Population 1, 2026

Population 1 is a cross-device, multiplayer, narrative-driven puzzle game. Players progress through the game by physically rearranging four phones. Big Picture Studio is an ETC student pitch project. Learn more at: https://projects.etc.cmu.edu/big-picture-studio/.

Big Picture Studio prototype demo video, Feb 2026.

Illustrations

Characters in Scenes (Jigsaw Puzzles)

Illustrations in Population 1 take on various aspect ratios and dimensions as a result of the four phones assuming different formations throughout the experience.

In illustrating characters in scenes for jigsaw puzzle segments, compositional choices are made to guide the players to add the next phone to the expected position, as well as to have the resulting formation mimic the object represented.

Props (Rotation Puzzles)

In addition to comic-panel style illustrations, standalong props occasionally occupy entire screens. These segments are designed to showcase the program’s ability to utilize the phones’ motion detection function.