Program Overview

Transcript

P ro gram Over view Terracosm Overview Terracosm is mobile adventure game, blending the physical and digital worlds through augmented and virtual reality. With an exciting STEM-themed storyworld, Terracosm enhances the Science Center experience for kids of all ages. Designed as a turnkey installation, Terracosm propels players though the various areas of each Science Center in search of Augmented and Virtual reality triggers called TerraPorts. Scanning these with the App on their smartphone or tablet, players are launched into one of four game-based missions designed to introduce fundamental STEM concepts through gameplay and story. Terracosm was conceived to foster a love and fascination in STEM-themed subject matter in kids aged 6-11. Our mission is to inspire this generation of kids in an immersive narrative driven game world, much like Star Trek in the 60’s inspired a generation to take a life-long interest in science-themed subjects. P l a t f o r m T a r g e t A u d i e n c e • iOS and Android mobile devices • Science center visitors aged 6-12 Features • • • • • Sci fi storyworld AR and VR mobile gaming experience 2-3 hour experience takes place at science centers and at home Snackable experience designed to compliment the existing science center visit, not overpower it Integrated STEM content The Magic Of Terracosm • First of its kind Mixed Reality STEM-based immersive gaming experience • Engaging kids on a platform they already love, with an eye to where hardware will be going in the future • Transportive experience taps into Players’ imaginations using the coolest science and technology hardware available – always cutting edge • This is the coolest most advanced time for science that humankind has ever lived through, we are tapping into exciting kids about that PAGE 2 The Terracosm Narrative Setup Terracosm’s founder, Ulysses Wolfe, a noted scientific explorer and inventor, has accomplished the unthinkable – he has discovered the Multiverse. Having invented TerraPorts – portals that access Universes other than our own – Wolfe has proven that our universe is just one of an infinite number of universes within a much greater Multiverse. Terracosm’s VISR system, an App-based technology used to interact with the TerraPorts, allows Cadets to explore and navigate these alternate universes. In his first effort to begin exploring these alternate universes, Wolfe sent his proprietary iON Probes through four of the TerraPorts to collect data on the scientific properties of these never-beforeexplored worlds. Unfortunately for Wolfe, not long after sending the iONs, all contact was lost, rendering them inoperable. Even worse, strange things are starting to happen here on Earth, as the TerraPorts seem to be allowing the scientific anomalies from these various universes to bleed through. Unless Wolfe gets those probes back soon, these anomalies could lead to disastrous consequences for the entire planet. What Wolfe has been able to determine so far is that each of the Universes he has accessed demonstrates a scientific principle different from what we know to be true here in our universe (i.e. friction isn’t present; gravitational forces are different, etc.). Wolfe believes that it is these scientific anomalies that have damaged his iONs. If he can just retrieve the iONs, he should be able to determine exactly what is going on in each of the Universes and hopefully uncover new areas of science that have been previously unimaginable. And that is where You, the Player, come in. Wolfe has reached out to Science Centers worldwide, to enlist the help of the scientific enthusiasts that visit them - to become Terracosm Cadets and help him retrieve the lost iONs and stop the problems here on earth before it’s too late. PAGE 3 Terracosm Components Terracosm is a narrative experience built around two central elements: 1) The Gateway AR Experience 2) The Game T e r r a c o s m G a t e w a y AR E x p e r i e n c e The first touchpoint in the Terracosm experience is the Terracosm Gateway - a portable 36 square foot physical installation designed to catch the eye of passing patrons to introduce them to the game. Located in (or near) the main lobby or another high traffic area inside the Science Center, the Gateway includes a backdrop with Terracosm branding and a call to action to download the App, a large built-in Augmented Reality trigger and one tablet on a secure stand, preloaded with the Terracosm App**. Clicking the start button on the tablet initiates a brief narrative experience that engages and excites Players, giving them the first piece of story along with an incredible Augmented Reality experience, closing with a call to action to download the Terracosm App, become a Terracosm Cadet and complete the Mission to save the planet! **The Gateway can also include additional tablets on stands, a WiFi hub to facilitate downloads of the App, and a charging station for patrons in need of a refresh for their device. The Game The overarching goal for players in the game is to help Wolfe retrieve his four iON Probes, which is achieved by exploring each of the four worlds and completing the challenges found within. Game Play There are four story-based Gameworlds that are built around fundamental STEM concepts, which motivate all game play within that Gameworld. For Season One of Terracosm, the Gameworlds / STEM concepts are: A e r o n – Thermals and Flight E l e ct r o – Energy M i c r o b i a - Molecular Construction F r i cto - Friction PAGE 4 Terracosm Components CONTINUED... Terracosm is comprised of twenty (20) TerraPorts. Each of the four (4) Gameworlds is accessed via five (5) color coded TerraPort portals, each one of which presents an increasingly difficult level of a 3D Virtual Reality mini-gaming Challenge. TerraPorts are made of high durability 3M decals that adhere to the floor, and provide enough visibility for several players to play a given TerraPort at any time. Individual TerraPorts can be clustered or spread throughout common areas or inside exhibit spaces as desired. Once Players have downloaded the Terracosm App they set off to find the TerraPorts using the integrated map of your Science Center, which indicates the placement of each portal so players have a basic guide to help them in the game. When a Cadet locates a TerraPort, they use the App to scan it via their device’s camera, to initiate a 3D Virtual Reality mini-gaming challenge that ties into the overarching storyline. Players move throughout the Center, finding TerraPorts, completing Gameworld challenges and collecting points as they go. For consistency, each Gameworld focuses on a single mini-game mechanic (ie. all of the challenges encountered in Aeron will be the Flight Simulator game). The final Terraport found within each Gameworld will reveal a Puzzle Box Challenge. Here, in incredible Augmented Reality, the Player will reassemble the iON using the materials collected in each gaming challenge, reanimating the Probe and revealing the scientific data it has collected, which signals the successful completion of that Gameworld. Game play at each TerraPort takes between 60 to 120 seconds to complete. Players can take as little or as much time as they like to complete the Mission, which allows them to enjoy their visit to the Science Center on their own schedule. Further, TerraPorts do not have to be accessed in any particular order. The App has been designed so the first TerraPort a Player encounters in a Gameworld will trigger the first Challenge. The fifth TerraPort they encounter will always trigger the Puzzle Box Challenge. In this way, the TerraPorts are independent of the games being triggered and do not require players to hunt out specific TerraPorts, however, to the Player, it will appear as if each TerraPort is tied to a specific Game Challenge. PAGE 5 STEM Integration Terracosm has been designed to introduce STEM concepts through a highly engaging entertainment experience. Again, our intent is to inspire this generation of kids within the context of gameplay, much like Star Trek inspired a previous generation to take a life-long interest in science-themed subjects. Terracosm is designed to inspire imaginations and encourage kids to become interested in scientific themes because it’s fun and interesting to them, and not because they’re told so. As a result Terracosm is not an overtly educational experience. As Players enter each of the four Gameworlds, a brief explanation of the scientific anomaly occurring there is given as part of game setup, including an explanation of how this anomaly differs from what we experience in our Universe. Within each Gameworld, Players must make use of one basic principle in order to complete the challenge found there (i.e. use hot air to keep your glider in flight), and are asked to collect four physical items related to that discipline, connected to a simple, always accessible explanation of what that piece is and how it is used.. For instance, in the Electro – the Energy Mission, the pieces being collected to repair the associated iON include a voltmeter, circuit board, transformer and resistor. To kids (and parents) however, this all presents as an exciting adventure on digital devices kids already love, where the STEM concepts are secondary to the narrative and gameplay. G i f t S h op Terracosm includes a merchandise program unlike any other, extending the Terracosm / science center experience to home, the car, the schoolyard. Augmented Reality Temporary Tattoos bring Terracosm’s iON Probes to life as they spring out of the tattoo when scanned with the App, and four highgloss 11 x 17 posters representing each Gameworld in beautiful, aspirational graphics that actually serve as mixed reality triggers, unlocking additional bonus content within the App. Ho m e G a m e The app contains infinite modes of all four Gameworlds, so Players can play their favorite games whenever they like. However they can only access the full Mission experience at your science center. PAGE 6 Science Center Resources Terracosm is designed to: • Be free to play for anyone with access to a mobile device • Be delivered as a turn-key offering for each Science Center, complete with The Gateway Experience, 20 Mixed Reality TerraPorts, installation and best practice instructions, and several modes of marketing materials, supported by a single consumer-facing website at Terracosm.tv • Integrate simply and easily into existing Science Center infrastructure and workflow, requiring no additional resources in terms of Science Center staffing (although floor hosts should be well versed in the game and be able to answer questions as required) • Run entirely from the mobile App, and only require a hardwired power (and potentially Ethernet) drops for the Gateway Experience • Require very little in the way of maintenance or upkeep, outside of Terraport decal replacement as required • Piggyback on existing center marketing and promotional efforts • Drive Players to the Science Center gift shop as the game ends, and potentially drive Membership signups As a fully turnkey digital entertainment offering, Terracosm DOES NOT: • Require or take away valuable floor space from other exhibits • Require additional human resources to host and run Proudly Launching The Terracosm Beta Pilot Program At The Following Centers Terracosm - Are you game? For sales inquiries please contact [email protected] PAGE 7 The Team The team behind Terracosm has a storied background in creating and producing successful kids entertainment, both commercially and educationally. And with children of their own, is sensitive to creating safe, engaging entertainment that will hold their attention while inspiring an interest in learning. • Jarrett Sherman, Co-CEO of Digital Howard, has won international awards for his work both in educational children’s television and in creating and producing digital entertainment for children and families. • Daniel Dales, Co-CEO of Digital Howard, is a prolific award winning digital producer who has produced groundbreaking digital entertainment for Family Channel, CBCKids, YTV and The CW. • Matthew Wexler, CEO and Executive Producer at Wexworks Media, was co-head of Spin Master Entertainment, the entertainment division of global toy company Spin Master, and was a key creative in blockbuster hits like Bakugan, Paw Patrol, Tenkai Knights. PAGE 8 TERRACOSM FAQ What Is Terracosm? Terracosm is a cutting edge science fiction entertainment experience that compliments the existing offering and enhances engagement at Science Centers around the world. Designed as a turnkey installation, Terracosm fosters interest and fascination in STEM subject matter in kids aged 6-11, by engaging them in a narrative-driven Augmented Reality mobile gaming experience unlike anything in the market today. Who is it for? Terracosm is for boys and girls aged 6-11. By design, it takes a non-didactic approach to integrating its STEM content, focusing instead on narrative and game play to engage kids. Their exposure to STEM content comes through game play and problem solving, without their ever having realized it. Is there a story to Terracosm? Terracosm is propelled by an immersive narrative, where Ulysses Wolfe, scientific explorer and founder of fictional Earth Sciences Institute Terracosm, has invented TerraPorts, which are Portals that access Universes other than our own. Wolfe has also invented the VISR System, an App-based technology that allows anyone to be able to interact with the TerraPorts, to travel through them or retrieve elements through them. Having perfected his Portal invention, Wolfe sent four of his proprietary research probes (known as iONs) through the TerraPorts to collect data on the scientific properties of these never-before-explored Universes. Unfortunately, not long after sending the iOns through the Portals, all contact was lost. Even worse, strange things are starting to happen here on Earth, and unless Wolfe gets those probes back soon, these anomalies could lead to disastrous consequences for the entire planet. Now, Wolfe has reached out to science centers worldwide, to enlist the help of the scientific enthusiasts that visit them - to help him retrieve the lost iOns and stop the problems here on earth before it’s too late. Ho w d o I p l a y T e r r a c o s m ? Terracosm is an App-based mobile game for Android and iOs devices, where Players locate Portals to Alternate Universes placed throughout science centers, and complete short, narratively-driven 3D Virtual Reality challenges. PAGE 9 One of Terracosm’s best features is its accessibility. Terracosm requires no special gear or cumbersome headsets to experience the wonder of its Augmented and Virtual Reality. As an entirely mobile experience, Terracosm is accessible to anyone with a smartphone or tablet. Ho w d o e s 3 D A u g m e n t e d a n d V i r t u a l R e a l i t y f i t i n t o the experience Using these incredible new technologies, Players will be able to peer into imagined Alternate Universes, fly through their landscapes, interact with their inhabitants, escape perilously close calls, and even play with particles at the molecular level, all without ever leaving the science center in which they are playing Terracosm. Do e s T e r r a c o s m h a v e a n y E d u c a t i o n a l V a l u e ? Each of the challenges have been built around fundamental STEM concepts in order to introduce players to these concepts in the context of game play, and not didactic learning, something the 6-11 age group responds to very well. While Terracosm is not intended to be an explicitly educational experience, STEM fundamentals do put the ‘science’ in Terracosm’s science fiction premise. To ensure accuracy and educational excellence, David Laredo (M.Ed Integration of Digital Technology in the Classroom, STEM Learning Coach, and Vice Principal with the Toronto District School Board) joined our team to consult on developing the STEM integrations into the Terracosm experience. What is the Terracosm Gateway Experience? The Terracosm Gateway Experience is an attention grabbing experience designed to live in the front lobby (or similar adjacent high-traffic space) in order to draw in potential Players, wow them with an incredible Augmented Reality experience, and kick off the entire Terracosm game. This display is portable and easy to move, should you require it. This 36 sq ft display includes an 8 foot tall display and one tablet on a secure stand, preloaded with the Terracosm App, so visitors can have a sensational initial Augmented Reality experience without having to download the App. The story elements and impressive Augmented Reality will conclude with a prompt to join the team, download the App and complete the Mission. Do e s T e r r a c o s m t a k e u p a l o t o f r oo m ? Do e s i t h a v e t o live anywhere specific? Terracosm is designed to integrate into existing science center visitor flow without requiring much in the way of dedicated space. The TerraPorts are floor decals that can live in hallways, corridors and near the entranceways to your larger galleries and exhibits, or inside those exhibits if you choose. At 36 square feet, the Lobby Gateway Experience is small. Ideally it is situated in or near the front lobby of your center. P A G E 10 Ho w l o n g d o e s t h e G a m e t a k e t o c o m p l e t e ? There are 4 Gameworlds to complete, and each one is comprised of five TerraPort challenges. The game play experience at each TerraPort is designed to take between 60 and 120 seconds, allowing visitors to play Terracosm without it dominating their Science Center visit. Visitors can take their time and spread out their Terracosm experience or play it all at once. It is up to each participating Science Center whether to cluster the TerraPorts or spread them out, making them harder to find. Do p l a y e r s h a v e t o p l a y i n a n y p a r t i c u l a r order? No. The App has been designed so the first TerraPort a Player encounters in a Gameworld will trigger the first Challenge. The fifth TerraPort they encounter will always trigger the Puzzle Box Challenge. In this way, the TerraPorts are independent of the games being triggered and do not require players to hunt out specific TerraPorts. However, to the Player, it will appear as if each TerraPort is tied to a specific Game Challenge. C a n m u lt i p l e p l ay e r s p l ay ? Yes. Terracosm is built so up to four (4) players can play using the same device. What does the overall Terracosm experience include? Terracosm has been designed as a permanent turnkey experience. For a very reasonable license fee, participating Science Centers will receive: 20 x 36” Gameworld-based, color coded Augmented/ Virtual Reality TerraPort floor decals The complete portable Lobby Gateway Experience which includes: • Branded 8 foot backdrop • Augmented Reality floor mat trigger • One tablet on a secure stand preloaded with the Terracosm App Four complete Gameworlds, with 5 portal challenges each. Gameworlds focus on: • Flight • Friction • Energy • Chemistry A suite of marketing materials including: • Video trailers to promote the experience • B-roll video • Copy for email and newsletter blasts • Style guide • Logo and assets for the creation of ads and promotional materials P A G E 11 • Presence on the Official Terracosm website Merchandise is available, subject to negotiations with your Gift Shop administration. Please contact [email protected] for more information • • Comprehensive installation instructions and best practices Technical support What are the benefits to Science Centers? In addition to having a cutting edge STEM-based Mixed Reality mobile gaming experience to promote, Terracosm offers many benefits to both Science Centers and their visitors. For visitors, the game is free to download and free to play. It is intuitive so kids of all ages can play it, and it exposes all Players to fundamental STEM concepts in the context of fun and engaging game play. For Science Centers, Terracosm layers over top of your existing experience without detracting from or affecting it. It does not require limited amounts of dedicated floor space, and has the potential to make use of currently unused space, while encouraging patrons to visit far-flung corners of your science center in order to complete the game. It is designed to encourage visits to the gift shop, repeat visits to your science center, and potentially to incentivize membership sales (phase II). Do I n e e d e x t r a s t a f f t o h o s t T e r r a c o s m at my Science Center? No. Terracosm has been purposefully designed to integrate easily into existing science center infrastructure, with little requirement in terms of power, maintenance or personnel, although floor hosts should be well versed in the game and be able to answer questions as required.
 It sounds great. It also sounds expensive. Terracosm is a permanent installation, and it is priced lower than any temporary touring exhibit you may encounter. And did we mention it’s free to play for anyone with their own mobile device? P A G E 12