Overview

Overboard! is a large-scale, physical game installation designed and built by a multidisciplinary team at RIT. Inspired by classic game shows and physical challenge experiences, Overboard! invites players to hop from digital platform to digital platform, collecting as much treasure as they can within the time limit. The game blends digital scoring, real-time feedback, and physical interaction to create a unique, immersive experience for players and spectators alike.

As a developer, I played a key role in programming the game logic, integrating Unity with the Microsoft Kinect, and implementing UI elements created by our designers. My responsibilities included prototyping gameplay mechanics (see this very early gameplay demo!), developing the scoring and spawning systems, and collaborating with designers and engineers to ensure seamless interaction between software and physical components. I also contributed to user testing and exhibit design, helping refine the experience for public events and festivals.

Let's get into the technical details - Overboard! is a Unity project. We used four separate projectors to display the game; two were used for the leaderboard and UI elements, while the other two projectors displayed the main gameplay area on the floor. The game utilized a Microsoft Kinect sensor to track player movements and interactions with the projected platforms. The Kinect data was processed in Unity to determine player positions, jumps, and landings, allowing for real-time feedback and scoring.

After being showcased at Imagine RIT to hundreds of visitors, we submitted Overboard! to MODE Fest 2025, where it won the Best Interactive or Experiential award. The project was featured in local news, highlighting our team's innovative approach to blending technology and physical play.