Fracture:
A Marvel Pop-Up Experience
An immersive phygital game prototype for MCU fans.
Like air hockey meets the MCU — players physically control projected Marvel heroes on a shared table to take down Doctor Doom and his army of Doombots.
Problem
MCU fans aren't equally prepped for games.
The onset of Marvel Rivals marks a major demographic shift in entertainment towards gamers, yet Marvel's most loyal fans are suited for the cinema and are at risk of being left behind.
Opportunity
Bringing gaming to non-gamers.
Creating an experience that introduces MCU fans to the excitement of online gaming — without the skill barriers — through Marvel's IP. By meeting cinematic fans where they already are, this pop-up partners with theaters nationwide to deliver an immersive phygital gaming experience tied to the current Marvel release.
Exterior of the Fracture pop-up dome experience at a movie theater.
Immersive gaming table that invites 3 players at a time.
1. Players illuminate projected paths as Marvel characters.
2. Players end up at different game tables with grabbable controllers.
3. The room creates unique teams based on each player's character
4. Players leave the game dome.
Concept
When Heroes Cross Paths, Sparks Fly.
Designed for three players against an AI enemy, this timed bullet-hell game balances teamwork and individual skill. Each session delivers an intimate yet dynamic experience, uniquely shaped by characters and teammates.
Game Design Overview
Designed for gamers of all skill-levels.
A curated user experience that onboards a player into the game's rules, mechanics, and gameplay, incorporating fans' favorite characters and lore from the MCU.
Feature 1
Shatter the enemy with your Chronoshard
Players' devices are enveloped in a Chronoshard, a piece from the broken multiverse, which they push around to shatter invading Doombots.
Feature 2
Dodge and destroy an army of Doombots.
Dr. Doom and his future self have teamed up to wreak havoc across the multiverse, releasing waves of Doombots with different abilities: a homing bot, a sharp shooter, and an AOE spawner.
Feature 3
Assemble with your teammates.
Assemble other players to unleash combined powers unique to your heroes and take down all Doombots in the vicinity.
Feature 4
Preserve your health & beat the clock.
Each player gets immediate visual feedback on their Nexus, a custom UI system that displays health, power-ups, score, and time remaining.
Feature 5
Emergent dialogue for richer narratives.
Using OpenAI, the game generates situational dialogue and conversations based on character lore and in-game stats, sparking unique narratives across the MCU.
Process
Ideating a non-gamer-friendly experience.
The process aimed to translate the joys of online gaming into in-person play. These tenets were: finding your character, forming a team, and completing a mission.
