"Today, game design is about crafting entire worlds that players can inhabit" ? Interview with Russ Harding

Russ Harding is Chief Gaming Officer at Saltwater Games, a pioneering gaming studio renowned for blending Web3, AI, and immersive technologies, with a current game portfolio that includes titles such as Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom, Celeros, Doctor Who, and Resurgence. The company brings together the best of emerging technology, creativity, and innovation to deliver captivating games and exceptional products.?

Discover in the interview below how Russ witnessed the transformative rise of immersive technologies in gaming and how these innovations are set to reshape the industry's future in ways we can only begin to imagine.?

| ?? On Gaming Evolution and How It Impacted Today’s Game Design

Russ witnessed the evolution of gaming technology firsthand and experienced how transformations in the gaming industry have changed how we approach game design today.?

“Projects like PlayStation VR Worlds and "Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom" have completely reshaped my approach to game design. Today, game design isn't merely about visual aesthetics or functional mechanics; it's about crafting entire worlds that players can inhabit, where emotional depth and tactile interactions are fundamental to the experience.”??

| ?? Storytelling Evolution in Gaming Throughout the Years

“Storytelling has shifted dramatically over my career. Initially, storytelling in games followed linear paths, but with the introduction of VR/AR, it has become a multi-layered, experience-driven medium.?

The player is not just a spectator but an active participant whose choices shape the narrative. "Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom" is an example where the boundaries of scripted stories blurred into player-driven exploration, emphasizing immersion.”?

??| ??? Navigating VR Uncertainty & Biggest Risks Taken

“A defining risk we took was releasing "Doctor Who: The Edge of Time” in VR during a period when VR hardware adoption was still uncertain. Balancing creativity with business objectives required maintaining high production value for such a beloved IP while adhering to the budgetary limitations posed by the relatively small VR audience.?

This experience taught me the importance of creating high-quality gaming experiences that adapt to audience constraints while being tailored to meet their expectations.“

| ?? AR & VR: Shaping the Future of Immersive Experiences and Mixed-Reality?

But where do we go from here? “In the next few years, I see AR becoming a larger part of everyday life, especially through wearables that enhance our interaction with the world.?

Meanwhile, VR, with advanced haptic feedback and enhanced AI, will offer much deeper social and storytelling experiences. Platforms like Apple Vision Pro suggest a shift towards seamless mixed-reality environments where people can blend work, gaming, and social activities.?

Immersive technologies will evolve from specialized hardware to being part of an ecosystem of devices, providing fluid, mixed-reality experiences.?

MR will grow in use across education, virtual travel, and augmented workspaces. Generative AI will also become crucial, creating adaptive narratives in real-time and allowing for personalized stories that evolve based on player actions.”

To wrap it up

??”I want people to understand that we’re at the frontier of immersive experiences where technologies like VR, MR, and AI can reshape the way we interact within games, making them more personal and resonant. The magic lies in using these tools not just to entertain but to make people feel genuinely connected to the worlds we create.“, Russ concludes.?

| Meet Russ on the 12th of November at GoTech World

Whether you're a visionary business leader, a passionate tech enthusiast, or simply curious to uncover the potential of immersive technologies, don't miss the chance to meet Russ Harding at GoTech World 2024, the largest B2B expo-conference of IT and digital B2B solutions in the CEE!

Gain firsthand insights from a pioneer who's witnessed the transformation of gaming through AR, VR, and mixed reality, and learn how these innovations will shape industries in ways you've never imagined.???

See you at GoTech World 2024—where we define the future together.

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