Category: Collaborative Projects

Here is my original idea for a virtual reality world. To begin with we all opted to keep the project independent by having our own areas to produce graphics and sounds after first choosing our respective worlds. But as the project advanced, we quickly discovered how much work it would require to finish it within the allotted time. To address this, we attempted to separate the graphics into two parts and pay close attention to the sonics.

Landscape: 

I want the landscape to be set in a huge forest with abnormally large trees. influenced by Rockerfella Forest – California The intention of the piece is to make the player feel so small almost as if it was taken from the POV of an ant. The trees should tower up so high that you can’t see the ends and the trunks should be 10 times larger than any average tree. 

Within the world, it must highlight the beauty of nature by incorporating idyllic sunlight that shines horizontally on the trees. If possible I would like to include fireflies within the piece and birds so large that you almost feel threatened. 

Mood: 

The purpose of this virtual reality is to continue the argument of how technology I blinding us away from nature. When you are walking around the world I would like it to bring a calm presence but a very lonely feeling. The intention is to make the player feel extremely small but in a comforting way where you can admire nature from a new perspective; looking at everything from a larger scale. 

Type of play: 

There will be no purpose to this game except to explore the world. However, to create excitement I would like to incorporate giant shadows and the rustling of trees from above; all with the intention of suggesting that something giant is around you. There could be small ads such as picking up grass or plants however the main intention is to admire the beauty. 

A game’s ambient sound is essential for creating the mood and engrossing players in the game’s universe. These sounds must be straightforward but powerful to avoid overwhelming the gameplay or detracting from the essential experience. The ambient sounds help to the overall cohesion and heighten the immersion by remaining true to the game’s aesthetic. The overall gameplay experience is enhanced by expertly created ambient noises that conjure feelings, give players a sense of place, and help them engage with the game environment on a deeper level. I made sure to adhere to these aesthetic principles and leave room for the reader to form their judgement and feelings.

Overall, I found it enjoyable to combine my art with various media, such games and virtual reality. For individual sound designers, working on projects for other platforms, such as video games, can be quite useful. By collaborating with game developers, it is possible to advance the boundaries of sound design and music composition. It offers tremendous opportunities to enhance storytelling, create immersive experiences, and engage a bigger audience, expanding the artist’s portfolio and fostering professional growth. I learned the scope of the sonic work that goes into creating this, and even though in retrospect I think as a group we could have managed our time management more effectively within creating sounds, I was able to develop a general aesthetic without hindrance to story line or in-depth contextual reference, unlike film and television. Despite visual limitations, I believed that the music could be as free and lively as possible, providing a space that was open to artistic expression. 

Our global environment is degrading vastly in front of our eyes. It must be noted that this is a vital part of today’s social injustices. Awareness of global warming deems to be one of the most vital parts of encouraging change and improvement for our future.

However, VR can transport us to these extremely realistic places- broadening the mind in terms of travel, culture, and geographical teachings. I believe that this is a huge distraction from the realities that surround us. Creating an artificial landscape is persuading the viewer what nature should and does look like. This brings a calm sense of settlement for the player as they believe that nature is accessible from the touch of a button (a VR headset). Although we are all physiologically aware that this is an artificial perception of reality it distracts us from looking beyond the screens to the truth and reality of global warming.

I feel this is distracting the narrative for younger generations as the horrifying truth is covered up by a virtual window. It is slowing down the awareness of reality and global extinction and preventing any mediation.

Within our project, we decided to create a futuristic world based on space and an artificially aesthetic environment. Despite this not teaching us about the issues of global warming this does not show an unrealistic perception of the world we see today. The world shows a futuristic purposely fictional environment that can broaden imaginations; instead of showing a glorified reality of our world and natural surroundings. As I look back on the project I feel that it could have been useful to use this platform as an opportunity to at least present a more educational sight on how we can help our present world – encouraging the player to look beyond the virtual reality and towards the outside world.

With the cost of living crisis looming over I wanted to discuss the potentiality that VR can open our minds to travel artificially.

Travel does broaden the mind and we must realize the importance it can have on improving inclusivity and open mindsets in the younger generation. However with the rise of costs and an economic disaster at only a reach away, many are having to sacrifice travel to survive the day-to-day. Virtual Reality has proven that this can transport us artificially to any reality / artificial place. This can help us understand different cultures and traditions from a first-hand point of view. These benefits stretch beyond just opening minds but also creating a sense of inclusivity globally despite the separateness some societies and communities face. VR can also extend time showing different communities over scales of periods; even showing a precision of the future. Expanding our knowledge of historical context and changing our ethnographies on the present day and how we view the world.

Although it is almost obvious this will never be as effective as living in the presence of a different culture and environment; VR must be applauded for filling these gaps temporarily. As well as economic struggle some people may face certain ability issues that may prevent them from traveling – once again showing how VR can conquer this issue.

I believe these are some of the real benefits that VR can uphold in society; improving human interaction with different cultures and traditions – creating a more open-minded society.

I recently decided to collaborate with a friend – to create a sound piece for a fine art performance. As an artist, I feel it is important to cross mediums of art forms within my sonic practice. This expands creative possibilities that working in virtual reality doesn’t. I felt that when I was creating the sonics for the performance I could make a more personal space. This type of work gives space for the incorporation of identity within the work. Identity must be incorporated into art to reflect the individual viewpoint, life experiences, and cultural background of the creator. It encourages empathy and tolerance while celebrating variety and questioning social norms. Art becomes a potent vehicle for individual and group narratives, giving voice to underrepresented groups and tackling social challenges. Artists forge deep relationships, arouse debate, and stimulate conversation by embracing and expressing their identities. It encourages inclusivity and gives people the confidence to accept their unique identities, generating a more varied and vibrant artistic scene.

Finley’s use of spoken speech and personal identity within the poem used within the sound gave an empathetic result; very much contrasting the sonic work I created for the virtual reality.