One Solution for DINO GAME: AR Dinosaur Game

Abstract

The AR Dinosaur Game is part of the larger DINO project—an interdisciplinary initiative that leverages game AI and augmented reality to promote outdoor activity and social engagement among children, especially those with chronic illnesses. Developed in Unity for Android, the game encourages physical movement and teamwork through two modes: single-player obstacle racing and multiplayer egg collection. Using ARFoundation and a Flask-based LAN server, players interact with virtual dinosaurs and objects overlaid onto real-world environments by physically walking or running while holding their phones. The single-player mode challenges players to avoid virtual dinosaurs and reach a goal quickly, with a ranking system to foster competition. The multiplayer mode emphasizes cooperation, requiring teams to collect dinosaur eggs within a time limit while avoiding hazards. In an experiment involving 89 students, access to the game significantly increased outdoor participation during free activity sessions. While gender-based performance differences were not statistically confirmed, observed trends aligned with existing literature: boys tended to excel in competitive modes, while girls preferred cooperative play. The AR Dinosaur Game supports the DINO project's goal of providing inclusive, engaging, and health-focused digital interventions. Future plans include online multiplayer support, better visual assets, and deeper integration into the DINO platform to reach more children.