'Pig Chase': Researchers develop inter-species multiplayer videogame

A scholarly project funded by the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research has achieved something unique: researchers have managed to create an inter-species multiplayer videogame played by humans and pigs at the same time.

In a demonstration video, a man uses a tablet computer to manipulate a glowing circle on a video wall installed alongside a pig pen. As he moves his finger across the touch-screen, the circles moves in tandem, causing the pigs to try and touch it with their snouts.

If the pig and the human can both manage to move the glowing circle through a triangle, the screen erupts with bright colors and an explosion of shapes.

Researchers at the Utrecht School of the Arts developed the game after scientists with Wageningen University noticed that pigs are attracted to reflective light. Because bored livestock can cause problems for farmers and ranchers -- pigs tend to be more aggressive when they're bored -- this project aims to pose a creative solution.

In effect, Pig Chase is similar to the iPad's "Games for Cats" -- albeit with a smelly, oinking twist.

This video is from the Utrecht School of the Arts, published Jan. 11, 2012.

Playing with Pigs: Pig Chase from Utrecht School of the Arts on Vimeo.

(H/T: Grist)