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.