Small scale video cameras are increasingly being used in video games both in home entertainment systems (Playstation 2, Xbox 360) and online (PlaydoCAM). Motion detection technology enables the player to use gestural movements in their surrounding environment to control the game, replacing the use of traditional input devices such as the joypad, lightgun or steering wheel. But what place does narrative have in this process? Can a story be told through the recording and algorithmic translation of person’s physical gestures? These questions will form the basis of this investigation and the final outcome.
Branching [e]motion is to be a series of 6-7 digital installations that transform the movements of the user into visual and/or aural narrative-based artworks. Using a range of media such as video, sound, image, animation and text, this collection of work will examine the fragmenting effects that technology has upon western culture and the behaviour of the individual. Other important theoretical components of Branching [e]motion will be the element of play, issues of creative authorship and the question of what constitutes a narrative.
These artefacts will be constructed using both Macromedia Flash and Director and will rely upon the use of a webcam. This body of work is intended to be exhibited both online (www.extendedreflection.co.uk) and in gallery spaces.
This project will be completed on an individual basis by James Alliban. On completion it will be submitted as his Major Study for MA Hyperfictions at the University of Hertfordshire. The deadline for this project will be September 2006.