KINETARIUM: Interactive Multiplayer Games for Fulldome Projections

Abstract

KINETARIUM is a new platform for interactive, collaborative fulldome shows for hundreds of people. It enables visitors to intervene spontaneously and in real time in what is happening on the dome, by using their own smartphones. Kinetarium introduces interactivity and gamification to the domes, with the visitors becoming fully immersed in the projection, just as if they were right in the middle of things. Everyone in the audience can participate in the show. Together, the players can go on missions, solve puzzles and discover new worlds – or simply try to crack the high score. In addition to dealing with scientific phenomena, the players experience how difficult the simplest tasks can be when joint decision-making, coordination, team work or compromises are required. That way, the games also teach learning processes about group dynamics or social behavior. The planetariums can thus enrich scientific content with playful and group-dynamic elements and make their program more attractive for a young, gaming and 3D savvy audience.