5PONG: The Battle Machine

Revolutionizing Street Dance with Immersive Gaming

Street dance competitions thrive on creativity and the ability to stand out. However, developing improvisation skills can be incredibly challenging, especially for beginners. Drawing inspiration from immersive performances and installations that engage physical and emotional connections from audiences, Qiuyi Wu has created a game that pushes dancers to think on their feet and create unique moves in the moment.

What sets 5PONG apart is its intuitive and collaborative interaction. Dancers use an arcade-style boombox controller to control the visuals projected onto a modular stage. Competitors and audiences can give visual cues and feedback, challenging the dancers to adapt and create moves in real-time. This collaborative element adds a new layer of connection between performers and audiences, fostering a sense of discovery, intention, and collaboration.

The technology behind 5PONG is as impressive as the concept itself. The controller is made from acrylic, arcade buttons, and a ChimpSMA board. The buttons are read as PS3 data and transformed into MIDI data in MaxMspJitter for analyzing interactions and triggering visuals. The modular floor is built using plywood, rubber, and buckles for stability. Two short-throw projectors mounted on portable lighting and speaker stands, connected through triple2go, bring the visuals to life. The visuals are created using software like After Effects, Photoshop, and Max, blended by Modul8, and mapped by Madmapper.

Operating 5PONG is simple yet addictive. The game starts with a button-pushing race, and the fastest person gets to select moves using the arcade boombox controller for the loser to dance. This straightforward interaction sets the competitive tone and motivates players to keep pushing their limits. Watchers can also change icons or provide visual feedback, further enhancing the connection between performer and audience.

The project started as a senior thesis in January 2014 and was completed in May 2014. It was exhibited in the Parsons Thesis Show 2014 and performed as a showcase and night parties on the rooftop in the Williamsburg neighborhood. Throughout the development process, the design team faced conceptual and technical challenges, including highlighting dance through hidden technology, simplifying the concept, and creating an intuitive and relatable experience for both dancers and audiences. They also had to overcome technical difficulties such as avoiding shadows, building a reliable and portable floor and projection system, and dealing with unexpected software, hardware, and space issues during performances.

5PONG: The Battle Machine has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2015 for its well-designed, practical, and innovative approach. This award acknowledges designs that meet professional and industrial requirements while integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.

By combining street dance culture with immersive technology, 5PONG: The Battle Machine takes the excitement of street dance to a whole new level. It not only provides a platform for dancers to showcase their skills but also encourages audience participation, learning, and enjoyment. This unique and engaging project demonstrates the power of digital technology in enhancing and evolving art forms.