STARTED: 2019
END DATE: FALL 2024
PLATFORM: Meta Quest 2 and 3
ASPECTS: VR interactive narrative experience
WEBSITE
“Diatribes” is a poetic VR experience that explores the internal conflicts that arise when we’re confronted with the reality of climate change.
STORY:
“Diatribes” is a poetic VR interactive narrative that explores the internal conflicts surrounding climate change. In a 15-20 minute experience, players navigate a surreal mindspace filled with distractions and emotional turmoil. This dynamic world transforms based on your emotional state—sometimes inviting contemplation through meditative tasks, while at other times thrusting you into a high-stakes gauntlet between Nature and Civilization.
As you journey through diverse landscapes, you’ll unlock ancient myths and receive guidance from a therapeutic companion. The experience intertwines personal reflection with broader climate issues, encouraging players to confront their anxieties and envision a hopeful future.
PROJECT HISTORY:
Inspiration for “Diatribes” came from the ecological philosopher Timothy Morton’s description of climate change as a “hyperobject” — a thing so massively distributed that you can’t see it in its entirety, but you can conceive it. To represent a concept like this we looked to surrealism, an artistic movement that is effective in depicting the unnerving, illogical scenes that surround us. The climate crisis is increasingly present in our daily lives, but understanding its enormity is still confusing for many, often triggering strong emotions that undermine constructive conversations. We hope this VR experience will encourage people to move towards open dialogue about our anxieties and make a space for people to discuss what is needed to take action towards a healthier future for the planet.
The first demo was completed in 2019 for the HTC VIVE through a New Media fellowship grant from Kala Art Institute. A vertical slice of the game world was completed in early 2022 for the Oculus Quest 1 while we participated in the Oculus Launch Pad program. The final version is an interactive 6 DOF game, made for the Quest 2 and 3 and was funded by Meta’s Oculus Launch Pad Grant. It is a single player experience that can be played standing or sitting. The player must complete tasks and navigate the surroundings to move the story forward.
2023 Salon talk at Gray Area that summarizes our project goals (10min)
Excerpt from the 2019 HTC Vive Prototype (1min)
TEAM:
Veronica Graham – Director / Writer / 3D Artist
Julia Kim – Music Composition / Sound Designer
Holly Newlands – Gameplay Programmer / Technical Artist
Sharleen Chen – Creative Lead / Interactive Design / 2D Artist
Megan Clement – Voice Actor
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