Audio arc: an audio-spatial game using mobile phone ringtones

Audio Arc is an audio-spatial game for a group of players using mobile phone ringtones. A game host instructs players to set their phone alarms to default ringtones in unique pairs. Alarms are set a few minutes in advance of the game starting so that they all activate at the same time. Once the phone alarm activates, players seek their audio counterparts with the matching ringtone whilst blindfolded. On finding each other, players can remove their blindfolds and silence their phone alarms. The game is designed to keep rules and organization to a minimum so players may focus on the experience of navigating space using audio cues. The simplicity of the game play belies the more profound contemplation of the role of the human senses in orientation within an environment. It draws attention to the proliferation of digital sound in everyday situations. Each time the game is played, a unique soundscape is generated based upon the number of players, their choice of ringtone and the inherent acoustic qualities of the site of play. The mobile phone is re-signified for ludic and collaborative ends in ways that facilitate ad-hoc social interaction and draws attention to our audio-spatial senses.