virtual and real worlds. Using a GPS-enabled device like a cell phone, kids (and I suspect adults) can play games like “Treasure Hunt”, in which users must visit real locations based on picture clues that appear on their device. A thermometer on the screen informs the gamers whether they are getting hotter or colder, relative to the destination. Fruit Farmer is another game where participants run around trying to collect fruit that appears in the virtual world, while avoiding virtual obstacles and being captured by killer wasps.

Locomatrix is all about being active and socializing. Although they currently only offer two games, Locomatrix invites gamers to create their own levels and share them with their friends and the Locomatrix community. There is also a forum. On the message board, gamers invite others to try a game they created, troubleshoot their GPS devices, and brag about past wins. Not to mention, when games are played, they are also uploaded to the Locomatrix website, so others can see the date and time of past games.

What if gamers wanted to setup a game in their hood for all the uber-hardcore Treasure Hunters or a slower-paced Fruit Farmer game? Could Locomatrix benefit from "HUSH HUSH SECRET PROJECT"?

http://www.locomatrix.com/


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