Tuesday, 12 December at 1900-2000hrs

Malta Society of Arts

219, Palazzo de La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta

The Department of Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Malta Group) and the Department of Digital Arts - University of Malta, University of Malta present a public talk on Virtual reality.

Virtual Reality has emerged as one of the most exciting media platforms to come along in decades. Creators are beginning to recognize, however, the need for a bridge between the worlds of VR, AR, and MR technologies and the art form of classical storytelling. How these stories are structured, created, and then told in virtual immersive spaces is dependent on the recognition of VR as a new medium requiring a new narrative language. Author John Bucher examines the timeless principles of storytelling and how they are being applied, transformed, and transcended in Virtual Reality. In his talk, he considers case studies of both pioneers and innovators in VR storytelling including industry leaders he has consulted at LucasFilm, 20th Century Fox, Oculus, Insomniac Games and Google. His presentation will include:

• Why understanding story is essential for mastering effective uses of Virtual Reality in entertainment and marketing
• The 7 narratives shards that may be used in VR applications both inside and outside of entertainment and marketing
• The role of environmental storytelling when the audience is the protagonist
• Structuring the narrative VR experience
• A look at companies on the cutting edge of VR storytelling and what they are doing to be effective
• The growing relationship between VR and Artificial Intelligence, and how story fits into this relationship
• Ethical considerations for storytelling in Virtual Reality
• The future potential of Virtual Reality as a storytelling medium