We are proud to announce that LucidWeb has successfully brought the unique SENS VR experience to your browser through close collaboration with ARTE France.
The first chapter of the gamified experience, which was previously accessible via an application, is now one click away from everyone who has access to a desktop, smartphone, or VR headset. This was made possible by the open WebVR standard.
According to a U.S. survey on mobile app use (ComScore, 2017), 64% of smartphone users download zero to one app per month (with 51% downloading on average zero and 13% only one). These statistics bring light to an obvious insight that mobile app downloads are in decline. It is therefore our view that online publishers must consider alternatives to an app ecosystem and extend their focus to the browser to make their content instantly accessible to maximise reach.
ARTE France had the foresight to predict this trend and as such, reached out to LucidWeb to work with them to bring SENS VR–a gamified interactive experience they developed alongside the Paris-based production studio Red Corner, to a larger audience. Our collaboration with ARTE France was set up as a Research & Development partnership and at that point, it was unclear whether customising the already existing game-engine-based assets used in the application to a browser environment would work. LucidWeb took on the challenge with great success.
From our perspective, adapting SENS VR to the web helped further define and deepen the product vision of LucidWeb Pro, the white-labelled platform for immersive media that we recently launched at the Venice Film Festival.
Why is ARTE SENS in WebVR unique?
The content: VR labyrinth
When SENS VR was presented at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, it received rave reviews. It is the first virtual reality game inspired by a graphic novel that was launched to market at that time. During the 10-minute experience, the character –created by Marc-Antoine Mathieu, comes to life searching for something unknown in a meditative and almost surreal maze.
Transition from 2D to 3D
While VR is going through its winter, immersive websites are a crucial stepping stone to convincing the industry of the long-term value of VR as a platform. Every flat website can have an immersive version tied into it, with features in both VR and AR. This is exactly what we are offering with the ARTE SENS VR experience.
In the mobile version (smartphone or tablet) the user can discover an XR website by sliding the touchscreen. Meanwhile, on the headset, the discovery is experienced by simply looking around. Showcasing XR storytelling on a smartphone with optimal UI/UX will definitely serve as a catalyst to generate the wow and FOMO factors that the industry needs today in the wake of the current VR winter. LucidWeb Pro will seamlessly help publishers transition from a 2D website to a 3D immersive experience.
Responsive UI/UX on desktop, mobile, and VR headset
LucidWeb has adopted a human-centred design approach so that the viewer can easily click on a URL to discover and engage. Our technology will further enhance the user experience and mode of interaction. On desktop/mobile, the UI/UX has been optimised for the most popular consumer browsers: Chrome, Safari, Samsung Internet, and Firefox on the latest devices. For VR headsets, all VR browsers such as Mozilla’s Firefox, Supermedium, and Microsoft’s Edge browser will support the game. LucidWeb’s personal favourite is the Oculus Go/Quest and its Oculus browser because of the overall ease it offers as a standalone device.
Active device detection
LucidWeb technology automatically identifies the type of device used to access the content: mobile, desktop, or VR headset. As such, only the tutorial specifically relevant to that device is shown.
Data protection and privacy
LucidWeb strongly believes viewers should be informed when data collection occurs. We provide the option to confirm the user preferences in the beginning, following the European guidelines in data protection and privacy.
How to enjoy the experience in a VR headset?
Even though WebVR allows anyone to access VR from all devices the best way to enjoy an immersive experience is still the VR headsets.
LucidWeb
LucidWeb is a fast-growing WebXR (WebVR and WebAR) startup based in Brussels whose mission is to make 360° video, VR and AR and content widely available. Our white-labelled platform, LucidWeb Pro, helps broadcasters and agencies conveniently distribute unique branding and storytelling experiences through the web browser making the WebXR distribution more accessible to online publishers.
ARTE France
Founded in 1992, ARTE is a public service European culture channel and digital network with a focus on creation and innovation. In the last decade, ARTE has co-produced a number of major interactive works, including the games; Type:Rider, Californium, Vandals, Homo Machina and Bury me, my Love.
Red Corner
Red Corner is a Paris-based interactive production company, founded by film producers (Dominique Barneaud, Hind Saih, Jean Xavier de Lestrade, Mathieu Belghiti) to consolidate innovation content related to their films or digital. They focus on websites, movies and games in virtual reality and all of their projects gather the best creators and developers around meaningful and emotional content. Driven by Marie Blondiaux, the company has namely produced: Phi, The Wanted 18, Le Dernier Gaulois, Radioactivity, Pas si Bêtes, SENS VR, 7 lives.
