“Beyond a bit — Just Beyond Your Imagination”: A World Brought to Life Only Through VR | XR Film Guide Vol. 116

https://beyond-a-bit.com/

“Beyond a bit — Just Beyond Your Imagination” is an immersive world available on VRChat. It can be accessed using a Meta Quest headset alone, without the need for a PC. The world is relatively small, allowing visitors to move around freely. With no designated path or set progression, visitors explore the space at their own pace, observing the world as they wander.

While the space is populated with visual elements and structures resembling plants, stars, and creatures, there is almost no explanation provided for them. Furthermore, no story or background setting is explicitly detailed. There are no gaming elements, such as scores or clear conditions, nor are there any complex controls or specific interactions required. The core of the experience is simply moving through the space and observing the environment, leaving the length of stay and the route entirely up to the visitor. Visitors grasp the essence of the world through the shifts in the space and the visual staging. In this sense, it shares similarities with “Japan Shrine [early summer]”, which was featured in our 114th issue. However, while “Japan Shrine [early summer]” recreated a realistic space, “Beyond a bit” is a complete world of fantasy, marking a significant contrast between the two.

[embed]Anytime you can visit an early-summer Japanese shrine in VRChat: “Japan Shrine [early summer]” —… “Japan Shrine [early summer]” is an experiential world published on VRChat. Since it can be accessed using only a Meta…medium.com

This world was reconstructed based on a performance piece originally showcased at the SANRIO Virtual Festival 2023, a virtual event hosted by Sanrio, and was subsequently opened to the public. It has received high international acclaim, including being selected for the Worlds Gallery at VENICE IMMERSIVE 2023 (part of the 80th Venice International Film Festival) and receiving a nomination for “Best Immersive Art Experience” at Raindance Immersive 2023. As one of the most visited worlds in VRChat, widely known for its dreamlike spatial design and music-synchronized experience, it is highly recommended as a must-visit destination.

Worlds Possible Only in VR

Huge structures and plants might collapse under the influence of gravity in the real world. However, because gravity doesn’t exist in the world of VR, we can gaze upon such wondrous, otherworldly sights. These giant plants emit a soft glow, and sleek, grass-like forms sprout from the ground. High above, a smooth, translucent canopy stretches across the sky like a curtain.

One of VR’s functions is undoubtedly its ability to act as an archive — preserving things that once existed or are fading away from the real world. I believe this is incredibly effective not only for architecture and spaces, but also for art forms like installations. At the same time, VR possesses another distinct capability: the power to create things that are fundamentally impossible in reality. In other words, expressions that can only exist within VR. Unbound by gravity, architectures and objects allow artists to express themselves with far greater freedom. Of course, when it comes to this aspect, we are already seeing an influx of live concerts, theatrical performances, and various other forms of expression.

Yet, for worlds like these in VRChat, perhaps one of the greatest appeals lies in a much more private experience — slipping into your favorite spot all by yourself to stare out past the horizon, or simply chatting with someone. Meeting up in a VRChat world to catch up with a friend who has moved to the opposite side of the planet sounds like a wonderful idea. Personally, rather than talking through a monitor, I once chatted with a friend in a world using an avatar that looked nothing like him, yet I felt his presence far more vividly. It is perhaps through these small, quiet shifts that the world is gradually beginning to change.

Comment from K:

Visiting worlds modeled after real places was great, but being able to live in a fantasy world that doesn’t even exist? That’s what XR is all about. It makes me feel like these worlds could become a whole new way for humans to gain memories and experiences. I can really feel how technology is helping us evolve.

Data of Works:

Title: Beyond a bit — Just Beyond Your Imagination

Created by: EstyOctober

Genre: Environment / Atmospheric

Year of Creation: 2023

Platform: VRChat

[embed]team: beyond_a_bit 想像のちょっと先へ "まだ誰も体験したことのないもの" をVirtualの世界で生み出すクリエイティブチーム。A creative team making unseen experiences in the virtual…beyond-a-bit.com

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