FRAP: A Framework for Pervasive Games

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the design and realization of FRAP, a framework for the construction of pervasive games. With FRAP, we focus on context-aware multi-user chase games that include a strategic component. The game domain is exemplified by the "capture the flag" metaphor. The playing field supported by our framework is a combined virtual and physical world in which the player socially interacts with other players. FRAP provides components for typical tasks like players moving in the world solving challenges, updating the score based on the context of the users, and checking the rules of the game. FRAP is fully implemented on the open handset-platform a.k.a. Google Android. Based on FRAP, a pervasive game called "King of Location" has been constructed using the Android-platform. Through this application, a first evaluation of FRAP has been performed. It shows a significant reduction of time to build a game that follows the "capture the flag" metaphor.