SocialSTAGE-VR
The virtual stage is yours!
Concerts, theater performances & TV shows live in VR
Project overview
SocialSTAGE-VR is a research and experimentation platform that deals with the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for stage events. A young and creative team of developers and scientists collaborated closely with artists to find out how we will consume cultural content such as music and concerts in the future. In the process, the boundaries between social media and artistic content merged through new interaction technologies:
- Digitization of venues
- Real-time transmission of stage content
- Spatial 3D audio for a immersive sound experience
- Avatars with multi-user features
- Utilization of Virtual Reality Headsets
As a project partner alongside Chemnitz University of Technology, Fraunhofer IIS and other companies, we were able to contribute the rooom platform and our practical expertise to the research activities.
Key objective & mission
SocialSTAGE-VR aims to fundamentally change the way we experience cultural content. VR technology and avatars will be used to make it possible to experience live events together with others from the comfort of your own home - as if you were there in person. The intention is to demonstrate new forms of social interaction in order to get people excited about cultural experiences.
Implementation
The vision was realized through the following technological developments:
- Realistic avatars: By implementing avatars with natural movements, we enable immersive interaction in the virtual world.
- User-centered design: Through subject studies and in close cooperation with social science partners, the VR experience was aligned with the needs of the users to create a socially interactive experience.
- Synchronization of video streams: The transmission of stereoscopic video content into the digital space enables a shared, consistent experience for all participants.
- Technical integration: A latency-free network architecture has been developed to ensure a seamless experience.
- Digital twin: 3D scanning technology was used to create a virtual version of the Chemnitz Opera House, allowing the audience to experience and explore real stage content in the performance spaces.
Results & learnings
A “VR demonstrator” was created that shows exemplary content from the Chemnitz Theater, such as the play “The Merry Widow”. The project has shown that virtual events can be made more interactive and impressive through realistic avatars and synchronous media experiences. The developed technology has great potential to convey content immersively and interactively, especially in areas such as education and cultural events.
This results in the following benefits:
- For users: SocialSTAGE-VR offers an immersive experience that complements and enhances traditional theater experiences.
- For society: Virtual spaces open up new opportunities for social interaction, regardless of physical distance.
- For the economy: Virtual events reduce travel costs and open up new business areas in the event and entertainment industry.
Future prospects
Research in the field of virtual stage events continues. Improved sensor technologies and advanced consumer devices will further enhance realism and immersive experiences. One of the key challenges is to scale the platform to a larger user base and increase the number of participants in real time.
