Designing Hybrid Experiences that Connected Digital Play with the Real World

Designing Hybrid Experiences that Connected Digital Play with the Real World

Creating a seamless player journey between game systems and physical spaces with Halo: Outpost Discovery – Pelican Trainer

Creating a seamless player journey between game systems and physical spaces with Halo: Outpost Discovery – Pelican Trainer

Inside the Experience

The hybrid gameplay experience for Halo: Outpost Discovery – Pelican Trainer was led by Jameson Durall — our Founder and Principal — while serving as Game Design Lead (On Location). He spearheaded the design and development of this live event attraction, blending digital game systems with real-world physical spaces to create a seamless player journey.

Jameson’s responsibilities included designing the core gameplay loop, directing the development team, and collaborating with on-location engineers to synchronize in-game actions with physical installations. The design also addressed real-world challenges such as crowd flow, player onboarding, and engagement pacing, ensuring smooth, memorable play experiences for all participants.

Pelican Trainer demonstrated the ability to own a cross-platform game system from concept to live execution, combining creative leadership, real-time problem solving, and hybrid gameplay innovation. It also showcased how the XP Design philosophy thrives beyond the screen, adapting to physical constraints without sacrificing immersion or player agency.

“From screen to space, we connect the experience.”

Built Into Our Process

The same approach used for this project translates directly into our consulting services for hybrid and cross-platform projects. We bring the ability to design cohesive experiences that work across mediums  that connect in-game systems with real-world interactions. From concept to execution, we ensure that mechanics, flow, and pacing are optimized for both digital environments and live settings, creating unforgettable engagement opportunities for players.

Whether building from the ground up or scaling an existing project, we help teams create experiences that are cohesive, scalable, and truly engaging.

One suite. Three levels of design support.

One suite. Three levels of design support.

Jameson Durall XP offers a three-tier game design consulting suite. Whether you need a fast fix, a production-ready design framework, or full design leadership, we offer support at every level of game development.

Each service is built to meet you where you are. No matter your challenge, there’s a clear path forward for your dev team and your project.

XP Design Diagnostic

When a game project starts slipping off track, clarity is the first fix. We help you identify what’s broken, prioritize what to fix first, and move forward with a clear game development actionable roadmap. It’s focused, fast, and built to restore momentum at any stage of production.

XP System Ready

Good ideas need structure. We transform raw gameplay mechanics and shape them into production-ready systems with clear design logic, clean gameplay loops, and visual frameworks that support your development pipeline. Includes two rounds of targeted feedback to sharpen and strengthen the design.

XP Game Blueprint

Big games need strong foundations. We build a cohesive design spine with player motivation, game loop structure, and interconnected systems. Your team gets visual design maps for alignment and a pitch-ready brief to guide development or win stakeholder approval.

Expertise That Moves Projects Forward

With over 25 years of experience across AAA development and leading high-performing design teams, we know what it takes to build systems that work and experiences that land. Our approach is practical, direct, and grounded in real development without the fluff. Studios work with us because we bring clarity, ask the right questions, and move projects forward with purpose.

With over 25 years of experience across AAA development and leading high-performing design teams, we know what it takes to build systems that work and experiences that land. Our approach is practical, direct, and grounded in real development without the fluff. Studios work with us because we bring clarity, ask the right questions, and move projects forward with purpose.

Our Track Record. Your Advantage.

Our Track Record. Your Advantage.

From high-level concept to the finer points of pacing and progression, great game design comes down to making a million small decisions with intent. We help you make those decisions smarter, faster, and with greater impact.

Let’s Talk Design That Works

You don’t need another vague opinion. You need insight that drives real progress. If you’re facing design chaos, chasing cohesion, or ready to level up your systems, we’re ready to dig in. Get in touch and let’s make something great together.