How We Built Pixel Racers (Roll-A-Ball)

Did you know that AGR designs and builds its own games in-house?
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we created one of our most popular custom builds: Pixel Racers (Roll-A-Ball).

The Idea

We wanted a classic roll-a-ball game—but with a twist.

Our goal was to create something that was:

Easy to install at events
Fully customizable for clients
Visually engaging and modern

Instead of going fully mechanical, we decided to build a digital version that connects to a 65” TV (with an optional upgrade to 80”). This gave us total flexibility with branding, gameplay, and visuals.

Designing the Podiums

Because we were working with a 65” display, we designed the game to use three player podiums, which fit perfectly in front of the screen.

Each podium was built as a separate unit, allowing us to:

Fit through standard doorways
Transport easily
Set up quickly on-site

Once the structure was finalized, we moved on to the heart of the project—the game itself.

Building the Game

Customization was a top priority from the start.

We designed the system so we can easily swap out:

Background graphics
Player characters (sprites)
Sound effects (start, finish, scoring, etc.)

Our first version of the game was actually Mario-themed, which helped us test gameplay and visuals. (And honestly… it might make a comeback 👀)

Testing & Sensor Challenges

Next came one of the most important parts: detecting the ball.

We started with break beam sensors connected to a Raspberry Pi running Pi OS (Linux).

Initial tests with a few sensors worked great
A single podium with all 11 sensors? Still perfect
All three podiums (33 sensors total)? That’s where things got tricky

We began experiencing delays in sensor response time.

While we could have continued troubleshooting, we decided to pivot to a more reliable and scalable solution:
👉 Mechanical roll-down switches

These are simple, durable, and extremely consistent—perfect for high-traffic event environments.

Redesigning for Reliability

Switching sensors meant redesigning the entire sensor mounting system.

Luckily, the timing was perfect—we had just upgraded to a larger 3D printer. This allowed us to:

Print the entire sensor board as a single piece
Improve durability and consistency
Create backup units for quick swaps and maintenance

This made the system not only more reliable, but also much easier to service in the field.

Final Build & Features

With the game logic and sensors working together, we completed the full build:

Locking caster wheels for easy transport and setup
Digital LED T-molding with fully customizable colors and animations
Clear player graphics on each podium for easy identification
Durable construction built for repeated event use

The Pixel Racers Theme

Once everything was dialed in, the game got its official identity:
🎮 Pixel Racers

We leaned into an 80s retro arcade theme, featuring characters inspired by classics like:

Pac-Man
Donkey Kong
Space Invaders

Fully Customizable for Any Event

This is where the game really shines.

Pixel Racers isn’t locked into one theme—it’s a fully customizable experience.

We can swap in:

Custom backgrounds
Branded characters
Event-specific sound effects

Current themes include:

Horse Racing
Western/Cowboy
Christmas/Holiday
Mario-style (test build)
And more on the way

We can also create fully custom builds for clients, including:

Branded podium graphics
Custom player designs
Unique sound packages

Built by AGR

Pixel Racers is more than just a game—it’s a perfect example of what AGR does best:

Taking a classic concept and turning it into a fully customizable, event-ready experience.