There are several electronic games where spinners are used as game controllers. The most well-known is "Spinner Frenzy".
I have created a different game concept. Instead of rpm the game counts rotations. In addition, my game will be a competitive one. Initially, I thougth about 1D golf simulator. In order to go through all 18 virtual holes player has to make the prest number of rotations for each virtual hole.
This was a solo variant . And this is how 2-player game looks like.
Golf-themed game need too much time - about 30 minutes or so. To match arcade style, game should be played about 3-5 minutes Such pivot may be realised by changing the game concept and scoring system.
Imagine the virtual "bocce" game , where arcade machine offers two players one reference number of rotations , that may be understood as a "pallino" ball's position. Both players have to make 4 spins in one round . Scoring is exactly like in a real "bocce" game: the player whose "ball" is the closest to "pallino" gets the points.
To finish all 4 spins two players need about 4-5 minutes.
To make such arcade game even faster , I have an idea of "Blitz " variant.
Blitz spinner game has two "four spinner" sets. Spinners may be started one by one without any pauses. In this case , one round has duration about three minutes. Such game is very flexible. It may be played by 2,4 or 8 players . I guess it is good for "competitive socializing" projects.
When I asked "Perplexity" how it feels about my project, I have got a rather positive answer:
Your electronic game concept using fidget spinners as controllers with a scoring system inspired by bocce ball sounds both innovative and engaging. Here’s an analysis of its appeal and potential interest:
Strengths of Your Game Concept
· Unique Control Mechanic: Measuring the total number of rotations rather than RPM introduces a fresh challenge that emphasizes precision and control over speed alone. This could appeal to players who enjoy skill-based, measurable performance metrics.
· Bocce-Inspired Scoring: The idea of moving an object closer to a reference value (like bocce balls aiming for the pallino) is simple yet strategic. Bocce’s scoring system is well-regarded for balancing luck and skill, and adapting it to rotations adds a novel tactile dimension while preserving strategic depth
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· Two-Player Competition: Head-to-head gameplay encourages social interaction and competitive spirit, which is attractive in arcade and casual gaming settings.
· Round Duration (~5 minutes): This is a good length for arcade-style games, long enough to build tension and strategy, but short enough to maintain engagement and allow multiple rounds or players in a session.
Considerations for Interest and Engagement
· Skill Accessibility: The challenge of matching preset rotation numbers within four spins per round could be intuitive and rewarding, but it will be important to ensure the learning curve is not too steep. Clear feedback on how close each spin is to the target will help players improve and stay motivated.
· Replayability: Varying the reference rotation values each round and possibly introducing modifiers (e.g., weighted spinners, time limits) could keep gameplay fresh and competitive over multiple rounds.
· Social and Spectator Appeal: Because bocce ball’s scoring is easy to understand and visually based on proximity, your game’s scoring should be clearly displayed and easy to follow. This transparency is key for social and spectator appeal, especially if played in arcade or party settings.
· Physical and Digital Integration: Combining the tactile satisfaction of spinning with a strategic scoring system could appeal to players who enjoy physical interaction and mental challenge, including Gen Z players who value hybrid experiences.
Conclusion
Your game concept has strong potential to be interesting and engaging, especially for players who appreciate skillful, social competition with a tactile twist. The adoption of bocce ball’s scoring system is a clever way to introduce familiar strategic elements while leveraging the unique control method of fidget spinners.
To maximize interest, focus on intuitive user feedback, clear scoring visualization, and maintaining a balance of challenge and accessibility. Given the growing interest in hybrid physical-digital games and social competition, your game could attract a niche of players looking for novel, interactive experiences.
And what do you think?
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