Discover the magic of 3dar, a Buenos Aires-based digital production studio captivating audiences worldwide. With unparalleled creativity and technical finesse, 3dar redefines animation, visual effects, and storytelling. Join us on a captivating journey into the realm of 3dar, where imagination knows no limits.
The Metaverse Insider had the pleasure of interviewing German Heller, the respective CEO of 3dar, where he provided valuable insights into their remarkable journey, highlighting the studio’s commitment to innovation and creative excellence. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of animation, visual effects, and immersive storytelling, 3dar has garnered widespread recognition for its breathtaking creations – now fully immersed in the worlds of virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR). In Part 1 of our conversation with Heller, we address 3dar’s journey into navigating the immersive reality space and its creative flair for content.
The Beginning of VR and Narrative Storytelling at 3dar
Heller’s emphasis on 3dar’s commitment to crafting compelling narratives is especially relevant to VR and XR experiences in the metaverse. In virtual reality, storytelling takes on a whole new dimension as users become active participants within the narrative, immersed in a fully interactive and lifelike environment. 3dar’s expertise in creating captivating characters and extraordinary worlds aligns perfectly with the immersive storytelling potential of VR.
3dar’s fascination with VR predates the Oculus headset. Even before its appearance, the studio was already working on a short film envisioning the future of VR. In this dystopic, apocalyptic tale, robots were controlled by VR game players, revealing a captivating narrative fantasy. “We quickly shifted to building a narrative experience,” Heller explained, as they got their hands on the headset. Their first project, “Gloomy Eyes,” crafted a narrative story with diorama models and characters that won numerous awards and became a reference in narrative storytelling.
As VR technology progressed, so did 3dar’s ambitions. Their next venture, released two years later, explored interactivity and better use of VR tools. Focused on music, the experience offered users an inner journey through senses, visuals, and sound. It effectively bridged the gap between storytelling and the immersive potential of the VR medium.
Presently, 3dar’s exciting focus lies in a mixed reality game, which melds its animation expertise with a narrative-driven gaming experience. With a narrative influence, the game invites players to share their adventures with others, creating a whimsical world where players interact with characters:
“We’re very excited these days about shared experiences,” Heller shared, “bringing the imagination and fantasy to life in animation, integrating the metaverse in the universe.”
As 3dar continues its pioneering efforts in the VR and XR realm, the future appears vividly imaginative. Combining their passion for animation and gaming, the studio promises to weave a world that seamlessly integrates the metaverse into our universe, unlocking endless possibilities for interactive storytelling and immersive experiences.
3dar’s Creative Odyssey
“No matter how innovative the technology is, [if the project is] without a soul, without a compelling story, it falls short for us.”
Heller painted a vivid picture of how the creative process at 3dar unfolds. It all begins with a feeling, a mood that sets the stage for the character’s creation. One project, “Papyrus,” delved into the inner world and embarked on a deep and delicate exploration. In contrast, another endeavor aimed to invoke laughter, randomness, and joy.
The characters become the heart of each project, infusing the stories with their unique personalities. One such character was a little egg, seemingly unsure of itself, which inspired the team to craft a short film that led to a whimsical world of adventure.
As the character’s essence takes form, 3dar seamlessly integrates it into a dynamic, immersive world. The process is both organic and natural, and as the characters come to life, they guide the narrative, revealing their desires and challenges. Thus, the world evolves, and with it, the story gains depth and meaning.
Heller disclosed the team’s iterative approach to project development, where ideas are explored, and gameplay mechanics are refined. The journey towards their forthcoming mixed reality game exemplified this method. Prototypes led them down different paths, from a strategy game to a platformer, but it was the introduction of a mixed reality software development kit (SDK) that sparked an exciting new direction.
Mixed reality breathed life into the characters, as players could now see them interact in the real world, fostering a delightful sense of connection. Multiplayer gameplay ensued, allowing players to join forces and engage in slapstick antics, fighting against square robots harassing them.
3dar’s creative process embodies the artisanship of development, a journey where each step builds upon the last, fuelled by discovery and experimentation. It’s an exhilarating ride where technology and storytelling converge, giving birth to extraordinary and immersive experiences.
As 3dar continues to innovate and explore new possibilities, their passion for storytelling, imaginative characters, and immersive experiences shines through, driving them to create VR and XR worlds that leave a lasting mark on audiences, where technology and soul harmoniously intertwine. Keep an eye out for Part 2, where we further discuss 3dar’s mixed reality SDK and the future direction of the studio.
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