Summary

In Beat the Buzz, players put their hands on a podium and wait for a haptic signal that indicates their turn. For as long as a fan embedded in the podium blows, they must score as many points as they can by slapping a large button.

The catch? It’s a one-handed game. Will you keep hitting the button and risk scoring points for another player, or spend precious moments checking that it’s still your turn?

Design

We wanted to create an accessible, fast-paced physical game. By using a haptic signal instead of an auditory or visual cue, the game can be played by people with low vision or limited hearing. The player podiums are at ADA-accessible height. Players only need one hand to play. Simple choices like putting the screens behind the players allow the audience to see whose turn it is without giving players any visual hints.

Players tap in with RFID badges featuring names like Sparkle Otter. (Picking a player name from over 300 creative combinations was a major part of the fun!) Player progress over multiple games is stored in a custom backend system and displayed on real-time leaderboards. When the game premiered in November 2022, the night culminated in a tournament featuring the highest-scoring players.

Credits

Backend System and Game Design: Valtech Themed Entertainment Studio

Show Control Hardware, Haptics, & RFID cards: IFM Interactive

Show Control Software & Podium Fabrication: Alchemy Controls

AV Support: Advisist