Ground Control is a multiplayer iPhone game that turns the phone into part of the gameplay. One player launches a rocket that travels between players’ phones, with each player tilting their device to keep it on course towards the moon. Along the way, they must navigate hazards like a black hole and work together to complete the journey.
The game connects two iPhones through Apple’s built-in nearby device connectivity, allowing the rocket to seamlessly jump from one screen to the next. An Arduino-based button box adds another physical layer of interaction through Bluetooth. Custom visuals, artwork, and an original music loop bring the experience to life.
The concept grew from exploring how physical movement, connected devices, and collaborative play could create a more immersive game experience. Instead of keeping players focused on a single screen, the game turns multiple phones into one shared environment.
A key learning was the creative potential—and technical challenge—of designing across multiple connected devices. The team experimented with iOS development, motion sensors, Bluetooth, Arduino, and GitHub, discovering how physical and digital interactions can transform familiar technology into something more social, playful, and unexpected.
