Media-Based Attractions: A 25 Year Perspective

Published in Park World Magazine, 2024 July issue

Media-based solutions have become increasingly prevalent in creating interactive theme park attractions. With over two decades of experience in this domain, we’ve gathered valuable insights into the benefits, challenges, and future trends of using such solutions. This article aims to share our expertise and provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape.

While media-based attractions may not universally fit every scenario, in many cases, they prove to be the optimal choice for addressing specific challenges and delivering distinctive visitor experiences.

IDEAL FOR SMALL SPACES

Media-based attractions offer a perfect solution for delivering rich and immersive experiences in small spaces. Advances in technology have significantly reduced the size and complexity of required equipment, enabling us to provide intense and dynamic experiences that were once confined to fixed theme park settings.

Take MovieMax, for instance—a highly compact and mobile interactive theater. In just 30 square meters, this unique media-based attraction creates a deeply engaging entertainment experience. For such a compact space, a media-based solution is the only viable choice to achieve this level of engagement and capacity.

However, it’s important to remember that technology is merely a tool. The tool should never overshadow your content or your intent. Thoughtful content creation is essential. Here are some types of content where media can effectively solve problems and enhance the visitor experience

BEST FOR HEAVILY GAMIFIED ATTRACTIONS

Attractions heavily focused on gameplay and interaction benefit immensely from real-time media solutions. For instance, consider Maus au Chocolat at Phantasialand, where guests participate in a competitive shooting game against a multitude of mice. This kind of attraction, which heavily revolves around competition and scoring, is made possible only thanks to media-based solutions.

Another example is Action League, a unique mix of tournament, interactive gaming and motion. In this innovative concept, multiple teams compete against each other in a series of challenges, culminating in a final winner, all set within an ultra-dynamic, multi-axis rotation environment. The intricate dynamics and real-time feedback essential to Action League’s gameplay would simply not be achievable without leveraging advanced media technologies.

A high-profile example is Disney’s Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure. This attraction exemplifies the potential of modern technology in creating heavily gamified experiences with increased personalization and diverse gameplay levels. However, meticulous content design is paramount to avoid overwhelming visitors. By mastering gameplay dynamics, real-time media enhances rather than overshadows the visitor experience, catering to diverse guest preferences and expectations.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP): MAXIMIZING POTENTIAL

While not all intellectual properties (IPs) require a media-based solution, for some, it becomes essential to fully realize their potential. Take The Minions IP, for instance, where only dynamic media can authentically capture their frenetic and visually engaging nature. In such cases, media solutions enable us to bring these characters and stories to life in ways that static environments alone cannot achieve.

DIVERSE STORYTELLING POSSIBILITIES

Media-based attractions open up a realm of diverse storytelling possibilities by enabling varying levels of interactivity and immersion. While they often rely on classic shooting mechanics, this isn’t the only form of interactivity possible. With the right gameplay and interactivity experts, media can give us the tools to craft stories that adapt and respond to visitors in real-time, creating a more personalized and engaging adventures. Implementing new concepts is challenging, but the potential for innovation is immense. Come visit us at IAAPA US Orlando to explore and experience the different gameplay and storytelling possibilities we offer, demonstrating the true potential of these technologies in creating engaging and diverse attractions.

CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

Personalization is the future of media-based attractions. Media offers powerful tools to enhance attractions but they must be used wisely to enrich visitor experiences without allowing them to overshadow the story or content or gameplay.

With 25 years of experience, Alterface continues to innovate media interactivity solutions, embracing technological advancements and the evolving needs of theme parks.Through a thoughtful, user-centered approach, media-based attractions promise memorable experiences for guests of all ages and interests.