Imagine adding the magic of fiction to the streets that surrounds us. Turning the physical environment into a mystery to be unraveled. Never knowing for sure what is real and what is not…

On this edge between reality and fiction there are games to be played. Stories to be told. Crossroads is a toolbox for exploring this new direction in urban entertainment, where the player is immersed in actual surround sound and the best 3D engine of them all: The real world.

Crossroads is the flexible solution for storytelling across multiple media channels, using technology already a part of the player’s life, such as cell phones, web pages and news feeds, to make the story come alive. Literally.

Player tracking
The Crossroads engine tracks the player’s progression through the game, and serves up the right dialogue or media asset at the right time and place:

Dialogue-driven interaction
The player’s interaction with the game is in part based on dialogue between the player and the fictional characters of the game. This pushes the momentum of the story literally out in the streets, where the player’s tasks are played out. SMS is used for this communication, allthough MMS, email and voicemail is also supported.

Common Technology
This use of common technology strenghtens the game’s grip on the player, and makes it accessible without installing any software or hardware.

Mission control
A game can also be provided with a web-based dashboard to help the player keep track of current missions, real-time story progression and character profiles. Utilizing a user-friendly interface the mission is visualized through innovative use of Google maps, and media playback and management. This dashboard can be provided for both browser-based and mobile platforms.

Live events
Crossroads also enables scripted in-game events and live performances. These events can be triggered by the player’s presence in a sertain location, by using RFID and AR-technology to track the player’s movement in the physical evironment.

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Credits:
Concept & direction: Jon Skivenes
Lead back-end developer: Jo havik
Lead front end developer: Victor Nystad

Currently released Crossroads prosjects: Fall of Varg Veum