BeatBox

Gaming-infused karaoke in NYC

Project:

BeatBox Karaoke Experience

Location:

New York City

Type:

App

Branding

Gaming

Reinventing karaoke by fusing group gameplay, instant scoring, auto-tune, and hospitality for a next-gen singing experience.

Problem & Partnership

BeatBox approached Polyform at the early ideation stage with a bold ambition: transform karaoke into a group gaming spectacle—think Top Golf for singers. They wanted it to be part rhythm game, part nightlife, blending digital gameplay with real-world social energy. To bring it to life, they needed expertise in systems design, hardware integration, and culturally-attuned branding.

We started by deconstructing karaoke—from dive-bar mic nights to upscale Asian KTV lounges—and explored rhythm games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. We identified how Top Golf style loops could translate to group singing. From gameplay prototypes to system architecture, our collaboration peeled back every layer to define a V1 that felt both fun and scalable.

Project Description

Polyform led concept-to-delivery, designing the BeatBox game platform, lobby & booking UX, in-room interface, brand identity, website, and launch collateral. Built in Unity, it integrates karaoke libraries with hardware—microphones, projections, tablets—for a seamless digital‑physical experience.

We designed game loops to balance competitive scoring with social cohesion. Features like pitch-based scoring, auto-tune options for novices, voting or 'booster' mechanics, and group leaderboard visuals were baked into the core experience. The challenge: keep it accessible for first-timers and satisfying for karaoke veterans.

Outcomes

Design

Unity-based karaoke game with scoring & tuning

Beta

Prototype launched in NYC venues summer 2025

Traction

Strong investor & media interest pre-launch

Impact

Redefined live karaoke as play-driven social gaming