Where is Alberta?

“Where is Alberta?” is a family-friendly, digital, interactive storytelling project for visitors of the UF campus to become acquainted with some of the University’s memorable sites and historical facts. It is a combination of a digital scavenger hunt and a campus tour within a mystery game using themes of romance, friendship and intrigue where the characters “work together” to solve a big mystery. Each location will give players a choice of an activity or a puzzle. Activities may require players to take photos, videos or sounds and upload them to the game site while puzzles may require players to submit text based answers. Upon completion of each task or puzzle, players will receive a clue to the next location and/or a clue to the larger mystery. Additional clues and hints will be available to accommodate various skill levels.

Characters include (not including the Player):

1. Albert (The forgetful but diligent Albert was picking up chocolates for his sweetheart, Alberta, when he received a mysterious text.)
2. Alberta (Sweet and cheerful Alberta was last seen getting ice cream with friends.)
3. Hunter (A senior with a biting wit and an equal amount of humility. Hunter is the founder of G.A.T.O.R. and older brother to Sophia. Hunter prefers action to thinking but his impulsive nature can get him into trouble)
4. Sophia (Hunter’s younger and exceptionally tech savvy sister is the technological mastermind behind G.A.T.O.R. but frequently feels undervalued by her big brother. Sophia prefers thinking through a puzzle before jumping to action.)
5. Sherringford (The greedy and impatient Sherringford’s primary goal is world domination. His secondary goal is to become an internet celebrity with dreams of taking his YouTube videos to the next film festival.)
6. Teek – (Sherringford’s bumbling apprentice who appears deceptively ignorant but may actually be the brain of the evil duo. Unfortunately for Teek, he is too shy to speak up to his Uncle Sherry.)

Use-case Scenario Example

Locations to be developed for Individual Project:

• Reitz Union
• North Lawn Seal
• Additional location (if necessary?)

Technologies to be used in creating the game:

1. Game and Event Site: Google site
2. Badge System and location tracking (tentative): SCVNGR
3. Storyboarding: Trello
4. Use-case Scenario diagram, flow-chart, mapping and modeling tools: Lucidchart
5. Videos: Camtasia (and/or Adobe Premiere)
6. Sound: Adobe Premiere
7. Royalty Free Music: FreePlayMusic
8. QR Codes: Adobe Photoshop
9. Animated Videos – CrazyTalk – Free 15 day trial (all images watermarked)
10. Augmented Reality, some combination of the following: Adobe Photoshop, 3D modeling (Maya, 3D Studio), Illustrator (also ARToolKit which is an Augmented Reality Toolkit Software Library) Could not find the AR component of Layar
11. Augmented Reality Application(s):  Layar – Both Android and iOS Augmented Reality (free use but includes ads); Stiktu – Augmented reality (Both Android and iOS) – Could use this to scan an image in a magazine or book and put some augmented reality stickers over it.

Technologies to be used in playing the game:

• Email: Ability to send email messages
• Camera: For both still photos and videos
• YouTube: Used to upload and view videos.
• SCVNGR: Used as main hunt map, to answer questions and to upload photos. (Note: The company claims that they provide education licenses but I am still awaiting further details so this part may end up being theoretical.) (Educational license was happily provided.)
• SoundCloud : Used to record and share sounds (SCVNGR can do this instead)
• ScanLife: QR Code reader (SCVNGR can do this instead)
• Layer: Augmented reality reader
• MuveeCloud – (Optional) Can be used by teams to consolidate photos taken throughout the event. Only requires email.

 

Birds – A Brief Animated, Interactive Story

Birds

A boy was walking with his bird and came across a bush with two other birds.

Click to see animation

What does he does he do next?

1.      He reaches for the two birds.

2.      He does not reach for the two birds.

 

 

 

 

 

He decides to reach for the two birds.

 
Click to see animation

What does he do next?

1.  He lets go of this bird.

2.  He holds on to his bird.

 

 

 

 

He let’s go of his bird as he reaches for the two birds. As his bird flies away, the two birds fly up to join the other bird.

Click to see animation

Moral of the story: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Click here to restart the story.

 

 

 

 

He almost loses his grip as holds onto his bird and reaches for the two birds. The commotion causes the two birds to fly away.

Click to see animation

Moral of the story: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Click here to restart the story.

 

 

 

 

 

He reaches toward the two birds and they fly away.

Click to see animation

Moral of the story: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Click here to restart the story.

 

 

 

 

He reaches toward the birds and loses the grip on his bird. In the commotion, the two birds fly away.

Click to see animation

Moral of the story: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Click here to restart the story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He decides to stop and look at the pretty birds.

Click to see animation

 What does he do next?

1. He walks toward the birds.

2. He turns around and walks home.

 

 

 

 

 

He walks toward the birds. The birds notice his presence and fly away. The boy returns home with his bird.

Click to see animation

Moral of the story: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Click here to restart the story.

 

 

 

 

 

After looking at the birds from afar, the boy turns around and returns home with his bird.

Click to see animation

Moral of the story: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Click here to restart the story.

 

 

Minimalist Storytelling Project (Animated GIF)

Title: Fungi Love
Story: A digital, minimalist’s retelling of a well-known Italian plumber’s love of fungi and the strange effect it has on him.

Please click if it is not animating

Production Notes
Medium: Animated GIF (3 frames, 200×200 pixels, repeats 5 times)
Intent: Attempting to use as few colors as possible to trigger a comparison to Mario and to imagine a backstory of his love of mushrooms.
Tip: Use the animation window to create in PhotoShop and turn layers on/off as necessary. In WordPress, GIF has to be full-size (see advanced settings) in order to animate.
Muse/Inspiration: Lego Minimalist representations of cartoon characters

 

One-point perspective is so 20th century…

I like it when grounded reality meets up with virtual reality. A reference to a “viral” Stanley Kubrick homage video came across my Facebook stream today. It is very appropriate considering the topic from today’s Interactive Storytelling lecture was Giotto, Cimabue and perspective in storytelling.

Clickie to view the video – Kubrick // One-Point Perspective

The video highlights the consistency of one-point perspectives within the frame of Kubrick movies. Much like Campbell’s hero’s journey, Freytag’s pyramid and Aristotle’s dramatic arc, these are quintessential elements of storytelling.

 

Project: Midnight Madness 2012

Possible Tools

Game and Event Site
Created using: Google site
Phone Application Needed: Web browser

Storyboarding/Project Management
For game makers to use in developing clues
Trello – Workboard/Storyboard/Project Management
Phone Application Needed: N/A

Use-case Scenario diagram, flow-chart, mapping and modeling tools
Lucidchart – Free Google document type. (cloud-based, advance features cost $ but the most common stuff is free)
Visual Paradigm (UML) – (download/install) community license is free for students
Violet – (download/install)  free for students

Videos
Create using: Adobe Premiere or Captivate
Phone Application Needed: YouTube

Sound
Create using: Adobe Premiere or SoundCloud
FreePlayMusic – Royalty Free Music
Phone Application Needed: Speakers

QR Codes
Create using: Adobe Photoshop
Phone Application Needed: ScanLife

Augmented Reality
Create using: Adobe Photoshop, 3D model (Maya, 3D Studio, Blender, Rhino ?), Illustrator
ARToolKit – Augmented Reality Toolkit. Software library for building AR applications.
Phone Application Needed: Augmented Reality App (Layar-Both, Andar-Android, Viewar-iOS)

Andar – Can be used by teams to view Android Augmented Reality (beta, GNU)
String – iOS Augmented Reality (1 free marker)
Viewar – iOS Augmented Reality (you get an entire channel)
Layar – Both Android and iOS Augmented Reality (free use but includes ads)
Tagwhat – Mobile tour guide of the world
Stiktu – Augmented reality (Both Android and iOS) – Could use this to scan an image in a magazine or book and put some augmented reality stickers over it.
Google Field Trip – Calls up historical facts about the location you are near.

Photos
Create using: Adobe Photoshop
Inkscape – Open source vector graphics software
GimpShop – Open-source picture editing software
Phone Application Needed: SCVNGR

Maps
Wayfaring – Can be used by game makers as map making tool
Phone Application Needed: Wayfaring

Media Sharing
MuveeCloud – Can be used by teams to consolidate photos taken throughout the event. Only requires email.
Phone Application Needed: MuveeCloud OR Email

Comics
Pixton or Comics Sketch – Can be used by game makers as clue medium
Phone Application Needed: N/A

Stopmotion
For game makers to use as part of a clue or introduction to a task
Toonloop – Live, stop motion animation
iStop Motion – Stop motion (iOS only)
Phone Application Needed: N/A

Narrative  & Interactive Storytelling Tools
Storybird – Create short stories and print them
Inklewriter – Write and publish interactive stories
Story Plot Generator – Guide to creating an initial story outline

Phone Application Needed: N/A

 

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Game Information

Project: Midnight Madness 2012 (Carpe le what?)
Event Locations: Gainesville and Tampa Bay, Florida
Event Dates: TBD
RSVP: TBD
Event Facilitators: TBD

Game Description: Point-system race and digital scavenger hunt. Single day worth of challenge with 10 locations and  50 tasks. Solve challenges, scavenge items, augment reality, get social and cause mayhem. Many of the tasks will require players to take photos, videos or sounds. Some may require players to submit text based answers. Team at the end of the day with the most points wins.

General Rule: If the teams for my project have to use it, it will need a mobile application

Required Items

1. Team themed shirt – Colors have been assigned but feel free to embellish
2. Good attitude – Don’t waste our time. If you don’t want to play fair, don’t play at all.
3. A Flashlight – With batteries or just download the flashlight app
4. A Brain – Eye no it will bee tuff four sum of u, butt due you’re best.
5. A smartphone with an internet connection – At least one person on your team should have an unlimited data plan. This person/phone should be in charge of taking all media as the team will be uploading pictures, videos and sounds throughout the game. Note: At least 1GB free space should be available for videos. It is advised to backup videos to another device or upload to the cloud.
6. Applications – Install the applications listed below. Is there an app for installing apps?
7. A Car (with gas!) – Don’t be cheap, help throw some bones at the car owner if you can.
8. A Fearless Mind and Soul – All participants must be ready and willing to perform a scene from the musical HAIR at any point throughout the game.
9. An understanding – Midnight Madness has absolutely no connection with any person, place or thing (living or dead) and that everything done during this fun-filled night will be perfectly legal and at the same time perfectly insane.
10. Team Unity – Your team members are your best friends for the night.

Get Prepared!

Applications to find, download and install  & Accounts to create BEFORE arriving:

• Email – Ability to send email messages
• Camera – For both still photos and videos
• YouTube – Download application, create account, follow Midnight Madness. Used to upload and view videos.
• SCVNGR – Download application, create account and search for Midnight Madness 2012. Used as main hunt map, to answer questions and to upload photos.
• SoundCloud – Download application, create account and follow Midnight Madness. Used to record and share sounds.
• Facebook or Google+ – Used as part of a clue
• TBD – QR Code reader
• TBD – Augmented reality reader

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Sample Task List

Taken from Freelancer Scavenger Hunt:

• Create and upload a logo for your team to SCVNGR [10 pts]
• Create a theme song for your team. Make sure it encompasses your team theme. Upload an on-the-spot music video of it to YouTube.
• Record your team’s efforts throughout the scavenger hunt on video. Cut it down to 2 minutes with music and upload to YouTube before the hunt ends.
• YGNNF QPGAQ WXGUQ NXGFV JKUEJ CNNGP IGKVY CUPVV JCVFK HHKEW NVVJQ WIJYJ AFQPV AQWVT ACJCT FGTET ARVQS WGUVK QPVQU GGJQY GNGGV AQWTG CNNAC TGVJG OCIKE YQTFU CTGHN WHHAD WPPA YGNNF QPGAQ WXGUQ (welld oneyo uveso lvedt hisch allen geitw asntt hatdi fficu lttho ughwh ydont youtr yahar dercr yptoq uesti ontos eehow eleet youre allya rethe magic words arefl uffyj unny)
• Make up a record for the Guinness Book of Records and break it. Submit video for proof.
• Record a reenactment of the moon landing and upload it to YouTube.
• Create your own dictatorship with loyal minions. Get them to do calisthenics. [1 pt per person working out in the video — max 100 points]
• Wikipedia needs money, and frankly they deserve it, because they’ve been writing your essays since 2008. However, Jimmy Wales’ personal appeal freaked us out a little bit. Help him out. Create an ad that’s a little less, how should we say… awkward… and a little more about how Wikipedia has touched every one of us. [20 points]
• I don’t always ________, but when I do, I ___________ [10 points]
• Over-engineering can be bad at work, but it can also be really funny. Build the most extravagant Rube Goldberg machine you can. It must include your team logo. [50 points if it works and we’re impressed!]
• I was using my phone in bed and dropped it on my face #firstworldproblems. Record a video of your funniest #firstworldproblems and upload it to Youtube. [20 points, +10 if you make us laugh and +20 points if you can get over 1,000 views]
• Origami paper cranes are beautiful. Take a photo of them in their natural habitat. [1 point per crane — max 20 points]
• QR Code – a QR is “broken” into pieces. The entire QR code leads to a clue.
• Look, up in the Sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s [insert team name here]. Dress up as super heroes and do a super deed. [40 points — pics/video or it didn’t happen]
• Create a sand sculpture of your favorite muppet. [30 points]
• Re-enact a video game in real life. Must include power ups and a skill tree. Video please. [20 points, +50 points if played in an inappropriate place]
• Write a fine ballad
  Like days of yore
  That tells of your exploits
  As you seek to score
  In this fine scav hunt,
  as you race against time
  I hope you’re better
  than I am at rhyme

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Popular Example Scavenger Hunts

• UChicago
• Freelancer
• GOSH (no longer active) – Orlando
• Key West Hunt