Vital Stories

Redefining Interactive Entertainment with Live-Action Gaming

Introduction

Vital Stories redefines storytelling by blending live-action performance with real-time audience participation. Inspired by classics like Bandersnatch and Clue, this ground breaking project invites audiences to step into the shoes of detectives, solving mysteries and making critical decisions that shape the narrative. Developed in collaboration with Bradford Filmmakers 25, and XR Stories, this project showcases the potential of live-action gaming as a tool for audience engagement and storytelling innovation.

Project Overview

• Concept: A virtual murder mystery where audiences collaborate to interrogate suspects, gather evidence, and solve the case within a 15-minute timeframe.

• Execution: Developed and piloted live on Twitch, allowing participants to engage from laptops, phones, and desktops.

• Impact: Successfully demonstrated the potential of live-action gaming as a tool for audience engagement and storytelling innovation.

Key Features

• Real-Time Interaction: Audiences voted on key decisions (e.g., "Good Cop, Bad Cop") via Twitch polls, influencing the narrative in real time.

• Cross-Platform Accessibility: Participants joined from multiple devices, ensuring inclusivity and broad reach.

• Immersive Storytelling: Combined a mock police database, newspaper clippings, and character profiles to create a rich, interactive world.

Design Process & Research

• Inspiration: The project was inspired by traditional murder mysteries and modern interactive media, blending theatrical performance with gaming mechanics.

• Plot: Set at the fictional Vitatech Corporation, the story revolved around a murder investigation. Audiences played probationary detectives tasked with solving the case to earn promotion to Murder Squad 1.

• Tools & Widgets: Utilised Twitch polls, channel points, and predictions to enhance interactivity.

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