Due to COVID-19, many are social distancing or self-quarantining. In difficult times like this, exploring the outdoors, appreciating nature, traveling to new cities and meeting people becomes infeasible.
For those stricken by boredom and in need of social interaction, virtual reality (VR) comes into play. According to the Statista Research Department, the total number of active VR users worldwide in 2018 was estimated to be roughly 171 million. With the ongoing pandemic where people are staying at home for extended periods of time, VR will likely see a rise in use.
Now, fans of musician Porter Robinson will be able to listen to his singles “Get Your Wish” and “Something Comforting” from his forthcoming album Nurture in VR.
Upon entering the VR world, a pitch-black room with two screens for the two singles are present.
The player is represented as a doodly line that constantly moves. Using WASD to control the doodly line with the space bar for jumping, players use the mouse to look around.
The VR world of “Get Your Wish” is the open sea at night with beautiful fireworks of all colours going off. Nearby are three arches that illuminate blue when the player goes through. When all three are illuminated, night becomes day.
The VR world of “Something Comforting” is a lush grass field with a couple of trees on a perfect, blue-sky day. Looking above, white birds can be seen flying in flocks. When the player approaches all of the yellow flower patches and uplifts it, the sky turns to a cloudy overcast with the white birds becoming black like crows.
Experiencing such beauty alone would be a shame so the VR world allows for the connection with complete strangers from around the world. “Connect randomly to another player anywhere in the world & listen to the music of nurture together,” said Robinson.
To visit Robinson’s VR world, click the link below.
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