Technology Overview
Extreme Sports Tycoon is designed to run on contemporary Web-based 3D gaming engines, such as Java 3D, Shockwave, or Ya – Ya Media. The level-constructor is the only technically novel aspect of the game. There are several physics engines such as Havok that can be used with most web plugin software applications.

Small Game Levels
On each game level, the player controls 3-4 limited variables. Only one or two of them change action within each level. More often, the levels involve setting the initial conditions for the variables.

Multiple Camera Angles
On each level, the player can view the actions from multiple cameras. Minimally, there is an overall perspective camera, and the point of view of the player. However, booth designers can also set cameras in the world.

Interactive Textbook Resources
Extreme Sports Tycoon includes all of the text and pictorial information that one might commonly find in Physics textbooks. However, because Extreme Sports Tycoon also ships with robust simulation software (in the form of the game), students can not only read about Physics information, but they can also experiment with variables, and learn through Play.

Reduced complexity for web platform
Complexity is reduced by allowing users finite choices. Players can choose from any one of 100 settings for their site (Each setting is a simple 2.5 D environment, constructed in a 3D program like Studio Max and exported into the game engine).

  • Platform height. Designers can set the height of the platform in each environment. Players set this height by drag and drop, and then can tweak the exact height by entering the exact distance in a field.
  • Rope Length. Designers can choose a set of 12 rope lengths that will be available for each site.
  • Rope Elasticity. Designers can choose between 10 different rope elasticities.
  • Jumper Mass. Designers can make extra objects available for players to increase their mass.
  • Schtick Objects. Designers can select from a list of objects to increase the thrill of jumps, which would include flaming hoops, buckets of water, jacuzzis, and paint brushes / targets.


Copyright 2002, MIT.