Mastering Camera Games: Fun Computer Tricks For All

Playing games with your computer camera is a fun and intuitive way to enjoy interactive gaming without investing in expensive consoles. Webcams are a great way to get started with motion-controlled gaming, and there are several free games available online that can be played using your computer's built-in camera or an external webcam. These games respond to your body movements, particularly your arms and hands, to control the action on the screen. For example, in one game, you need to block snowballs to defend your snow castle by moving your hands left and right. You can also play two-player games, like Pong, using your webcam. While webcams are a simple and affordable option for streaming and motion-controlled gaming, you might prefer to use a DSLR camera for higher-quality images and more advanced features.

Motion-detection games

One example of a motion-detection game is a chess game where the player's hand movements are recorded with a web camera and used to move chess pieces. This type of interface allows for more natural communication via user motions and gestures instead of standard computer devices.

Another example is a game where you have to step back from your computer and try to shoot a target. To aim, you move your body around as you would in real life, and to fire, you press the space bar.

To play motion-detection games, you will need a webcam and motion-detection software. Once you have the necessary hardware and software, you can start playing by allowing the game to access your webcam and following any calibration instructions.

Some popular motion-detection software includes:

• Extreme Motion: This software uses an ordinary 2D video camera to translate your movements into a 3D model, allowing you to interact directly with the game environment.
• Dorgem: This free, open-source application allows you to turn your webcam into a motion-detecting security camera.
• Yawcam: This application allows you to record video clips in HD and create still images, which can be used for video surveillance.
• Netcam Studio: This software is designed for video surveillance systems, allowing you to record everything that happens in your home or office. It includes motion detection features that can send alerts and record video when movement is detected.

Augmented reality games

Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that combines the real world with computer-generated 3D content. AR games are designed to be played on smartphones and tablets, with players using their device's camera to superimpose digital content onto the real world.

• Google Maps: The Live View feature allows users to navigate with their camera viewfinder, superimposing information about businesses and directions onto the screen.
• Google Translate: This app allows users to point their camera at text in another language and translate it in real time.
• Zenni Optical: This shopping companion app allows users to try on different types of glasses virtually.
• Snapchat: Snapchat's filters augment the user's face with computer-generated imagery.
• Father.IO: This game brings the first-person shooter genre to AR, allowing players to attach a specialised device to their phone that acts like a laser tag beacon.
• Do Not Touch: This Nickelodeon game places a button onto a surface shown through the device's camera, which, when touched, opens up a series of mini-games and events.
• Neyon Clash: This game uses mapping technology to produce real buildings within the game that mimic the buildings in the player's vicinity.
• Flippy Friends: This game places a series of fruits onto a surface, allowing players to flip a character and attempt to land on the fruit and crush it.
• Five Nights at Freddy's: Special Delivery: This game brings the popular horror franchise into the player's home, with animatronics manifesting in their halls.
• Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir: This game uses the Nintendo 3DS camera to make it seem like ghosts and ghouls are haunting the player's house.
• Genesis AR TCG: This iOS and Android game allows players to collect trading cards of monsters and summon them into an AR arena to fight opponents in real-time.
• Dead Space: This horror game incorporates AR elements, with the player's RIG being equipped with an AR navigation system and the ability to display images, video, and text.
• Batman: Arkham City: This game, based on the popular Batman series, incorporates AR elements.
• I am Iron Man: This AR demo allows players to adopt the persona of Iron Man by wearing his metal helmet, triggered by looking at a webcam.
• Pokémon Go: This popular AR game allows players to capture, battle, and train virtual Pokémon in the real world.

Dance games

There are several dance games that can be played using your computer camera. Here are some options:

Just Dance

The Just Dance franchise offers several games that can be played on PC with a camera. These include:

• Just Dance 2017: This game can be played on PC via the Steam Store. It allows you to compete against others and choose from a large selection of songs to dance to.
• Just Dance Now: This version can be played on a web browser and offers an ever-growing catalog of more than 500 songs. It also allows for multiplayer, as anyone with a smartphone can join the party.

DanSparkling

DanSparkling is a dance game produced by Doin, the composer of Pump It Up. It offers real-time motion capture with a webcam or phone camera and does not require any sensors, controllers, or wearables. The game is available on Steam.

Top Smash Tennis

Top Smash Tennis is a tennis simulation game that uses Extreme Motion technology to translate your movements as seen by a 2D camera into a 3D model, allowing you to interact with the game environment. It is available in the Windows 8 store.

Sports games

Playing sports games with your computer camera can be a fun and engaging way to pass the time. Here are some ideas and instructions for sports-themed games you can play using your computer's camera:

• Virtual Sports Streaming: With the right equipment and software, you can turn your computer into a sports streaming studio. Set up your computer camera to capture a sporting event, such as a basketball game or a soccer tournament. Use tools like Switcher Studio to connect multiple camera angles, add graphics and a scoreboard, and even include remote commentary. Livestreaming your sporting event allows more people to "attend" and can be a great fundraising idea for sports clubs.
• Motion Tracking: Some sports camera software, such as Veo and Trace, offer motion-tracking features. These tools use AI to automatically follow the action on the field or court, creating a dynamic viewing experience. This can be used for analysis, coaching, or simply for entertainment.
• Interactive Sports Games: There are interactive sports games that use your computer camera to track your movements and allow you to control the game with your body. For example, you can find baseball games that let you swing your arm to hit the ball, or soccer games that detect your leg movements to kick the ball.
• Sports-Themed Augmented Reality: Some augmented reality (AR) games use your computer camera to overlay virtual elements onto the real world. For example, you can find AR games that turn your desk or living room into a virtual golf course, or a basketball court, allowing you to play sports inside your home.
• Green Screen Sports: If you have a green screen, you can use your computer camera to transport yourself into a virtual sports stadium. With the right software, you can insert yourself into a baseball, soccer, or football game and interact with the virtual environment. This can be a fun way to learn about sports strategy or simply enjoy a unique gaming experience.

Remember to review the privacy and security settings of any software you use, especially when granting access to your computer camera, to ensure your personal information stays safe.

Puzzle games

Viewfinder

Viewfinder is a mind-bending puzzle game that revolves around a Polaroid-style instant camera. In this game, players find themselves in a 3D world filled with puzzles that require creative thinking and manipulation of the camera's perspective. One of the core mechanics involves taking photos and then superimposing them back into the world, altering reality and creating new pathways. The game offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and photography, making it a refreshing experience for players.

Echochrome

Echochrome is a game that challenges players to help a drawing mannequin navigate complex levels filled with springs, holes, and fragmented pathways. By adjusting the camera angle, players can reconnect walkways and create new paths for the mannequin to reach its objectives. As the game progresses, the levels inspired by M.C. Escher's impossible architecture become more intricate, requiring players to quickly adapt their strategies.

Perspective

Perspective is a puzzle platformer that combines 2D and 3D elements. Players must guide a figure through levels filled with obstacles, using both camera movement and character movement to find the best paths forward. Moving the camera can reveal new pathways, and moving the figure simultaneously creates an immersive and sometimes disorienting experience.

Superliminal

In Superliminal, players undergo dream therapy to put their daily life problems into perspective. They learn to manipulate the sizes of objects and understand that perspective is reality. The game uses environmental storytelling and voice clips to piece together the reasons behind the unusual sleep therapy experience.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad sets off on a journey to save Toadette from a giant bird, navigating through worlds filled with secret passageways, hidden objectives, and movable platforms. By rotating the camera, players can uncover secrets and choose the most efficient paths forward, making it a captivating puzzle-solving adventure.

Frequently asked questions