“Echoes of Heritage: Uniting Immersive XR and Live-Action Roleplay for Rural Renaissance” presented by Guo, Li and Gao
Symposium:
Session Title:
- Virtual (short papers)
Presentation Title:
- Echoes of Heritage: Uniting Immersive XR and Live-Action Roleplay for Rural Renaissance
Presentation Subtheme:
- Ecologies of place
Presenter(s):
Venue(s):
Abstract:
This interactive artwork explores the convergence of immersive extended reality (XR) technology and live-action roleplaying (LARP) as tools for rural community renaissance. Drawing inspiration from successful global projects, the artwork envisions a participatory experience that combines virtual and physical elements of a rural town’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Participants wear VR headsets to be transported into an immersive XR simulation of the town, populated by villagers who play historical characters and activities. As users freely explore the simulated landscape, they can interact with virtual artifacts overlaid on physical props, uncovering stories of the past. Actors improvise responses, sharing legends, customs, and folklore to involve users in collective storytelling and collaborative worldbuilding. The artwork aims to ignite imagination and instill renewed purpose in rural youth by giving them agency as co-creators of an evolving XR-LARP experience that synthesizes tradition and innovation. Situated at the edge of emerging technologies and time-honored practices, the piece underscores how thoughtfully implemented immersion and roleplay can resonate across generations to sustain cultural vibrancy. Blending digital fabrication with embodied participation, this XR-LARP experience demonstrates a path for rural communities to revitalize their living heritage.
