Oxford’s gargoyles come to life in new Extended Reality (XR)

**Abstract: Oxford’s Gargoyles Come to Life in New Extended Reality (XR) Interactive Experience** The University of Oxford’s TORCH (The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities) is set to launch an innovative Extended Reality (XR) experience titled "Fantasy Futures: Guardians of Oxford" from 11-24 November. This free, family-friendly pop-up event will take place in a disused city centre venue at 1 George Street, previously a NatWest bank building. The project aims to engage younger and diverse audiences with the University's rich Humanities research through an immersive, multisensory, and gamified environment. **Key Events and Features:** - **Launch of XR Experience:** "Fantasy Futures: Guardians of Oxford" will showcase the latest in motion tracking technologies, provided by Vicon Motion Systems, to create a narrative journey through an alternative Oxford. - **Interactive and Gamified Environment:** Visitors will interact with computer-generated gargoyle characters as they navigate through various rooms, each designed to highlight the effects of climate change in the Anthropocene on the city’s architectural heritage. - **Cultural Augmentation:** The event seeks to enhance the cultural offerings of Oxford by bringing life to a historic but currently empty city centre building. - **Interdisciplinary Collaboration:** The project is the result of a collaboration between TORCH, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, and experts from the gaming and arts sectors, including Brian Mitchell, Founding Director of The Mocap Academy (TMA), and Ian Wallman, a photographer and virtual content creator. **Background and Objectives:** - **Research Foundation:** The experience is based on the research of former TORCH Director, Professor Wes Williams, who has explored the often-overlooked representations of hybrid 'humanimal' creatures in Oxford’s architectural heritage. - **Public Engagement:** The primary goal is to engage the public, particularly younger audiences, in the research outcomes and to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on the city’s built environment. - **Socio-Economic Impact:** The project also aims to deliver socio-economic benefits to the creative and cultural sectors by demonstrating the potential of XR technologies in creating engaging and interactive experiences. **Technical and Creative Aspects:** - **Motion Tracking Technology:** Vicon Motion Systems, a leader in motion tracking technology, has supplied the system used for viewer interaction, allowing for a fully immersive and interactive experience. - **Character Creation and Game Design:** The project has involved concept artists, character creators, game engine developers, and audio recording experts to create a unique and engaging experience. - **Future Applications:** Brian Mitchell envisions that the technology used in "Fantasy Futures" will pave the way for more applications in creating fully interactive shared experiences in various fields. **Public Access and Booking:** - **Event Dates and Location:** The event will run from 11-24 November at 1 George Street, Oxford. - **Free Admission:** Visitors can book their free tickets via the TORCH website, making the experience accessible to everyone. **Summary:** "Fantasy Futures: Guardians of Oxford" is a groundbreaking XR project that transforms a disused city centre building into an interactive, gamified environment. By leveraging the latest motion tracking technologies and interdisciplinary expertise, the project aims to engage younger and diverse audiences with the University of Oxford’s Humanities research, specifically focusing on the representation of hybrid creatures in Oxford’s architecture and the impact of climate change. The event not only enhances the cultural landscape of Oxford but also seeks to demonstrate the potential of XR technologies in delivering socio-economic benefits to the creative and cultural sectors. Visitors are encouraged to book their free tickets and experience this innovative blend of technology, art, and research.