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34We, the show hosts, went to see a virtual reality (VR) show "Horizon of Khufu" (in Chinese: 消失的法老). In this episode we discussed our thoughts on the show and VR technology.
After being around for decades, VR seems finally within reach of wide consumer application, and this show is proof. While this show still has rough edges (abrupt scene transitions, little interactivity), one can extrapolate the potential, and anticipate much better works in just a couple of years. In terms of technology maturity, we are quite beyond the equivalent of The Great Train Robbery (1903).
In the podcast we also talked about a related work "we met in virtual reality" (2022) -- a documentary shot entirely in VR. One of the show hosts, feng, was surprised at how expressive the avatars have become. The avatars are so good at delivering fine gestures that people can use sign language in VR.
feng shared this moment: the day after seeing the show, I was sitting outside having a cup of coffee and taking in the warmth of the afternoon sun. right then, for a brief moment, i couldn't quite tell if this is VR or reality. the sun light streaking down between the tree leaves felt real enough, but barely more so than yesterday when I was perching at the top of the great Khufu pyramid in VR.
The potential for a new form of storytelling is exciting. If the development of the film and TV industry can be of reference, the next couple decades will be a time when we figure out the grammar for this new medium, and its strengths. Shows like the Horizon of Khufu is an excellent early attempt. It also clearly carries the legacies from film-making and video games.
消失的法老, website: horizonkheops.com
we met in virtual reality, imdb link: www.imdb.com
