This VR essay guides you from Ivan Sutherland’s historical creation of the first head-mounted VR display through different iterations of simulation theory in a powerful, embodied critique of virtual realities as a possible solution to current emergency conditions.
‘Shadowtime’ is a new word coined for our age by Ranu Mukherjee and the Bureau of Linguistical Reality, describing the feeling of occupying two irreconcilable times simultaneously. It is being stuck in a traffic jam on your way to work and realizing that the gas in your engine is the compressed mass of prehistoric creatures. It is scrolling through your phone and remembering that the earth is changing irrevocably. In ‘Shadowtime’, directors Sister Sylvester and Deniz Tortum take these temporal incompatibilities and explore them in the realm of virtual reality and simulation theory.
Is the shadow world of VR just a hiding place, an escape from reality? Or is it the perfect context for learning about how to be in two places at once?
Synopsis
“You are in two worlds at the same time. Your body is in the other world, but your heart is in this one.”
To exist in the virtual world is to have two bodies, four hands, two hearts. Alma, a mysterious guide to this double world, leads you through questions around the climate crisis, irreconcilable realities, and the virtual as a place to take shelter.
AI Generated Content Disclosure
The team utilised AI due to the thematic relevance of the story. This application marks the first use of AI in creating 3D and 6DOF environments that morph seamlessly into one another in VR. This innovative technique is showcased in a short sequence within the experience.
Institute of Time
Based in Utrecht, Institute of Time is an interdisciplinary film and new media company specializing in documentary films and XR experiences. Focusing on creative projects around climate change, it aims to bring a different perspective to our current life and uncertain future with storytelling.
Recommended Settings
"Shadowtime" is a hand-tracking experience designed specifically for PC-linked Meta Quest 2 headset.
Graphic Quality: To achieve optimal graphic quality, ensure that an h265 codec is installed on your PC.
"Shadowtime" will run properly even if you don't have all these settings.
Screenshots
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User Reviews
Overwhelmingly Positive
1 user reviews
100%
Positive
User #590240english
29 min at review
Recommended
[h1]Experienced on the Meta Quest 3[/h1]
This is a Mixed Reality (passthrough) & Hand-Tracking artistic experience! Works perfectly on the Meta Quest 3. Be sure to put away those motion controllers! There are some interactions, but it is a mostly cinematic experience. Whole thing takes about 20 minutes.
The photogrammetry parts looked really good. Most of the action happens 180 in front of you, but it is a 360 stereoscopic 3D experience. I thought it was a trippy experience and the game does play with your senses.
[b]Rate 8/10.[/b]
[quote]I bought this game! If you enjoyed my review, please consider joining my Steam Curator group [url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/Oculus_WMR]Oculus Rift Reviews.[/url][/quote]
System Requirements
Minimum
Minimum:
OS: Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: GeForce RTX 2080
Storage: 9 GB available space
VR Support: Meta Quest device, Steam VR
FAQ
How much does Shadowtime cost?
Shadowtime costs $5.99.
What are the system requirements for Shadowtime?
Minimum: Minimum: OS: Windows 10 Processor: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce RTX 2080 Storage: 9 GB available space VR Support: Meta Quest device, Steam VR
What platforms is Shadowtime available on?
Shadowtime is available on Windows PC.
Is Shadowtime worth buying?
Shadowtime has 100% positive reviews from 1 players.
When was Shadowtime released?
Shadowtime was released on Jul 10, 2024.
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