‘The Woods’ is a mixed-reality multiplayer cooperative game that addresses the perils of social isolation by promoting connections between people and actively engaging them through play. Using Augmented Reality (AR) and 4-channel audio spatialization panning, players choreograph their movement in real-world space, while interacting with birds, clouds and other objects in virtual space. In pursuit of a shared goal, the players experience an immersive sonic narrative of rumbling storm clouds and despondent voices that culminate in stories of hope and reconciliation as they progress through the game. ‘The Woods’ provides positive social impact by illuminating our connections to one another and inspiring us to respond through collaboration.

Collaborators: Scott Swearingen, Marc Ainger, Federico Cámara Halac, Sruthi Ammannagari, Matt Hall, Leigh Mordant