George Roboz, the Head of Creative at Recursive, recently shared an exciting update on LinkedIn about the development of a unique digital experience that captures the essence of Las Vegas. Using advanced tools such as Touch Designer, Blender 3D, and Unreal Engine, the team has created a miniature version of the iconic city, featuring familiar landmarks and a humorous take on the environment.
The digital rendition is alive with dynamic elements like bustling pedestrians, traffic, an operational monorail, soaring jets, passenger planes, and the roar of Formula 1 cars, all designed to transport players and viewers into a captivating alternate reality. Roboz emphasized their commitment to crafting an immersive arcade experience that goes beyond traditional gaming, highlighting how the environment extends playtime by incorporating interactive elements such as graffiti-style stickers, mini maps, and a consistent soundscape to maintain engagement.
One of the standout features of this project is Dylan, the Puma mascot, who exists both inside and outside the game, offering a whimsical connection to the experience. Players can summon Dylan during gameplay or interact with him in real life, enhancing the authenticity of the overall experience.
Roboz expressed profound gratitude to his team for their hard work and innovation, as well as to Corey Del Zotto of Puma for his creative collaboration and support throughout the process. He hinted that more exciting details will be revealed in the near future.
In a related note, the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards celebrated advancements in retail technology during an event held in Central London. Sponsored by various tech companies, the event recognized the rapid innovation in omnichannel retailing. Founder Scott Thompson noted the awards’ evolution from an online platform during the pandemic to a fully-fledged real-world celebration with increased attendance each year.
Thompson highlighted the impressive range of innovative submissions, which included advancements such as checkout-free stores and automated supply chains, all aimed at enhancing efficiency and profitability in retail. The event concluded with congratulations to the winners and recognition of all who contributed to this celebration of technological innovation.
This evolution of both digital experiences in gaming and retail technology illustrates a broader trend towards immersive and engaging consumer environments. The dedication of teams like Recursive emphasizes a hopeful future where technology enhances our everyday experiences, making it an exhilarating time for creativity and innovation in these fields.