The Secret Excavation is an interactive augmented reality (AR) game developed for the Franziskaner Museum in Villingen-Schwenningen. The game requires careful visual analysis of exhibits, awards users will their virtual reconstruction, and explains their history. It takes place inside a museum room that houses the remains of a Celtic prince and his tomb from 616 BC. Inside a fictional story, players assist archaeologist Dr. Wagner in uncovering the secrets of this ancient burial mound, solving puzzles to find hidden codes and artifacts. It all leading to glimpses into another world but also to potential peril…
Are digital experiences in museums just a trend, or a real opportunity? Yes, they risk alienating traditional visitors if not carefully designed. However, they also modernize museum engagement and attract younger audiences accustomed to consuming content through digital media. New technologies are a massive opportunity for museums to update their communication practices inside the actual museum space.
For this project, our goal was to create a true game – not just an app with multiple-choice questions or a collection of explanatory texts. We wanted an adventure filled with mystery, compelling characters, and interactive gameplay, where visitors become players, making decisions and uncovering secrets along the way.
Game designers and museum specialists approach “truth” and “fantasy” from opposite perspectives. While designers thrive on the creativity and excitement of fiction, museums are committed to presenting factual accuracy. To bridge this gap, we developed “in-world” strategies that guide players in distinguishing between historical facts and the fictional elements of the game.
History can do much more than presenting “the truth” – it can offer people new perspectives on their present lives. We believe that modern technologies in museums should enable new interpretations, helping visitors understand themselves and how we arrived at the present.
The Secret Excavation is a location-based game. You can play it by checking out a designated tablet inside the Franziskaner Museum in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. It is currently only available in German.
