UCL students demonstrate touchless gaming at Microsoft UK HQ

On 31 October 2024, UCL Computer Science, MotionInput Games and the National Autistic Society visited Microsoft's UK headquarters in Reading. They were there for the global launch of Unmasked, Microsoft's new community aimed at supporting the company's neurodiverse employees.

The fun launch event had a Halloween theme and took place in the main atrium. There were traditional carnival games and touchless computer gaming, courtesy of UCL Computer Science and partners MotionInput Games and the National Autistic Society.  

Former and current UCL Computer Science students demonstrated existing games and upcoming iterations of games. These included a new touchless Formula 1 racing experience and the latest version of Superhero Sportsday.  

Master's alumni Victor Chan, Ying Huang and Peter Ling created games using MotionInput technology, which Microsoft employees played at the event. One of those was Superhero Sportsday, a suite of 12 games, ranging from tennis to windsurfing, set on the beautiful island of Mauritius.

Superhero Sportsday has been developed for Motioninput Games in conjunction with the National Autistic Society through the UCL Industry Exchange Network (UCL IXN). UCL IXN enables students to address real-world problems as an integral part of their studies by working with tech partners such as Microsoft. Pupils at schools run by the National Autistic Society have varied needs, and the charity wanted games that every child and young person could access. 

Luanne Aw and Victoria Smirnova, second-year UCL Computer Science students, showcased the projects they are developing using gen-AI enhanced presentations. Luanne previewed the winter sports edition of Superhero Sportsday, and Victoria showed Super Explorers, which focuses on collaborative adventure gameplay.

Tess Steventon, Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist at the National Autistic Society, said: "Superhero Sportsday has been hugely popular with our autistic young people of differing needs. The games encourage our pupils to focus and provide a sense of achievement and, with a choice of relaxing or active games, help with their self-regulation. It's wonderful that these games can be enjoyed by everyone from the children in our schools to Microsoft executives."