A year ago we were working hard on a new version of DEEP. The definitive and grand expression of everything we had been doing in the fields of art, science and health. It was a sprawling and expansive world soaked in beauty and wonder. We made the decision to target top end VR set ups and put the visual splendour above all else.
Then the pandemic hit.
All of a sudden making this vast playground for the few who had PC based VR seemed kind of selfish. Ever since we started showing the project at festivals around the world we have always been asked, please please make this for mobile VR. And our answer was always the same. We cannot. We cannot achieve our immersive vision of the world that we wish to share with you on limited hardware.
As we all bundled up and isolated in our homes and bubbles (if we were lucky enough to have such things) and faced the unknown as a planet I came to see this previously held view for what it was. Self indulgent, elitist and selfish. Of course I wanted to swim in vast worlds with thousands of creatures. Who wouldn't. But we have always said from the very start that the mission of this artwork is impact, beauty and access.
And so, one year ago we took a look at what we could achieve on the Oculus Quest. There were many key concerns. Could we make it beautiful? Could we make a breathing belt that would talk to the Quest? Could we make a world in this more limited device that would meet our standard for immersiveness, helpfulness and strangeness?
I am so very delighted to let you know that we have done this. Myself, Niki and the team have worked really hard to distill our original vision into something that is now vastly more accessible, portable and affordable. We have been joined by new, amazingly talented artists, programmers, makers and scientists to create a new experience for you. One born in the pain of the pandemic and crafted to soothe and connect us in this strange time and in the world that comes after.
I believe it is the best work we have ever done and rather than making us compromise, this device has made us focus. Focus on what we all need and what is important and impactful about this art we have been passionately dedicated to for the last years.
My friends, DEEP is coming to Oculus Quest. We are quite far along. We have a plan for release and beyond. We hope we will make you proud and make your life a little softer.
We still have problems that must be solved of course, and there is hard work ahead. But now that you know about it we will be sharing more and more of what we have achieved so far. And there may be ways to help and participate in this final stretch should you wish to.
You will be hearing from us.
Stay safe and be kind to yourself
Owen