New Age of Animated Storytelling with AR, VR and MR

Humans have always been fond of stories across the world. Be it the ancient folklore of every native tribe, be it the enchanting tales of The Arabian Nights or the stories of Cindrella and Rapunzel that have always been your child’s favourite companion, stories captivate our mind and teach us lifelong lessons like nothing else does, and perhaps this is why their charm hasn’t faded away even today. What has changed though is the ways these stories are told. The rapid advancement in technology and its easy access to masses means no aspect is untouched. Stories are told in a more engaging way, which is more relatable and realistic. All this has been made possible due to technical advancements, mainly, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR).

Mixed Reality, brings the digital content into the physical world. It also redefines voice and other gestures in such a way that we interact with media more naturally and convincingly. It is the ability to blend digital elements into the real world environment contextually you are a part of. This lets you have an unprecedented experience of storytelling. The MR experience is currently delivered via bright visited headset that projects holograms into their environment. Disney is a Pioneer in this field. The company created a semi-opaque, lightbox style wall, which surprised and delighted shoppers by matching their movements with Disney’s shadows.

Virtual Reality is another powerful medium that has completely transfigured the art of storytelling and the way it functions. A compelling, professionally crafted narrative with a strong plot, accompanied with jaw-dropping visuals and effective sound that can create an unmatched environment around you, and you feel as if you are there, inside the story. Think about video games you played as a child. How did you feel that you were there, in that world, driving that car and trying to overtake someone else’s? Remember the thrill, the adrenaline rush? That’s exactly what Virtual Reality delivers. You will be slowly and gradually pulled to the story, If the storyteller is doing an excellent job and the story is compelling enough. Before you realize it, you are already deep into it, enjoying it.

Image Source: Engadget

Another interesting aspect is that of augmented reality. Who can forget the unparalleled success Pokémon recently enjoyed due to the unbeatable technology of Augmented Reality? The game has thrown light on Augmented Reality like never before. The animation comes to life using augmented reality in diverse ways. 3D animations are displayed on a screen based on 2D block patterns. Disney’s future, just like its glorious past depends on exploiting this technology that enables the characters they draw on paper come alive on the screen. The viewer gets immersed in the story like never before. It also allows the creator various ways in which a shot/scene could be directed.

Therefore, VR, AR and MR have settled themselves too deeply in the market. Whoever exploits, its sheer talents will be leading the world of animation.