Salisa Jatuweerapong, Brian Nguyen, Madelaine Fischer-Bernhut

"The Naruto Gloves are a prototype of experimental game controllers designed for player immersion in the video games from the Naruto franchise. Within the Naruto universe, attacks (jutsus) are generated by channeling chakra—an innate life energy—through a combination of hand signs (hand seals). Our gloves allow video game players to physically act out the hand seals in order to virtually attack their opponents through the use of conductive fabrics and an Arduino Micro. Signs correspond to a specific key/button on the game. Additionally, our play mat made of conductive materials allows for the user to navigate the game DDR-style with left and right movement. There are three build objects: 1) a pair of fingerless black shinobi gloves, 2) a pair of forearm guards, and 3) a play mat. The wearables are all styled after Kakashi, one of the main characters in the storyline. The play mat also features symbols and colours referencing the characters. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the physical and digital world through game interfaces.Tapping into cosplay culture and evoking nostalgia in long-time fans, we create an immersive experience where the player can suit up and step into the world of Naruto. "