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Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled a captivating digital mobile game, “The Secret of the Dome Stars,” designed to engage children and families in an innovative way. “This game is a reflection of our commitment to making art and history accessible to younger audiences in a fun and interactive manner,” said Eiman Al Hammadi, Senior Interpretation and Creative Content Officer at the museum. By blending storytelling and gamification, the game introduces a new level of interactivity to museum visits while showcasing the institution’s iconic architecture and collection.
A Universal Museum with a Unique Approach
Louvre Abu Dhabi is celebrated for its universal narrative, which guides visitors through 12 chronological chapters of humankind’s history. Designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the museum’s defining feature is its floating dome, constructed with 7,850 geometric stars. “The dome is not just an architectural wonder; it’s a symbol of interconnectedness, much like the museum’s narrative of shared human history,” said Eiman Al Hammadi, Senior Interpretation and Creative Content Officer. This architectural marvel plays a central role in the game’s story, bridging the physical museum and a digital, imaginative world.
The Game’s Concept and Purpose
“The Secret of the Dome Stars” is a location-based digital game specifically designed for Louvre Abu Dhabi’s galleries. It targets children aged 6 to 12 and their families, offering an engaging mix of storytelling and gamification. Players explore the museum, solve puzzles, and interact with artworks, fostering a deeper connection to the collection.
At the heart of the story is Volpi, a fictional sand fox inspired by Abu Dhabi’s native wildlife. Volpi invites players on a quest to retrieve 12 magical stars that power the dome and protect the museum’s memory. Each star is guarded by a character in one of the galleries, and players must solve puzzles to unlock them.
Development and Community Involvement
The development of the game was a collaborative effort between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Mosquito, a multimedia studio specialising in interactive museum experiences. The storyline and gameplay were shaped by input from the community through early prototype testing with 19 families and 34 children. “Community feedback was crucial for us,” said Eiman Al Hammadi. “It allowed us to see the game through the eyes of our audience, helping us simplify the narrative and make the gameplay more intuitive and engaging.”
Gameplay and Educational Value
Players begin their adventure by locating gallery-specific guardians who guide them to masterpieces within the museum. By solving visual puzzles tied to these artworks, they earn stars to progress. The puzzles are designed to keep the museum’s artworks at the core of the experience, encouraging close observation and engagement.
The game includes several features to enhance accessibility and usability:
- Multi-language Support: Available in Arabic, English, and French. “We wanted to ensure the game could resonate with as many visitors as possible,” explained Eiman Al Hammadi.
- Heads-Up Gameplay: Designed to keep players looking at the artworks rather than their screens. “It was important for us to prioritise the museum experience over screen interaction,” she added.
- Help Features: A “Help Me” button ensures players can overcome challenges without frustration. “The feature was added after testing to make sure children could fully enjoy the game without getting stuck,” said Al Hammadi.
Game Technology and Accessibility
“The Secret of the Dome Stars” uses a web app format, eliminating the need for downloads or logins. Visitors access the game by scanning a QR code or entering a URL, and all progress is stored locally on the device. This approach not only ensures data privacy but also allows seamless updates without app store approvals.
Soft Launch and Iterative Development
The game was soft-launched in April to address any technical issues before a broader marketing campaign. “The soft launch allowed us to fine-tune the game based on real visitor interactions while ensuring a seamless experience,” explained Eiman Al Hammadi. This approach, focusing on creating a minimum viable product, allowed the team to refine the game based on real user experiences. Future updates and additional features are already in development, ensuring the game continues to evolve.
Games as a New Frontier for Museum Engagement
“The Secret of the Dome Stars” exemplifies how museums can leverage technology to create meaningful and memorable visitor experiences. By blending storytelling, gamification, and education, Louvre Abu Dhabi has set a benchmark for digital innovation in cultural institutions.
The game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and plans are underway to expand its capabilities. For museum professionals, it offers an inspiring model of how digital tools can bridge the gap between physical spaces and immersive learning.
As Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to push boundaries, “The Secret of the Dome Stars” stands as a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration in engaging new audiences.
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Eiman Al Hammadi from Louvre Abu Dhabi spoke at the Museums, Games & Play Summit 2024.
