Grand Theft Bicycle

Grand Theft Bicycle is a game-art installation that uses the kinetic interface of a bike modified with sensors, to allow users to ride through a 3D “mod” of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The original game has been modified to include political leaders of various stripes. The user can choose to side with one group of politicians (or not). Choose between the roles of an insurgent, an invader or an onlooker. As with previous exhibitions the game will include a local (Scottish) character to reflect its geographic context. A particular concern addressed is the generally sedentary nature of gaming culture. To play you need to ride our sensor-modified bike. Inaction will produce very few results. To get to this level of engaged user-interaction it was important that the interface be transparent and intuitive. The user is made unaware of his or her physical activity via intense engagement with the literal interface and the compelling content.