Have you ever imagined yourself immersed in a virtual reality (VR) world that features some of the most popular attractions in Penang?
It is like you are really there but actually never were!
Well, it is possible now once the video game project that is based on the virtual reality concept is completed.
French-born artist Jérémy Griffaud is the mastermind behind this ongoing project.
Griffaud said the VR project will feature unique landmarks in the state, from cultural attractions, and local businesses to iconic places.
“Among them are Waterfall Hilltop Temple, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, the meromictic lake in Penang National Park, and many others.
“There are also stories behind all those attractions presented in the game where gamers can know more about the places.
“I also took many pictures of all these places when I first came to Penang in December last year, and later drew them to integrate them into this VR gaming project.
“The important aspects, such as architecture, nature, and craftsmanship in Penang, will be put into this game.
“They just need to use a VR headset to be able to interact, experience and move inside the special VR world that resembles Penang,” Griffaud told Buletin Mutiara during an interview at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee in George Town recently.
Also present was state Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad.
According to Griffaud, once he is done with the storyline that includes sketching and drawing processes, he would then work with a developer for coding, and also with a musician to put the sound and music into the game.
“So basically, I will do the early aspect of the game and design all the concepts.
“And when I return to France I will work with the gaming studio to materialise the project.
“Roughly, it will take about one to two years for the virtual reality gaming project to be completed.
“This is my first VR project that is inspired by the Penang ‘elements’ and mixed with my own vision as well. I’m very excited about it.
“I will do my best to complete it and make the game as attractive as possible,” he said.
Haryany said Griffaud is in Penang for the ‘Arles-Penang Artist Exchange Residency’ programme.
“The programme is a collaboration involving several parties, such as the Penang government through Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), Galerie Huit Arles in France, French Embassy in Malaysia, Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, Alliance Française de Penang and Hikayat.
“The Arles-Penang Artist Exchange Residency programme aims to offer an exceptional working environment, in two cities listed as Unesco World Heritage sites, to Malaysian and French artists, curators and cultural entrepreneurs from different backgrounds.
“This cross-disciplinary residency will allow them to reflect for several months on a creative project such as a VR gaming project that is entrusted to Griffaud to work on it.
“This will also aim to stimulate the development of cultural and creative industries at the local level, taking into account the common features that characterise Arles and Penang which are a rich heritage, numerous festivals and cultural institutions, and the desire to open up to digital culture,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis