psyonic - A telekinetic AND COLLABORATIVE space shooter
the game
Psyonic is a space shooter game that encourages able-bodied and disabled players to collaboratively play together to successfully complete the game. The game style is based on the graphical paradigm of classical 90’s two-dimensional vertical-scrolling shooter games like Galaga or ghost pilots. the game was initially designed using Chromium B.S.U. and the emotiv epoc headset for brainwave input. Currently, the game is being re-developed and modernized using unity.
the interaction & game mechanics
The game is structured as follows: one player controls the spaceship and shoots at enemies using a classical game controller (i.e., joystick or joypad), while a second player (i.e., the “psyon”) co-pilots the spaceship using a brain-computer interface (BCI) to produce a protective/disruptive energy shield around the spaceship.
The shield created by the co-pilot allows the ship to avoid being destroyed when surrounded by multiple enemies. As such, in psyonic both the pilot and the co-pilot have the same importance, both can contribute to completing game missions, and both equally contribute to managing and winning battles against their spaceship enemies.
the concept
psyonic is not simply a game. it is an interactive experience that Creates an accessible gaming environment for both able-bodied and physically disabled people. the design and game mechanics of psyonic are aimed at creating collaborative and multi-user experiences, where both able-bodied and disabled people can feel equal and equally contribute in gameplay.
The introduction of a BCI as the input method used to control the spaceship’s “special” functionalities, was designed to provide people who have serious physical impediments (e.g., people affected by bilateral amyotrophic sclerosis) with the possibility to control the game without using their hands.
However, their role in the game is prominent, in which without a protective/disruptive shield, the two players would not be able to complete levels where the presence of spaceship enemies is overwhelming. therefore, the game also provides opportunities to enhance social interactions and accessibility in multi-modal gaming environments.
system overview & architecture
The input/output interfaces used for the game include (1) a set of tangible user interfaces (TUI), (2) a joystick or joypad, and (2) an Emotiv EPOC headset. The videogame was originally presented as a complex installation in Barcelona at various spaces, including the CCCB and the niu-espai artistic contemporani. the game/installation features a video projector with a big screen (2m height), a set of speakers for an immersive sound experience, and a gaming station wirelessly connected to a computer running the game.
THE GAME psyonic WAS CREATED BY THE FOLLOWING TEAM:
Giovanni Maria Troiano & Giovanni Marco Zaccaria