PainStation

Kirschner, Morawe, Reiff

PainStation ,
Co-workers & Funding
Documents
  • PainStation, 2001
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Description
PainStation comprises a box structure housing a horizontal screen over which the two players face each other. The software is based on Pong, an early computer game. Players use their right hands to control a bat on screen, and must keep their left hand on the console's "pain execution unit". Removing your hand means breaking the circuit - game over. During play, if your screen bat misses a ball, your left hand suffers the consequences through the application of heat, electric shocks or a quick whipping on the back of your hand. "It's amazing how players get engrossed in the game to avoid being hurt", says Reiff, "and how audiences behave. The combination of the PainStation's sound effects, the behaviour of the players and onlookers makes the game an experience for the audience as much as the players."
Many players have ended up with red, bruised hands - although not for long.

(source: www.fursr.com)
Keywords
  • aesthetics
  • genres
    • installations
      • interactive installations
  • subjects
    • Body and Psychology
      • bodies (animal components)
      • pain
    • Society and Culture
      • entertainment
        • games
  • technology
    • displays
      • electronic displays
        • computer monitors
    • hardware
      • mice (input device)
    • interfaces
Technology & Material