Inspiration
In an era where the debate over plastic straw usage often overshadows more significant environmental concerns, "A Straw Man Argument" seeks to shift the focus towards the larger and more impactful issue of fossil fuel investments. This VR game is designed to illuminate the disproportionate effects of institutional actions compared to individual consumption habits, particularly highlighting the need for institutions like Pitt to reconsider their investment strategies.
What it does
Through an immersive VR experience, players are introduced to the concept via a compelling voice-over that sets the stage for a deeper understanding of environmental impact. Subsequently, players are thrust into an interactive sandbox where they can frivolously use plastic straws, complete with straw rocket boosters, to visually and quantitatively compare their actions against the backdrop of Pitt's fossil fuel investments and their carbon emissions footprint.
How I built it
Utilizing Unity and the Oculus SDK, this project was brought to life with a focus on creating a seamless and engaging virtual reality experience. Despite the technical challenges, the development process was driven by a commitment to environmental education and advocacy.
Challenges I ran into
Navigating the Oculus SDK proved to be a steep learning curve, presenting numerous obstacles in coding and implementation. The journey was filled with moments of frustration, particularly with seemingly correct code not functioning as anticipated.
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
Creating a fun and engaging VR game from scratch was an achievement in itself, especially considering the innovative use of plastic straw rocket boosters as a gameplay element. The ultimate goal is to foster a sense of urgency and motivation towards advocating for divestment from fossil fuels, making any steps in that direction a significant success.
What I learned
This project was a foray into the complexities of VR game development, offering invaluable insights into the intricacies of working with Unity and Oculus SDK. It was a testament to the power of interactive experiences in conveying critical environmental messages.
What's next for A Straw Man Argument
The future of "A Straw Man Argument" is open, with plans to share the experience with environmental groups and activists, particularly those focused on divestment campaigns. The feedback and interactions from these communities will be crucial in refining the game and amplifying its message.
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