CUCUBEIT II - Burning Man 2025
A colorful and vibrant 3D game for people who want to play together
How it all started?
Back in 2022, I was commissioned by the Deutsches Museum - the Science Museum in Munich - Germany, to create a video game to be projected on the brand new facade of the recently renovated museum. I used the existing concrete tiles of that 10x20 meters wall to create a 3D Tetris game. The game was designed in such a way that the participants who played it, enjoyed an illusion of a real depth. As if the game was taking place inside the building. That was CUCUBEIT
Three players jumping on the buttons that activate the game. Each player had to pick what role in the game they take and coordinate with the other Two players.
the roles were divined into rotating Rotating the cubes in the 3D space, Move them around, and send them to the bottom.
The game interaction was in fact inspired by my experience with Charon Skeleton Wheel which I saw on the Playa a few years earlier. I designed the game so 3 participants are required to use all the controls. It was delightful to see how different groups of people approached this challenge. How much excitement it created as participants were literally shouting and laughing as they played.
Facing the Challenges of the Playa
Burning man is a very different environment than Munich.
There are not large building on which the game can be projected. The beauty of Video Projection Mapping is lost when there is no need to adapt it to an exiting structure.
Building a large screen is possible. But it comes with its own set of disadvantages. First, it would create a huge resistance to winds. Besides, what could be special about a screen in the middle of the desert?
I have decided then to create a new adaptation of CUCBEIT. This one will fit Burning Man perfectly by :
1. Creating minimum wind resistance
2. Becoming a totally unique Light Sculpture that will attract attention from all its sides.
3. Offering yet a new approach to realizing the 3D tetris game
4. Allowing people to enjoy the light show and the sounds from beneath it, while other people play
5. Spreading color all around it colors and sounds for people to enjoy
6. Using minimum materials for sustainable approach to art and design
Playing in a real 3D environment
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A general view of CUCUBEIT II - a real 3D Tetris game made of light and almost invisible thin steel wire mesh hung among 4 masts. Light wires along the wires of the mesh will create the animation of the game. Even the score counter will use light wires
Panels on which players will have to jump on will be located according to their will. Players could be next to each other - sharing panels, or even located somewhere around the 3D mesh, or even under it - for a more exciting and different experience.
This is how the game should look like when looking at it from the front
Next to the game, some glowing Tetris blocks could be built to offer a place of meeting and mingling
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How CUCUBEIT II could look during the day. An enigmatic installation that only gives away its secret during night time. The design as sown here is still very technical. There is space for a more elaborated shape
Two Modes - One Installation
An example of how the game play will look like. A frame advances in parallel with the cubes - for better orientation
When not in use, the installation will create various types of animations for the enjoyment of the people around it. The installation could be used as DJ performance Background
Technicalities - how Light is used
Option 1 - A 360 degrees all round light pipe with addressable LED strip
Option 2- using multiple twisted EL wires to create the necessary colours of the cubes
Watch the Video
About me
My name is Eitan Rieger. I have been an active designer and artist mostly in Berlin, Germany.
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My passion is to combine various methodologies, technologies and martials in order to create new kinds of media.
I have created works that that included video, wood, robotics, plastic, lights and ceramics..
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In 2017, I visited Burning Man for the first time after I applied with an Open Air Planetarium. My application did not pass the 2nd phase, but I was gifted two tickets from the art department and for that Im greatful.
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Now, that I know what to expect from Bruning Man, and after creating work for regional Burns in Europe, I am more than excited to apply with Cucubeit II.