Queens Game

Extended Media collaborated with Professor Maureen Thomas of the Norwegian Film School (part of Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences – INN University) on “Queens Game“, a groundbreaking artistic research project funded by the Norwegian Artistic Research Programme (PKU, Project Grant 29).

“Queens Game” explores the potential of interactive digital storytelling to engage audiences with history in new and meaningful ways. The project moves beyond traditional linear narratives, developing the concept of a “HiStoryGame” – a historical story game that emphasizes user agency and immersion. The core narrative drew inspiration from the life of Queen Margrete I of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and her connection to Akershus Fortress.

Extended Media played a vital role in the game’s development, taking on a range of responsibilities that required both technical expertise and creative problem-solving. We designed and implemented the game’s graphical user interfaces (GUIs), ensuring they were both visually appealing and easy to use. Our team created a wide array of 3D models, from characters and props to entire environments. We also handled the spatial design of the game’s levels, carefully planning layouts to optimize both aesthetics and gameplay. Animation and rigging brought the game’s characters to life, and detailed texturing surface details to the 3D models. Furthermore, Extended Media conducted research to inform various aspects of the game’s development, ensuring technical feasibility and optimal player experience.

As part of the academic research nature of the project, Extended Media took on the responsibility of extensively documenting the process and achievements. This documentation encompassed over 40 documentary and promotional videos, as well as two dedicated websites. Furthermore, Extended Media prepared separate presentations for each of the eight conferences and seminars where Queens Game was showcased.

The game unfolds across two parallel worlds, so we adopted distinct visual styles for each: a more realistic style for the medieval castle and a more fairytale-like style for the dreamland. This duality informed our approach to creating the components used within the Unreal Engine game environment.

To ensure historical accuracy and a cohesive aesthetic, extensive research into medieval prop design was conducted. This research involved studying period artifacts, surviving architectural details, and, crucially, medieval illuminated manuscripts. The fantastical characters, lettering styles, and additional graphic elements found within the game were all directly inspired by the artistry and visual language of these illuminations, ensuring consistency with the historical period and creating a visually authentic medieval world.

Several of the 3D props were designed to be integral to the core gameplay experience, serving key functions within the game’s mechanics. Beyond their in-game roles, the design process also explored the feasibility of physically realizing these props through 3D printing. This exploration was part of a broader investigation into potential ways to expand the “Queens Game” universe beyond the digital screen, potentially including physical merchandise, interactive exhibits, or educational tools. The design team, therefore, considered factors such as printability, material choices, scale, durability, and the potential need for post-processing (e.g., painting, assembly) during the 3D modeling stage.

As part of its commitment to innovation, the “Queens Game” project investigated the potential of emerging media technologies to expand the boundaries of traditional gameplay. This included experimenting with holographic displays, envisioning how characters or game elements could be projected as three-dimensional holograms, and augmented reality (AR), exploring how AR overlays could be used to enhance the player’s interaction with the game world, potentially through mobile devices or AR glasses. These explorations were conducted alongside the development of the core gameplay experience using traditional game controllers, with the aim of identifying potential future integrations and expansions of the “Queens Game” platform.