Towards a new hybrid game model: designing tangible experiences

In this paper we intend to present a theoretical discussion on the definition and specificity of hybrid games and tangible experiences, grounded in the research project “FlavourGame”. The project is developing a serious game for kids aged 10–12 years old to generate discussion and sense-making around nutrition, more specifically everyday choices of nourishment and food. We believe hybrid games are presenting themselves as a new realm of gaming, opening new possibilities, making use of the best of both worlds - physical and virtual. Therefore, we are now working in the creation of a hybrid game model (combining the digital component based on a TUI - tangible user interface with a physical board game). FlavourGame aims to become a game design model for platforms mixing real, fictional and digital worlds merged through physical interactions and rich sensory experiences, unusual in videogames. We intend to present some of the ideas we have been brainstorming and drafting, built on past experiences, in order to design a research path in the direction of the development of a hybrid game model based on embodied conversation and player participation.