Digital Street Game

Here you see someone in New York playing what can only be called a game of Newspaper Hopscotch.

"Digital Street Game," explain the inventors, "is an Internet-enhanced street game in which players stage and document small interventions or "stunts" on the street corners of New York in order to claim turf on a virtual map of the city. The game is an experiment in collectively reimagining commonplace views of New York. By providing an online counterpart to the urban environment, it allows players to share their visions of the city with others.

"Digital Street Game is virtual graffiti that draws on your imagination, your sense of humor, and your dignity. Some people look at New York and think 'why?' We look at New York and think, 'Why the hell not?'

"Digital Street Game is a research project developed by Michele Chang and Elizabeth Goodman, design researchers working with Intel Research's People and Practices Group. The research goals of this project are to gain a better understanding of how games can be integrated into everyday life, how technology can play a role in fostering engagement in urban places, and how collective views can aid in building community.

"But most importantly, the game is an excuse to get out and have some fun."

But wait, here's more:

The object: "To dominate New York City through public acts of stupidity, foolishness, and fun (hereinafter referred to as "stunts")."

Stunts: "...Stunts have three elements: a prop a game, and a wildcard. Props are objects you'd find around a city, like coffee cups or fire hydrants. Games are any traditional game, like jump rope or hopscotch. And wildcards are urban situations, events, or attributes, like the St. Patrick's Day Parade or 'vice.'"

All in all, digitally-enhanced street-game-wise, this one seems to be amongst the best and bravest. It makes me happier just knowing that such silliness is brewing in the big cities.


Thanks for the link Nonsense NYC and he who is known as "Noise E. Pirhanna."