| Initiator |
Cartoon Network |
| Completion |
2006 |
| Description |
With more than 150 casual games on its broadband site, Cartoon Network was looking for ways to expand the distribution of their game library beyond personal computers. Because the network specifically wanted to target game consoles and optimize development efforts, their AFI Digital Content Lab project focused on the PS3 and the PC,developing a game that would work on both platforms using the same interface and coding. In conceptualizing the project, the team asked itself, "How do you play an episode?" They wanted to create an experience that allowed viewers to watch an episode and play a game at the same time.The result is a prototype for "BEN 10," one of the network's top three series. Ben is a young boy who acquires a device that initially gives him access to 10 aliens, each with a different superpower and form. "BEN 10 MEGASERIES" challenges viewers to answer pop-up questions during each episode, dubbed a "megasode." A season would have 13 megasodes. Every time a player answers enough correct answers in a particular megasode, a new alien (with its respective powers) is unlocked in the game. Armed with the powers of the aliens unlocked during the season, players may then enter the season-long multiplayer game, called the Battle Arena. The two-level structure of the prototype encourages repeat viewing of particular episodes-while players rack up points and attempt to earn new powers, with the Battle Arena leveraging the full game-playing skills of each player. Players are ranked by their success in the multiplayer game. The "BEN 10 MEGASERIES" prototype is the first game created for the PS3 browser. It is earmarked for launch in the fall of 2007. |
| Mentors |
Cartoon Network: Ross Cox, Eric Breier; Beyond Z: Karen Lennon; Dreamsocket: Kenny
Bunch; The Barbarian Group: Keith Butters; Sony Computer Entertainment of America: Klaus
Hofrichter; Sony Corporation of America: Joss Rogers; MSN Entertainment & Video
Services: Sam Sutherland; Pogo (Electronic Arts): Todd Kerpelman; Georgia Tech eTV Lab:
Janet Murray, Sergio Goldenberg, Annie Lausier; PDI/Dreamworks Animation: Patricia
Beckmann; Consultant: Tricia Nelson |
| Platform |
FlashPlayer |
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| Direct Link |
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©2007 American Film Institute. All rights reserved.