DECAY THEORY
Decay Theory is a real-time VR storytelling project, following the adventures of SuRei, the last human of a race of explorers, lost among the stars. She is guided by FeiMa, an immense biomechanical construct, who acts as a grandmother figure, as well as the navigator of the ship.
The story takes them through strange and dangerous locations, exploring the fate of the now fallen galactic human civilisation.
The project remains in development.
Narrative Training VR
REAL-TIME STORY
Decay Theory would set the user as a companion to SuRei, and she would guide the user towards the next story beat. These would include exploration of the vast space ship you exist on, but also events that lead you to other locations, ships and worlds.
We would also see historical ‘records’ - short stories that show us events from other times and places within the setting.
FeiMa (right) and SuRei (below) were both created as complete real-time characters, with facial and body animation.
CREATING CHARACTER
Artist Kevin Hong created the primary art direction for the project, including the fantastic key art image of FeiMa and SuRei above. The ancient yet high tech world design is evident in the concept sketches seen here.
The design for SuRei would later evolve slightly, but the core design would remain.
Short stories from other characters would be part of the project, with the space suit figure top right being one of these. The art style here is heavily influenced by Meobius, and further stories would also explore other art styles.
DESIGNING A WORLD
Artist Jessica Smith created a number of concepts for the environments themselves. These designs continue the ancient yet high tech aspects, yet expand into other unique directions.
These artworks formed the foundations of the interactive prototype seen above with SuRei in her red jumpsuit.
FIRST STEPS
James Wetherell designed early concepts for the project, with a more realistic, grittier take on the style, which was developed into a prototype of FeiMa, seen here below as a complete real-time character.
The art style would eventually evolve into the concepts seen above, but it continues to be a version of the project I am very fond of and that influences all that came after.
