The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has developed an innovative interactive
gaming experience that encourages physical movement by reimagining the classic video game Tetris.
Developed at the Centre for Creative Learning (CCL), Circular Tetris transforms the traditional gaming
format by fixing the game at the centre while requiring the player to physically move around it.
Unlike conventional gameplay where players remain seated and control the game through buttons,
this version places the player in motion, turning gameplay into an active, embodied experience.
The project was developed in collaboration with interns from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT), reflecting CCL’s emphasis on creative learning, hands-on exploration, and playful
experimentation.
“Tetris is something most people instantly recognise,” said Manish Jain, Teaching Professor and
Principal Coordinator at CCL. “We asked a simple question—what if the player had to move instead
of the game?”
The result is a simple yet thought-provoking intervention that subtly encourages movement,
awareness, and engagement. While not positioned as a fitness tool, Circular Tetris challenges passive
screen habits and invites players to interact with digital games in a more physical and mindful
manner.
The experiment has drawn interest for its originality and minimalism, demonstrating how familiar
games can be redesigned to create entirely new experiences. Educators note that such innovations
can spark conversations around attention, screen use, and learning in an increasingly digital world.
With Circular Tetris, IIT Gandhinagar’s Centre for Creative Learning highlights how small, thoughtful
design changes can offer fresh perspectives on everyday technology, making even a decades-old
game feel new again.