If you’ve been following this feature series for the past few weeks then it should be obvious; VR has enormous potential to bring about positive impacts on the lives of ourselves, others, and the planet around us. We’ve seen projects about protecting the environment, helping those with disabilities, and providing an immersive new platform for literally millions of people. The trouble is, though, many of these projects don’t get the resources they really need.
VRTogether is a platform directly squared at tackling that issue. Launching today, this new hub will connect VR content creators with a diverse range of projects that are in need of their skill set.
“Virtual Reality technology provides a new way of telling stories and engaging people,” says Daryl Atkins, Founder of VRTogether and Creative Director at UK-based production studio, Rewind. “The stories that need telling the most, are often the most difficult to get off the ground.”
Once you’re a member of VRTogether, you can easily create a listing for the project you’re working on, be it a 360 documentary, art piece, or something interactive. As long as it’s using VR to make a positive impact on the world, it can be featured on the platform. From there, other members can browse through the growing database of projects in need and sign themselves up to help. You don’t necessarily have to be a developer or filmmaker; you could be a marketing specialist looking to lend a hand, for example.
“We felt that amongst the day-to-day commercial projects that helped create the industry, we had a social responsibility to give something back to the wider community,” Atkins adds. “Two years ago, we shared this desire within the industry. We created a landing page and hundreds signed up. We were overwhelmed by the desire to create amazing things and set about building a place for that to become possible. Fast forward to today and the launch of VRTogther.org.”
VRTogether isn’t far off a social network, then, only specifically skewed towards positive projects. There’s already one project up from Whale & Dolphin Conservation, which is looking to create an experience that shows whales and dolphins held in captivity. Interested parties can reach out to the organization through VRTogether or get in contact directly.
“By using virtual reality, we can create an experience that enables people to see life from a whale or dolphin’s eyes, and can educate them about the sad contract between life in a concrete tank and life in the ocean,” WDC Chief Executive, Chris Butler-Stroud, said in a prepared statement. Organizations like WDC obviously don’t have much expertise in VR, though, but VRTogether easily connects them with people that do.
Interested in getting involved? Atkins notes that it will only take a few minutes to get setup if you follow his simple steps:
Step One: Create an account
- Join as either a company or individual.
- You will have your own profile where you can post links and updates, discover and join projects, and connect with other members.
- You will be part of a passionate and vibrant community from all corners of the industry, and globe.
Step Two: Find or launch a project
- Whether you have already finished a project, or are looking to start one – users can create projects that they wish to showcase.
- This is a great way to connect with an audience and find collaborators to help out.
Step Three: Connect with others
- The member’s directory allows you to find other enthusiasts with a range of skills. You can ask questions or even join forces to create something entirely new.
- You may be looking for an animator or a journalist – perhaps you specialise in audio and want to work on a 360 project. VRTogether is the place to find each other.
If you feel like you’d have something to offer VRTogether then we recommend you take a look.
