VR as a medium represents a pretty large shift in development methodologies for immersive storytelling, player experiences, and artistic production. Going from AAA console development to creating Lone Echo, now viewed as a landmark title in the new medium, required letting go of a lot of previously held beliefs, making a lot of mistakes, and ultimately leaning into the things that are so powerful and unique about VR. From achieving a high degree of player presence and immersion, gearing artistic design towards putting player comfort at the forefront, and pushing the expectations of visual fidelity under daunting performance targets, Nathan will touch on a number of the challenges and lessons learned through the process, as well as what he found so exciting about the medium, from both from an artistic and creative standpoint.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Game developers and VFX professionals interested in the exciting potential of VR and the challenges of adapting to the medium, particularly from an Art, Design, and Creative perspective. With Lone Echo being a highly narrative driven game, with a focus on immersive storytelling and player experience, many of the takeaways are also applicable to VR Filmmaking and VFX.