Video games have definitely taken the world by storm due to the advancement of technology. There are so many video games created for our fellow gamers out there. Though I am not a gamer myself, I have always wondered how it would feel like to be part of a video game. Wouldn’t it be pretty cool?
Well, now I get to experience that at the ArtScience Museum Virtual Realm exhibition! With several different art installations, visitors like you and me are sure to have a fun time immersing myself into the virtual realm of video games.
Virtual Realms: Videogames Transformed
The exhibition pairs six of the world’s most acclaimed videogame developers and six leading media studios to create a massive and immersive art installation, presenting the 21st century game design as a unique form of art.
There are six narratives presented in the exhibition: SYNESTHESIA, UNITY, CONNECTION, PLAY, NARRATIVE and EVERYTHING and it is curated and designed by the Barbican, London and game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi.
SYNESTHESIA and UNITY
The first virtual realm is SYNESTHESIA. It brings you through a phenomenon in which the boundaries between the senses that are blurred. Tetsuya explored the potential of synesthesia since 2001, in his game, Rez.
His experiments with synesthesia are expanded into a large-scale format that allows visitors to experience this interesting sensorial state. The sound, light and haptic (touch) technology is specially created for this installation.
Also, check out < thatgamecompany >’s Sky: Children of the Light in an installation filled with light and sound themed UNITY. Working hand-in-hand with FIELD.IO, < thatgamecompany > presents a generative instrument that encourages participation and collaboration.
CONNECTION and PLAY
The CONNECTION installation features an interactive wall with two sides to explore. Go on a journey to a new and unfamiliar environment where the only channel of connection is through the wall. The wall appears to come alive with the help of a soundscape inspired by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS’ latest game, DEATH STRANDING.
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS collaborated with The Mill on an installation that allows you to explore how videogames can help create connections that were once impossible.
Titled Dream Shaping, Media Molecule and Marshmallow Laser Feast experiments with both the physical and virtual world in a giant play-space. Visitors get to be a part of an improvised performance or be spectators where the installation is equipped with tracking helmets and a range of oversized soft geometric forms.
NARRATIVE and EVERYTHING
At NARRATIVE, you get to immerse yourself in a 360-degree projection of the Mediterranean island from RiME (developed by Tequila Works). You get to create your own game narrative, trigger actions and solve puzzles to uncover the next chapter of the story.
The installation depends on the choices made and the collaboration between players to determine how your story will end.
In collaboration with onedotzero, the EVERYTHING virtual realm emerged from David OReilly’s game, Everything. The game portrays a world, presenting the Buddhist concept of inter-connectedness. Players get to direct elements of the video using controllers or just immerse themselves in an interactive space.
I am pretty convinced that this exhibition will have everyone enjoying themselves. This is definitely one not to miss. Due to the current restriction, only a fixed number of visitors are allowed in the ArtScience Museum. Thus, book your tickets and slots now and immerse yourself into the virtual world of videogames.
ArtScience Museum: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
Ticket Pricing: From $12 (For Singapore Residents)
Operating Hours: 10.00am – 7.00pm daily
