Unity3D Interactive Inspiration

Although we have used different platforms in the past, the more we use Unity3D the more it becomes our go-to platform for prototyping, real-time integration, and motion capture experiences. We find it enables us to integrate our internal departments and new technologies in a more intuitive way, while bridging the gap between pre-rendered and real-time interactive content.

We explored Unity3D’s expansive capabilities earlier this year when we were commissioned to create a unique interactive experience at the newly opened Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers and future site of Super Bowl 50. We developed the experience in collaboration with the stadium’s networking partner, Brocade, who installed the most robust networking infrastructure of any sports arena to date. Once we looked at the requirements for the project, Unity seemed the obvious choice for the task at hand.

This project had so many components and moving parts that we needed a system which allowed for rigorous testing. Every time we tried to integrate new technology we encountered a host of downstream issues. Unity’s open infrastructure and real-time capabilities helped us find these issues quickly while simultaneously prototyping and debugging. We were also able to leverage pre-rendered motion graphics with real-time gameplay layers to achieve deeply polished visual effects while going easy on the computer’s memory and GPU.

What we created is a one-of-a-kind interactive video experience which leverages Unity’s ability to seamlessly bridge IR cameras and emitters, Kinect motion capture systems, DMX lighting control, and pre-rendered video content. The experience is displayed on a breathtaking 15’x 5’, 4k resolution rear-projection laser video wall provided by Prsym.

Special thanks to Polyfied, makers of the Particle Playground plugin for Unity. They were instrumental in developing features which allowed us to influence very specific particle behaviors we could not have otherwise easily controlled. Polyfied also developed some permanent features for Particle Playground including snapshot saving and recalling for rapidly developing complex particle system behaviors; as well as particle masking/unmasking for tight control, over hiding, and revealing particle systems. Many of these features are now available in Particle Playground 2, which was released through the Unity Asset Store early this year.

Unity3D enabled us to break new ground and produce an experience that leveraged a host of new technologies. It has been our pleasure to work with and develop on Unity3D. We continue to use Unity and are always trying to push it harder than anyone ever has before. Don’t forget to check our social feed to see how we used Unity in our Holiday Party!