De Overleving is a virtual reality solution that can be easily adapted to many current television program
With the invention and commercialisation of new technologies such as Virtual Technology, many traditional television content providers have started experimenting new solutions in order to reach border demographics.
De Overleving is a TV program with Virtual Technology (VR) incorporated where audience can participate in the episodes with immersive gamified experience.
Commissioned by RTL, In collaboration with Justen Ang, Leah Nankervis, Ruben de Noord, Burak Mandira and Kevin van der Ven
Role - Concept generation, framework construction
Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.
- Nikos Kazantzakis
Problem
"With VR technology incorporated, RTL wants to provide indispensable contents to every Dutchman from all age categories and increase their viewing rate to one hour per day by 2020."
Television
The television (TV) industry is currently experiencing a significant evolution over the past few years with the rise of mobile devices, online video sharing platform YouTube and video on demand (VOD) services like Netflix where cable TVs and linear TV watching are no longer the only source in a domestic environment.
According to recent studies, the among of time people spent on linear television watching is dropping each year, especially for younger generations from 13 to 34 in which will be the target audience for our concept.
Virtual Reality Development
The development of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and its device such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Microsoft Hololens have seen a considerable break-through since 2014 and were reported to have received positive feedback.
Although the technology is usually perceived as game related, it has been employ to other disciplines like engineering, science, business, design, arts, military and healthcare etc.
However, with VR headsets still being considered novel, we have decided to base our model towards a more accessible solution on the mobile device due to its widespread popularity.
Gamification and Social Interaction
The process of gamification is the application of game elements and techniques to non-game problems and is commonly used to boost user engagement, productivity and accessibility which can assist individuals to comprehend specific subjects better.
In contrast to the beliefs that technology decreases social interaction, we wanted to including a feature that can engage user to participate and improve the interaction between users in both the environment they are physically in and online.
Concept
Base on the popular RTL show 'Expeditie Robinson' (a TV franchise also know as 'Survivor' in other countries) where participants are been placed on a remote island in which they need to compete each other in a series of events in order to win the game, De Overleving has taken a different approach to create an immersive watching and gaming experience.
Reward Program
A reward program has been incorporated in the concept to encourage the user in participating the program.
In between and during episodes, the viewer will be given parallel tasks in order to support their favourite characters and collect points which will accumulate throughout the season. These tasks will contain both individual and collaborative challenges in various difficulties where a communication platform will be provided for the user to seek help or team up.
At the end of the season, the finalists who have the highest points will be awarded with prizes and be involved in the production of the program.
VR Experience
De Overleving also contains VR elements in which a mobile phone app was chosen as our medium to provide indispensable contents.
In the app, the user will be able to explore the world of De Overleving through their mobile phones in virtual reality.
It will also feature a navigational map that resembles the actual island where footage and activities of the previous episode, challenges for the audiences, or even live broadcasting are marked on the exact spot of the island.
Once the challenge has been completed, the user will have the chance to opt for a supported team or character in which the contestant will be given assisting aids accordingly.
Evaluation
De Overleving is a solution combined with the traditional forum discussion, televoting system and popularised video on-demand subscription, yet act as a platform not only for the content providers to broadcast their programs, but a multidirectional interactive gaming experience. With the lower entry requirements of De Overleving, the solution is adaptable and can be modified with different contents and target audiences. Nevertheless, the concept can also be implemented to other visual reality gadgets once the market acceptance has reached a significant rate.
De Overleving Concept
However, when the prototype was exhibited in an event hosted by the RTL, several criticism were received. The most important one being the concept is lack in plans for profitability such as subscription plan and potential advertising revenue where others have included. The expertise needed for initial constructing and maintaining the solution and the rapid change in producing the program also means cost increasing in making each episodes are inevitable. Furthermore, although the technology are evolving rapidly, supporting older generation of mobile devices can be problematic and could potentially risk the chance to create unsatisfied customer.
Overall, the current TV landscape is changing dramatically where younger generations are no longer addicted to traditional linear televisions. At the same time, the use of VR technology has grown matured where we started to see new application such as Pokemon go (Augmented Reality) gained huge success. With the merger of two industry, an area of great potential is yet to be explored.
The full prototype can be tested here