The Dallas Mavericks have tapped Groove Jones again to create Masketball – a gamified digital AR experience for their fans. The game is part of a promotion with the UT Southwestern Medical Pediatrics Group and promotes the idea of wearing a mask to help combat the spread of COVID-19. The “face game” was programmed using AR (Augmented Reality) and ML (Machine Learning) to track the player’s face when they have a mask on.
The game is a fun way to highlight the idea of wearing a face mask in a unique mobile game starring the Dallas Maverick’s mascots.
Fun and Challenging Game
The game is easy to learn and uses your face as a control. Yes, instead of tapping or swiping to control the game, the game was programmed to recognize your face and react to your facial gestures, even with a mask on!
“We call these Face Games,” says Groove Jones co-founder Dan Ferguson. “By using your camera and phone, we can create any type of casual game that incorporates the elements of your face, and make it part of the game. Everyone loves to see themselves in the action.”
Players have 24 seconds to make as many shots as they can. To shoot, players need to raise their eyebrows when the power meter is in the zone. After two consecutive shots, players have the opportunity to shoot in rapid-fire, where they have limited time to make as many baskets as possible regardless of the power meter.
Points are awarded for every basket made. Watch out for the Mavs Mascots – MavsMan and Champ, who are playing defense and attempt to block your shots.
Easy Accessibility to Play – No App Needed
After scanning the QR Code with their phone’s camera, they launch the AR face game. No App Is needed to play—the game experience uses Web AR, so it is playable on any mobile web browser.
At the end of the game, players can take a specially branded selfie through the App. This photo can then be saved to your photo album and shared on your preferred social channel. Through the web app, players can also learn more about UTSW Pediatrics Group, check out the Mavs schedule, and see more Mavs activities.
Concept Art
Below are some initial concept art and sketches of designs during the production.
Below are some of the logo designs that were submitted. The last logo is the final approved mark.
Even Champ got into the fun.
