Voices of VR
#1555: Award-Winning Tabletop Animation “Oto’s Planet” Uses Unique Interactive Mechanic to Chose Perspective
Mar 29, 2025
Gwenael Francois, director of the award-winning interactive narrative 'Oto's Planet', shares insights on merging tabletop animation with virtual reality. He discusses the unique mechanic of rotating a tiny planet to follow a story that addresses themes of coexistence and colonialism. Francois reveals how the experience varies between platforms, noting the superior quality on Apple Vision Pro compared to Meta's Quest. He also touches on character design challenges and the creative use of untranslatable dialogue that enriches emotional depth in storytelling.
41:48
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Quick takeaways
- The innovative design of Oto's Planet allows users to rotate a miniature planet to choose their perspective, enhancing narrative engagement.
- Director Gwenael Francois transitioned from traditional filmmaking to immersive storytelling, reflecting his passion for creating engaging interactive experiences.
Deep dives
Innovative Storytelling Through Immersive Animation
The podcast highlights the groundbreaking immersive experience offered by Otto's Planet, produced for platforms like the Apple Vision Pro and Quest. This storytelling piece allows viewers to explore a miniature planet featuring Otto, a laid-back character, and his interactions with a colonizing visitor named Exo. The beauty of the experience lies in its design, allowing players to control their perspective while witnessing the unfolding narrative. By rotating the planet, users can choose their focus points, enhancing the storytelling by giving them a sense of agency in the narrative journey.
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