RITM: Rifts in the Mythoscape

"Uncover hidden layers of the world within a mythoscape where nature and myths intertwine" -- Summon mythological creatures with mystery boxes, Craft spells, and Battle them in different XR dimensions

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Inspiration

RITM: Rifts in the Mythoscape emerged from an interdisciplinary exploration of how myths and natural phenomena shape human perceptions of the world. Drawing from gamification theory and XR (extended reality) technologies, the project seeks to integrate narrative-driven environmental storytelling with immersive game mechanics. The inspiration lies at the intersection of geopoetics, speculative design, and the transformative potential of XR to reimagine engagement with myths and landscapes. We aim to transform real-world environments into interactive layers of the game world where players can explore spaces, such as looking under a table, to reveal hidden realms like underground worlds, creating a dynamic and immersive connection to their surroundings. At last, we focus on fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity while emphasizing the connections between natural and mythological systems.

What it does

Players step into the rifts and experience transitions between worlds across different XR dimensions: AR, MR, and VR. Players interact with a physical map, using XR to make augment the map with worldbuilding. Players use physical mystery boxes on a map to summon mythological creatures bound to specific areas of the map. Within MR environment, players interact with these creatures to collect elemental resources and master basic spell-crafting. They can follow these creatures into virtual mythic realms (VR), where they battle, craft spells, and collect special elements to prepare for future challenges. The ultimate goal is to explore the map strategically, gather resources, and face off against powerful Rift Rulers commanding each landscape.

How we built it

We prototyped AR and MR interactions using ShapesXR and developed VR environments with Unity. Real-world geography inspired the physical map and informed transitions between physical and digital spaces. This approach blended environmental data with mythological storytelling for an immersive, cohesive experience.

Challenges we ran into

Ensuring smooth transitions across AR, MR, and VR platforms without breaking immersion was technically demanding. Balancing the complexity of game mechanics with accessibility for diverse players required careful iteration. Additionally, integrating mythological narratives into the gameplay mechanics involved close collaboration across multiple disciplines.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We successfully created gameplay mechanics that merge environmental appreciation with mythological storytelling, fostering a unique connection between players and landscapes. The seamless integration of physical props and XR interactions allowed for engaging transitions and immersive exploration. Developing a robust prototyping and testing workflow was another major achievement.

What we learned

Hybrid realities significantly enhance storytelling and player engagement by blending physical and digital elements. Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to designing innovative experiences, though it requires clear communication. Frequent testing and iteration are critical to uncover what resonates most with players.

What's next for RITM: Rifts in the Mythoscape

We aim to expand the narrative with additional myths and more complex storytelling paths. Multiplayer features will be introduced to encourage collaborative myth-making and exploration. Partnerships with educators and XR experts will help refine gameplay and scale the project further.

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