UNITY-Things: An Internet-of-Things Software Framework Integrating Arduino-Enabled Remote Devices with the UNITY Game Engine

Abstract

We present a software framework that integrates Arduino-enabled remote devices with the UNITY game engine through Internet-of-Things technology. The framework allows a technology stack where networked physical devices become digital-twin game objects in UNITY. This makes it possible for game developers without competence in electronics or Arduino programming to develop hybrid pervasive games directly in UNITY. The framework was implemented in C# on the UNITY side and C++ on the Arduino side, using MQTT as a message broker. The first version of the framework was evaluated empirically with UNITY game developers, resulting in requirements for an updated version. The updated version was used to develop a hybrid pervasive exergame for elderly, which is presented in the paper. The overall positive feedback from the evaluation with game developers and our own experience using the framework encourages us to develop the framework further and integrating it as much as possible with the UNITY development environment. Our aim is to make developing hybrid pervasive games possible for UNITY game developers, without requiring them to concern themselves with the troubles of networks, electronics, or low-level microcontroller programming.