Projects
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Funkoville – Immersive Funko Experience at Riyadh Season 2025
Project Overview:
A vibrant, character-driven world was created for Riyadh Season 2025, inviting visitors of all ages to step into a living, breathing universe. At the heart of the experience was Freddy, a central mascot character who guided guests through a series of digital attractions, each powered by interactive technologies such as gesture recognition, LiDAR, scanning, AR, and phygital games.
The objective was clear: transform the attraction into an immersive, family-friendly destination, blending play, creativity, and immersive technology to create memorable moments for visitors.
NXT Interactive was commissioned to design and develop a seven-zone activation, combining intuitive gameplay, character animation, and high-energy engagement to bring the experience to life.
The Experience Journey
The experience featured seven bespoke interactive exhibits, each designed as a playful chapter in the immersive environment. Together, they formed a seamless visitor journey—touch, dance, scan, throw, and gesture your way through the magic.
1. Pop the Ball – Touch-Based Challenge
Overview
A fast-paced, tap-to-win mini-game where players had to quickly pop target-colored balls under a ticking timer. Speed and precision were key, with styled visual and celebratory animations upon victory.
Technology & Hardware
Tech: Unity Touch-Based Game
Input: Multi-touch 55” touchscreen
Gameplay: Color recognition, increasing difficulty, scoreboard
Output: Instant visual feedback with themed animations
This game set the tone for the experience—colorful, energetic, and addictive.
2. Sketch to Life
Overview
Guests colored characters on printedl sheets, then scanned them using a scanner. Within seconds, their artwork transformed into a fully animated avatar on a large display—jumping, waving, and moving in Freddy’s world.
Technology & Hardware
Tech: scanning + custom animation pipeline
Experience: Real-time scan → auto-wrap → animated display
Display: Large LED screen showcasing all visitor characters
This phygital experience empowered visitors to leave their artistic signature within the interactive world.
3. Dance – Body Tracking Music Game
Overview
Using a Kinect-style body-tracking system, guests danced in front of a big screen as Freddy mirrored their moves in real time. At the end of the session, users received a QR code to download their personalized dance video.
Technology & Hardware
Tech: Kinect-based body tracking (gesture & skeleton mapping)
Output: Auto-generated dance video with Freddy
QR Download: Instant mobile download system
A crowd magnet—families and kids lined up to see Freddy dance like them.
4. Runner – 3D Gesture-Based Runner Game
Overview
Using an Orbecc Gemini sensor, visitors controlled Freddy as he sprinted through the immersive environment—collecting coins, dodging obstacles, and unlocking fun power-ups.
Technology & Hardware
Tech: Unity 3D runner game
Input: Orbecc Gemini gesture sensor (left/right/jump movement)
Gameplay: Timer- based, score-based system
It delivered high-energy gameplay that appealed strongly to teens and young adults.
5. AR Photobooth – Augmented Reality Meet & Greet
Overview
Visitors selected from two characters, who then appeared beside them in real-time via AR compositing. After posing, a high-quality photo was printed instantly, serving as a collectible keepsake and gateway into the experience.
Technology & Hardware
Tech: Unity-based AR system
Camera: High-resolution camera
Output: Branded photo print
Extras: Photo printed
A perfect share-worthy moment that extended their brand presence beyond the venue.
6. Save Your Character – Lidar Powered Phygital Ball-Throwing Game
Overview
Players threw soft balls at a projected virtual world to save Freddy from obstacles. Impact detection triggered animated reactions, rewarding speed and coordination.
Technology & Hardware
Tech: Projection mapping + Lidar Based impact detection
Input: Physical ball throws
Display: Large projector wall
This hybrid digital-physical experience was one of the most exciting zones for kids.
7. Catch the Collectibles – Gesture-Based Falling Items Game
Overview
Using Orbecc gesture tracking, visitors moved left or right to catch falling collectibles. As the game progressed, the pace quickened, increasing challenge and excitement.
Technology & Hardware
Tech: Gesture tracking with Orbecc Gemini
Gameplay: Score-based, increasing difficulty
Display: 55” screen with themed animations
A simple but highly replayable experience that kept queues long and energy high.
Outcomes & Impact
The experience achieved significant experiential success:
High footfall throughout Riyadh Season
Continuous queues at interactive zones
Strong multi-generational participation (kids, families, adults, collectors)
High retention across games due to replayability
Thousands of printed AR photos taken home by visitors
By merging beloved characters with immersive play, the activation became a highlight of Riyadh Season’s entertainment lineup.
Conclusion
The experience brought the universe to life through technology, creativity, and pure playfulness—transforming an iconic collectible brand into an experiential world.
From dancing with Freddy to coloring characters that came alive, visitors stepped into a universe where imagination and technology seamlessly came together.
“NXT Interactive didn’t just build an attraction, we built a world where fans became the heroes of their own story.”
