Alpay Kasal, using a set of real BMX handlebars as a wireless controller opensource hardware and software including the Arduino and Blender3D, created a custom BMX video game that lets users steer a bike through the game.
It was created for Pfizer and used to promote medication at a tradeshow for sufferers of Hemophilia. Kasal says “I just got back from San Francisco. I did something I often do when I visit there (in addition to eating a gigantic crustacean). I always try to rent a mountain bike and do a half-day ride along the water towards the Golden Gate. My gig in SF was an exercise in mimicking real life – I provided a videogame experience of a cyclist on the streets of San Fran from Lombard Street to Fisherman’s Wharf! 2nd life meets 1st life! The bike game was to be a fun experience for kids at a Hemophilia convention which felt more like a street fair full of kid friendly activities. I’m honored that our bike game was one of the activities. The goal was to illustrate, in a fun way, 11 reasons why a particular medication is useful. Experience is a word I spend a lot of energy contemplating. The client wanted a custom videogame from the outset, so I, along with Sam Ewen at Interference Inc happily obsessed over how we might make the game a memorable and interesting virtual experience.”
Check it all out on his blog, and see the internals of the handlebar controller after the break…
