Future Flower



Future Flower is an augmented reality game that I was developing under the Arbitrary Industries banner with Stefanie Franciotti of sleep ∞ over. Future Flower is currently on the back burner. We spent a year of development on it but due to its scope we were never quite able to move past beta. I have plans to continue working on it in my free time but at this point the release date is indeterminate.

Inspired by Ikebana, the game allows players to use their smartphones or iPads to create virtual flower arrangements in real space. Flowers can be moved, rotated, and scaled in multiple dimensions and on multiple axes using a small number of touch gestures. Players have the ability to find virtual flowers in the real world à la Pokémon Go but can also leave flowers and arrangements for other players to find. Players can also send arrangements to each other directly over email or text messaging.

Exhibitions



2017: Store 2, Babycastles Gallery, New York, NY (invitational)

2017: Fantastic Arcade Opening Party, Fantastic Fest, Scratchouse, Austin, TX (invitational)

Development



This game leverages Unity's AR Foundation and geolocation. The data was all stored in a custom MySQL database but I am transitioning to Firebase to store the data. Other development goals are adding an integrated mini-map that shows locations of flowers with real world streets and locations. I'd like it to work like a more flushed out dragon radar. Along with planting flowers for others to find I would like them to be able to leave text notes as well. However I can see this being abused and I am not sure how to tackle it. Other priorities are more social media integration, onboarding and sound.



John Bruneau 2023