Aninteractivevideogameaboardoneofthelargestcruiseshipsintheworld:WithSasu'sMysticalQuest,wehavecreatedanexcitingandtechnicallyinnovativegameforRoyalCaribbeanInternational,nowavailableontheSpectrumoftheSeas.
Client
Royal Caribbean
Industry
Travel & Leisure
Services
Technical ConsultingUX DesignVisual DesignSoftware DevelopmentDevOpsProducing
Phygital Gaming Zone: Sasu's Mystical Quest is now on board the Spectrum of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean sought a striking, experiential unique selling proposition that excites guests and is talked about online for a long time. The challenge was to create a physical experience that operates around the clock on board, works for different user groups, and measurably increases engagement, session duration, and satisfaction.
The project had to combine technical robustness, ease of use, and high experiential value. Success metrics included game sessions, average playtime, and positive guest feedback, as well as reliable performance under maritime conditions.
In the end, an immersive phygital experience was created: an action-packed jump’n’run that combines digital game mechanics with haptic control while also offering a maintainable hardware solution and accessible options.
An interactive game with its own hardware, inclusive controller, and plug-and-play setup is playable on board.
Sasu is a gender-neutral character in a distinctive neoprene suit, designed in four color variations to create emotional attachment and recognition. The underwater world expands with each level, colorful lighting moods and vibrant 3D animations invite exploration and provide surprising moments in the game.
The controls make the game physical and accessible.
Up to four players control Sasu via a handcrafted LED balance board that detects weight shifts, jumps, and shaking movements. For people with limited mobility, an accessible variant with large input options is available, ensuring that no one is excluded from the experience.
In close collaboration with architects, we transformed a simple room into an oceanic experience world, where light animations, LED accents, and a clearly visible leaderboard capture attention. Directional speakers create personal sound islands, allowing each player to experience their own sound space without disturbing neighbors.
The process followed discovery, prototyping, construction, and launch, accompanied by early tests at sea, rapid hardware iterations, and close coordination with the crew to ensure reliability and game balance under real conditions.
A pragmatic, iterative process ensured stability and fun.
Measurable successes and enthusiastic guests speak for themselves.
By the time of handover, 548 hours of gameplay were recorded, 16 character versions tested, and extensive level landscapes implemented; guests praise the immersion, the crew reports high occupancy, and the installation generates strong social media moments and extended dwell times in the entertainment area.