Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

ETH Zurich
look around you

There's a new way to play Super Mario Bros, and it's an 8-player, 360-degree game

Who needs one screen when you can see a NES game unfold all around you.

RESEARCHERS FROM ETH Zurich and Disney Research Zurich have created an eight-player experience where a game takes place around them.

The custom software and hardware setup allows side-scrolling NES games like Super Mario Bros, Castlevania, Excitebike and Contra to unfold around the eight players.

The game is displayed in real-time on a 360-degree projection system, and as it unfolds, the software stitches the level together to create a panoramic view. The system uses a series of projectors to display both the real-time version of the game and the parts already completed.

Once a player reaches a particular point, the next player takes control and it continues until they finish a level or lose the game.

NES 360 degree ETH Game Technology Center / YouTube ETH Game Technology Center / YouTube / YouTube

Testing out the system at an event with 400 people, it saw people continuously playing the games, stepping in and out of playing when required. Those attending cheered at a few instances whenever a player completed a difficult level.

For those who don’t have access to numerous projectors and a large hall, the researchers also created a virtual reality version. While it only requires one person to play, it’s not as practical since you have to continuously turn around to match the gameplay.

ETH Game Technology Center / YouTube

ETH Game Technology Center / YouTube

Read: Want to browse the web exactly like it was back in the 90s? Now you can >

Read: This smartphone’s big selling point is you can clean it with soap >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
5
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.