Green Hippo's Hippotizer Redefines the Canvas at Dubai Frame for the Red Bull Tetris World Final

	"We utilized layer blending nodes and real-time effects extensively to manipulate visual layers dynamically during key show moments," says Aziz. Photo: Impact Solutions

Video designers Impact Production redefined the canvas at the iconic Dubai Frame, transforming the landmark into a fully immersive live arena powered by Green Hippo's Hippotizer Media Servers.

Staged for approximately 500 invited guests and broadcast internationally, the one-night Red Bull Tetris World Final crowned the world champion of the game in a setting that fused architecture, scenography, and sky.

The central creative challenge was translating the instantly recognizable digital language of Tetris into a dynamic physical environment using LED surfaces, architectural lighting, and custom scenic elements. At the core of the visual system was a Hippotizer Karst+ Media Server, responsible for all video playback, live camera integration, LED surface mapping, and real-time visual processing.

Working in conjunction with an Avolites D9 control console and an NDI-based workflow for live feed integration, the Hippotizer Karst+ enabled Impact's team to unify pre-rendered content and live broadcast inputs within a single, cohesive visual architecture.

"We utilized layer blending nodes and real-time effects extensively to manipulate visual layers dynamically during key show moments," says Eriny Aziz, media server programmer at Impact Production. "The production demanded rapid transitions between competition graphics, live gameplay feeds, stage content, and broadcast outputs, while maintaining absolute stability in an outdoor environment with limited rehearsal time.

"The flexibility of Hippotizer allowed us to integrate pre-rendered media and live broadcast feeds seamlessly. Its real-time processing power and reliability were critical in managing live inputs, timecoded sequences, and adaptive visual layers under tight technical constraints."

Impact Production, contracted directly by Red Bull UAE, led the full creative and technical direction for lighting design, LED screen integration, media playback systems, and architectural illumination. The team delivered lighting design and installation, LED system design and integration, facade and entrance lighting for the Dubai Frame, full broadcast lighting, performer lighting for a live orchestra and DJ El Wailly, timecoded lighting sequences throughout the competition, and control of custom Tetromino lighting panels embedded within the stage.

"The Tetromino lighting panels were integrated into the stage design and programmed into timecoded sequences, interacting directly with gameplay and performance cues," adds Aziz. "As the competition progressed, the lighting narrative evolved in sync, dissolving the boundary between digital interface and physical scenography."

Previsualization and lighting simulations were developed using SketchUp and L8, allowing the team to refine both creative intent and technical execution prior to load-in at the architecturally complex venue.

"Delivering a broadcast-grade outdoor production inside the Dubai Frame presented significant challenges," Aziz explains. "The stage required lighting fixtures to be installed on a layered structure reaching approximately nine meters high, adding complexity to rigging, focus, and maintenance. Additionally, the Frame's architecture restricted conventional lighting positions, demanding precise planning and inventive fixture placement."

"Hippotizer's robust processing engine and dependable output architecture were instrumental in maintaining system stability across live camera inputs, timecoded sequences, and mapped LED surfaces -- all within an outdoor environment."

The show's defining moment came during the competition's climax, when timecoded lighting and video escalated across stage and structure before transitioning seamlessly to a drone recreation of Tetris above the Dubai Frame. The visual continuity between stage content, architectural illumination, and aerial choreography delivered a cohesive, high-impact experience for both the live audience and global broadcast viewers.

Creative direction for the production was led by Impact Production's Giulia Marocchino and Luca Taschini, with Jean William serving as technical director and lighting designer.