We’ve told stories for thousands of years. Our fascination with them hasn’t changed in all this time – but the way we tell them has.
Technology allows us to tell the best stories in the most exciting way. This doesn’t show signs of slowing down; the way we tell stories is constantly evolving.
So, what is the future of storytelling? What role do augmented and virtual reality have to play in it? Let’s take a closer look.
The Evolution of Storytelling
Over the years, we’ve conjured up a number of creative and innovative ways to tell a story.
In the early days, they were told by word of mouth sitting around a campfire, or through cave drawings. Then, there came theatre and poetry. They can also be told in multiple places – from the cinema to the classroom.
Today, technology has made the way we tell stories almost unrecognisable – yet the core of it has remained the same.
The UK is home to leading storytellers. Soon, we will be able to enjoy our favourite films and cultural activities via completely immersive experiences. Augmented, mixed and virtual reality storytelling hold the key to this.
What are Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality?
There are some clear differences, yet distinct similarities between these three technologies.
- Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is an immersive, interactive blending of digital elements. This could be a visual overlay, for example.
This has wider uses than storytelling or smartphone games. It can be used to create digitally enhanced training experiences for soldiers.
- Virtual Reality
Virtual reality comprises mainly auditory and visual stimulation. A VR experience is a computer-generated one that takes place in an immersive environment.
- Mixed Reality
Also known as hybrid reality, mixed reality is the blending of the real and virtual world. Digital and physical elements not only exist together but interact.
What Does This Mean for Storytelling?
Audiences of the future will experience the real world around us in a completely different way.
This provides creative businesses and technology experts with an exciting opportunity to find new ways to captivate the public. Virtual, mixed and augmented reality storytelling are set to transform how we perceive our environment.
From the entertainment industry to schools, the UK is positioned to be at the forefront of this tech revolution.
What will the future hold?
Some new funding, up to £33 million, was provided by the government to develop new products and services that exploit immersive technologies, such as AR apps.
Investments were made in areas such as:
- Research into new technology
- Development of these technologies
- A demonstrator programme
- A cutting-edge creative training centre
- Research programmes in immersive storytelling
All of this helped UK innovators and creatives position themselves as leaders in immersive tech. This support captured the world’s attention and helped to grow the UK’s market’s position in revolutionising creative content.
Creative Content for Visual Storytelling
Speaking of creative content, we like to have our finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest developments in storytelling.
We’re a team of creative storytellers producing bespoke animated videos for big companies, and we’ve been doing so for years. We love being able to help you bring brands to life, so if you’ve got any big ideas don’t hesitate to drop us a line.