Verbal Gymnastics
January - December 2022
About
Verbal Gymnastics is a single-player, motion-activated arcade game in which players find themselves having to perform their innocence for a jury of creatures. Dressed quite regally, perhaps in a nod to the interpretation of “common law” based on seventeenth-century English law, the Verbal Gymnastics jurors bring with them the idiosyncrasies one might expect from a jury. Players enact their innocence before the jury by performing a series of requested hand gestures. Jurors then interpret the player’s truthfulness and pass judgment accordingly.
My role
I spearheaded the entire project, serving as the driving force behind the initial concept development. As the lead programmer, technical director, and producer, I oversaw and contributed to various aspects of the project's execution. Additionally, I took charge of the grant-writing process, managed the construction of the arcade cabinet, and supervised the installation of the exhibit at Federal Hall in Manhattan. Over the course of a month, the exhibit garnered visibility from more than 1000 individuals.
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