Creation of an Immersive Game for a CAVE Environment, around the Rhine Castles 3D and 4D Models

Abstract. As part of the Interreg VI Châteaux rhénans – Burgen Am Oberrhein project, INSA Strasbourg is carrying out heritage conservation work on several castles on the Rhine plain. This work consists of 3D topographic surveys of the sites to crystallize them at a given time. Then, in a second phase, this work focuses on the modelling of 3D historical reconstructions of the sites. This challenge is carried out in collaboration with specialised archaeologists, to bring these castles back to life. The objective of this work is to promote the Rhineland castle heritage through digital technology. To increase the influence of these 4D models integrating different temporalities, a Unity game that can be used in a virtual reality cave has been created. Indeed, this method of valuation increases the public's immersion in the model and allows them to project themselves into the reality of the field. The methodology involves converting the models made with Blender to Unity, then creating a game with Unity. Finally, a self-guided game of a set of castles modelled at different historical periods is proposed. This game, focused on the player's immersion, gives access to menus allowing to choose the castle or the desired historical era. It also provides a range of fun tools allowing the player to move objects and take photos. It is also intended to be educational, by offering informative bubbles or interactions with NPCs, while roaming the castles to the rhythm of medieval music. VR is used here as a fun way to enhance the project's digital content in a more immersive form to the public.