This summer, Sunderland city centre will become a hub of digital fun with the introduction of classic games enhanced by modern technology.
Visitors to Market Square and Keel Square can look forward to interactive versions of beloved games like Twister, Bullseye, Snakes and Ladders, and Hopscotch.
Classic Games with a Modern Twist
Sunderland BID has ingeniously installed four street games in both Market Square and Keel Square, injecting a playful vibe into these areas. Drawing from cherished childhood favourites, the games have been digitally revamped to engage both young and old. These games, available as giant vinyls, retain their traditional charm while incorporating 21st-century technology.
Any necessary items to play are obtainable through the free Sunderland Experience app, reflecting a seamless blend of digital convenience and nostalgic enjoyment.
The Sunderland Experience App
The Sunderland Experience app is central to this initiative. Available on all major platforms, it provides access to digital assets required for each game, eliminating the need for physical objects and thus modernising the gaming experience. The app is updated throughout the year, ensuring it remains relevant and useful to users.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, expressed her hope that these digitally enhanced games will be a hit: “We’ve combined some really traditional favourites with digital technology to ensure that they offer a really exciting experience for everyone.”
A Summer of Fun in Market Square and Keel Square
From now until September 7, Market Square and Keel Square will be alive with activity. The digitally tweaked games are designed to entertain and engage visitors of all ages.
Adults can relish in a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while children experience these classic games for the first time, albeit with a modern twist.
The presence of these games not only brightens up the city centre but also encourages physical activity, adding a health benefit to the fun.
Community Engagement and Physical Activity
These digitally enhanced games are expected to foster community engagement, attracting both locals and tourists to the city centre. The integration of physical activity with digital gaming promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among participants.
The innovative approach taken by Sunderland BID is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the city’s vibrancy and appeal. The initiative is likely to become a highlight of the summer, drawing significant crowds.
An Initiative for All Ages
The games’ appeal spans generations, making them an ideal activity for families visiting the city centre. The intergenerational enjoyment facilitates bonding and shared experiences, bridging the gap between the past and present.
For many adults, these games are a trip down memory lane, while for children, they represent a fresh and exciting way to play. The digital enhancements ensure that the games remain engaging and relevant in today’s tech-savvy world.
This initiative underscores the versatility and enduring appeal of these classic games, making them fitting for a 21st-century audience.
Digital Technology Enhancing Traditional Play
Utilising digital technology to update traditional games is a brilliant strategy to keep them relevant. The Sunderland Experience app plays a crucial role in this, offering easy access to the required digital assets.
The app’s intuitive design and regular updates ensure that users have a seamless and enjoyable experience. This digital integration preserves the essence of the games while offering a modern twist, ensuring their continued popularity.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the success of this initiative could pave the way for more digital enhancements to traditional activities in Sunderland. The positive feedback and high engagement levels indicate that such initiatives resonate well with the public.
Sunderland BID’s innovative approach might inspire other cities to adopt similar strategies, blending tradition with technology to enhance public spaces.
Incorporating digital elements into classic games revitalises them for a modern audience, ensuring their longevity and continued enjoyment.
As Sunderland embraces this blend of tradition and innovation, the city centre becomes a vibrant and engaging space for all.
