By Haralds Dravnieks
This PhD research delves into the exciting realm of the “Hyperverse,” an extended reality (XR) game environment designed for artistic research, digital presence, and imagination development. The Hyperverse is a virtual space that merges immersive technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality with engaging gamification techniques. Through this research, we aim to uncover how artists can harness digital tools to enhance their creative process and establish a profound sense of presence within virtual realms.
Drawing upon a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing media studies, game studies, art history, architecture, city planning and cognitive science, this project will create a prototype Hyperverse environment. This environment will incorporate a diverse range of interactive media elements, including 3D modeling, animation, sound design, photogrammetrie and gamification mechanics. By doing so, we will enable artists to explore, experiment, and collaborate within this captivating digital landscape.
The research methodology consists of three phases. The first phase involves the development of the Hyperverse prototype, shaping a dynamic and immersive world that serves as the canvas for artistic exploration. This prototype will be meticulously crafted to provide artists with a platform to unleash their creativity and imagination, transcending the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums.
In the second phase, artists will utilize the Hyperverse to support their research process. This phase focuses on cultivating a digital presence and honing imaginative skills within the virtual environment. By enabling artists to engage with the Hyperverse, we seek to empower them to push the boundaries of their artistic practice, forging new frontiers in digital expression.
The third phase incorporates an exciting element a Hackathon. Collaborating with other researchers, artists, and XR enthusiasts, the Hackathon will facilitate intense creative collaboration within the Hyperverse. Participants will have the opportunity to collectively explore the capabilities of the Hyperverse, ideate novel artistic approaches, and prototype innovative XR experiences. This phase aims to foster a vibrant community and encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge in the realm of XR game environments for artistic research.
Through this research, we aspire to unveil the potential of the Hyperverse as an exceptional tool for artistic research. The Hyperverse offers artists an unprecedented platform to experiment, collaborate, and enhance their digital presence and imaginative prowess. The outcomes of this study will contribute significantly to media studies, game studies, and art practice, revolutionizing our understanding of the role of digital tools in artistic exploration.
In summary, the Hyperverse project embarks on an immersive journey, where artists become pioneers of a digital frontier, expanding the boundaries of their creative potential. This research promises to revolutionize the landscape of artistic expression, fueling the imaginations of artists and challenging the conventions of traditional artistic practices.