This paper presents the Augmented Reality Audio Game (ARAG) "Mystic Isle: in search of the golden lyre", which focuses on the exploration of the cultural heritage of Corfu. It was developed as the author's MA dissertation under the co-author's supervision for the Postgraduate Program "Arts and Technologies of Sound" offered jointly by the Department of Music Studies and the Department of Audiovisual Arts of the Ionian University. The game employs geolocation technology on players' mobile phones to trigger appropriate audio stimuli along a predefined path of historical points of interest (POIs). Throughout the game, players interact with significant historical figures who provide various insights into the unfolding narrative intertwined with information on themselves and historical landmarks. To witness the audio events players need to be not only in specific places, but also at specific times. Thus, the common Audio Augmented Reality (AAR) practice of utilizing space as a gameplay element is combined with a novel approach of including time as a decisive factor as well. Last, the general music context mirrors a medieval setting enriched with fantasy elements. This paper focuses on describing the design process in terms of creating the storyline, composing the audio content, and shaping the game's audio-based mechanics.
Alexander Koumplis (male, b. 1994, Greece) is a graduate of the Music Department of Ionian University, holding a degree in Music Composition. Currently, he is completing his Master’s degree in Sonic Arts and Audio Technologies. His dissertation focuses on the creation of audio-augmented reality games in the scope of preserving cultural heritage through educational and immersive sonic experiences. This academic endeavor has broadened his expertise in software programming, sonification, audio game creation, game mechanics design, and storytelling. As an artist, Alexander integrates elements from the gaming industry into his musical compositions, blending different styles and techniques, and showcasing his proficiency in audio recording, mixing, mastering, music composition and game design.
Dr. Emmanouel Rovithis holds a PhD in Electronic Music Composition and an MA in Music Composition. He is currently employed as Laboratory Teaching Personnel (E.DI.P) at the Department of Audiovisual Arts of the Ionian University, teaching courses related to the fields of Art Education, Music Programming, Sound Design, and Gamification. His research is focused on Audio Games and Audio Augmented Reality applied in the fields of education, cultural heritage, tourism, entertainment, music creation. As a music composer and sound designer for theater and cinema Rovithis has collaborated with directors such as Aris Biniaris, Mario Banushi, Georgia Mavragani, Esther Andre Gonzales, Justine Goussot, Makis Papadimitratos, Vicky Sachpazi and others. As an instructional designer he has delivered educational software and workshops on behalf of organizations including the Friends of Music Association of the Athens Concert Hall, the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation and the Ionian University. His research and artistic work has been presented in book chapters, scientific journals, international conferences, festivals and exhibitions. His portfolio can be found at: www.sonicmanos.com
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