An upcoming game for Oculus Rift, entitled [08:46] , will allow players to experience what it might have been like to have been an office worker during the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11. Why? Perhaps it’s an attempt to evoke empathy and capture the horror of that day. Maybe it’s designed to push the limits of art and really explore what virtual reality is capable of. Or, maybe it’s supposed to stir up controversy and attract the press… in which case, I guess it’s already succeeded.
It is within the realm of possibility that more games like this will be released as VR becomes more prominent, potentially creating a new, voyeuristic field of journalism. Maybe cameras will be adapted so viewers can control the perspective as was the case with the recent Republican Debate. If nothing else, [08:46] will be a good test to see if there’s an audience for this sort of thing.
For those looking to positively horrify themselves, a demo is available here. The second version of the Oculus Rift development kit will be required to play it, though.