Summary

As one of the key contributors to the Forest of Zoron project, my journey with this immersive virtual reality game began in 2017 as part of the Google Virtual Reality Challenge. The project's objective was ambitious but captivating: to combine the intricacies of an Electroencephalogram (EEG) with the immersive potential of virtual reality gaming. The goal was to create an experience that was not just visually and audibly engaging, but that also seamlessly integrated the player's mental state into the gameplay.

Forest of Zoron was conceived as a role-playing horror game, where players navigated a dark and mysterious forest filled with unpredictable challenges and scares. The true innovation of the game, however, was the implementation of an external EEG controller. This novel piece of technology allowed us to track players' brain wave patterns and use that data to create a more personalized gaming experience.

By integrating the EEG data, we enabled players to control in-game spells with their minds, adding an additional layer of immersion and interactivity to the game. The EEG data also allowed us to modulate the game's difficulty based on the player's mental state, creating an optimal balance of challenge and enjoyment. This unique feature ensured that the game was adaptable and suitable for both novice and experienced players.

Additionally, the game utilized the EEG data to keep players engaged by tracking their interest levels. If a player's interest began to wane, the game would automatically adjust to re-engage the player, using techniques such as introducing new challenges or shifting the game's narrative direction.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Forest of Zoron was its horror element. By tracking the player's fear levels through the EEG data, the game was able to deliver strategic jump scares when the player least expected it. This ensured a consistently thrilling and suspenseful gaming experience, which further elevated the game's appeal and kept players coming back for more.

My Involvement

My role in the Forest of Zoron project was as a writer and project manager, where I contributed to shaping the narrative and conceptualizing the game's unique mechanics. This experience allowed me to utilize my creativity and technical knowledge to create an engaging and innovative virtual reality experience. It was a rewarding challenge that taught me the importance of user-centered design, and the potential that lies in the intersection of technology and creativity.

Through my involvement in the Forest of Zoron project, I learned the power of innovative technology in creating unique, personalized experiences for users. It affirmed my belief in the value of integrating user data into product design, and the importance of constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of technology. I am proud of the work we accomplished with the Forest of Zoron and look forward to bringing this innovative mindset to future projects.

Forest of Zoron | Virtual Reality Challenge 2017