DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture has selected six innovative VR concepts by emerging Saudi storytellers for prototype development. This follows the successful completion of the month-long Creative Solutions Residency Program.
This year’s program began on June 30 with 29 participants and 12 project proposals. Creative adviser Rafi Nazim, immersive technology consultant Simon Benson, Unity 3D expert Keith Myers and representatives from The Bakery guided participants through workshops and hands-on instruction.
The Creative Solutions Residency Program focuses on immersive technologies such as AR, VR, mixed reality, immersive audio and haptics. Participants learned creative, entrepreneurial, technical and storytelling foundations at Ithra’s Idea Lab.
Concepts were developed through storyboarding, scriptwriting and game engine sessions at Ithra’s Immersive Lab. Participants also trained with haptic feedback vests, motion capture bands and character design software.
The residency ended with pitches to a jury of industry experts including interdisciplinary artist Hanan Makki, journalist Kate Wellham and award-winning Saudi game developer Rafif Kalantan. Six winning concepts were chosen for prototype development.
“The program is more than a valuable training ground; it provides a global stage for talented Saudi creatives to showcase their brilliance to industry experts and investors,” said Manar Al-Duwaileh, head of Ithra’s creativity and innovation unit.
“We are not just nurturing innovators. We are identifying and supporting future pioneers who will redefine the boundaries of storytelling using immersive tech.”
Winning concepts include Mirage, an interactive VR experience about a young girl battling depression; A Caravan Adventure, a VR journey exploring traditional Arab life; SOlVIVAL, an immersive physics-based adventure; Two Equals One, highlighting cultural connections through gameplay; The Hidden Loom, a VR game combining storytelling and cultural education; and Reclaiming Dreams, where players immerse in a young boy’s use of technology.
The six winning projects will unveil their prototypes in early November at Ithra’s annual event dedicated to design and creativity, showcasing to international investors and leading companies.
