Trial-gorithm - Cyberpunk VR Experience
An Interactive Cinematic Experience, Unreal Game
2020 / Caritas Jockey Club Social Centre, Hong Kong
Trial-gorithm is a social fiction virtual reality experience exploring the ethical implications of futuristic neural technology.
In the experience, the user takes on the role of a defendant on trial for a serious crime. A neural device is used to implant false memories in the user that simulate undergoing a death journey. The user experiences being sent into the afterlife to reflect on their life and guilt or innocence, all within a simulated virtual reality world. An algorithm analyzes the user's journey and simulated reflections to determine if they are guilty of the crime.
The experience aims to provoke thought and discussion about the probable future uses of neural interfaces and artificial intelligence in legal systems.
Game Environment Art
In the perspective of the user, they follow through one's possible full death journey, going through the initial moment of death, an out of body experience viewing one's own lifeless body, traveling down a dark tunnel towards a light, encountering the grim reaper who guides the user through reflecting on their life, relationships, actions and guilt while in this afterlife simulation. This simulated death journey is intended to provoke deep introspection and thoughts that could reveal one's true innocence or guilt to the algorithm's analysis.
First-Person View Journey
Using camera in VR headset, taking own photo, capturing smiling self before journey into simulation begins.
Inside the wooden coffin, the user can gaze up at a worn photograph of their former smiling self and at the fragrant funeral flowers in full bloom.
Experiencing the full story in the first person perspective, having moments of empathy with the character's internal feelings.
With the first person view, the physical and mental health status are illustrated with real time post-processing visual effects.
CLIENT
Caritas Jockey Club Social Centre
MY ROLES
Artist — VR Content Creation
Unreal Developer
TEAM
Project Director Mark Chu
System & Hardware Fred Chan
Event Team Sally Chan
Social Work Consultant Caritas
House of Instagram Japan
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