Blast Theory, pioneers of interactive art, are forging ahead with the redevelopment of their most iconic work, “Can You See Me Now?” The groundbreaking game, which captured the attention of audiences worldwide in 2001, will be transformed into a mobile app for iOS and Android. The acclaimed group is seeking the support of Kickstarter backers to raise £20,000 for the project.
In collaboration with the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Nottingham, “Can You See Me Now?” pushed the boundaries of gaming by merging virtual and physical spaces in real-time. Players would navigate through a virtual city while being pursued by real-life runners. This innovative concept captivated audiences across four continents, as the game toured 22 cities. One online player in Seattle shared their experience, stating, “I had a definite heart-stopping moment when my concerns suddenly switched from desperately trying to escape, to desperately hoping that the runner chasing me had not been run over by a reversing truck (that’s what it sounded like had happened).”
With advancements in technology and the rise of the metaverse, Blast Theory is reviving this groundbreaking game for a new generation of players. The redeveloped mobile app will offer an immersive mixed reality experience, exploring themes of presence, absence, and our interconnected lives online.
Director of Blast Theory, Matt Adams, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Can You See Me Now? is a mobile game before mobile games were a genre.” He added, “Now, with the hype about the metaverse and the degraded world of social media, we are again wondering what community online looks like. How are we connected or disconnected with friends and strangers? In what sense is the online world a shared space? We believe that there is a new generation of players who will love the game.”
The team has already hired developers and begun redevelopment. However, to fully realize their vision, they are turning to the Kickstarter community for support. Backers will have the opportunity to follow the game’s progress and participate in a Kickstarter-exclusive game this summer. Blast Theory needs to reach their Kickstarter target of £20,000 by Wednesday 22nd May 2024 to develop the app for iOS and Android.
For further information, please contact Jonathan Goode, Communications Manager at Blast Theory, at +44 (0)7850 677 401 or jonny@blasttheory.co.uk.
Notes to Editors:
– Blast Theory is a four-time BAFTA Award-nominated group known for their adventurous use of interactive media.
– Their work has been featured at prestigious venues such as Tate Britain, Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney, ICC in Tokyo, Sundance Film Festival, the Venice Biennale, and the Royal Opera House.
– The group has received accolades such as the Golden Nica for Interactive Art at Prix Ars Electronica and the Maverick Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards in the USA.
– Assets for media use can be downloaded from the provided media pack.
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