The assignment was to pitch a VR experience for funding to either the Arts Council, Sheffield Doc Fest or Oculus Quest Store. The submission also required a pitchdeck, a promotional piece and also a research or journalistic piece about the game post-release.
I chose to create AvalonVR for the Oculus Quest Store and used a concept art and visual language to describe the game. The film was directed by Mamoru Oshii, who also directed Ghost in the Shell (1995) and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004), Avalon has a strong female lead and is partially described by Mamoru Oshii as a response to The Matrix (1999).
The promotional material I presented was an invitation to a launch party hosted by TheHive, AltSpace. I also submitted a Wired article interviewing fictitious producers. I used their voice to analyse the game and it’s key themes. These included a critique of war and theory of militainment, plus issues around mental health, the addiction to escapasim, virtual reality inside virtual reality, simulation theory, and agency,

Introduction to AVALON VR

Adapted from the Sci-Fi and Cyberpunk classic, Avalon (2001), the original screenplay was written by Kazunori Itô and directed by Mamoru Oshii. This game reflects the themes and story arc explored in the original movie, but the player’s journey moves beyond the story of Ash.

Set in a near future dystopian society, players are addicted to an underground virtual reality game called Avalon Online. Many people choose to escape from their dire existence by plugging in to the simulated world. Virtual players rent game rooms from a virtual Games Master, where they can log on to Avalon Online computer terminals to join the virtual-virtual game.

AvalonVR is a role-playing game that includes first person shooter experiences. Each player creates an avatar and selects whether they would prefer to play solo or in a team. If team mode is selected, it will comprise of up to 5 other non-playable characters. All players are both citizens of the post-Communist city and freedom fighters in Avalon Online and their missions see them engaging with the AI fighters in the game.