Video Game: Third Call

Third Call: A Site-Specific Art Video Game as the Highlight of the New Digital Theater Division at the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe

Ever wondered what it would feel like to wander through the corridors of a theater, witnessing its architecture change in real-time? The media artwork Third Call by the Karlsruhe artist collective VOLNA makes this a reality. This unique video game takes you on a journey through the architecture of the Badisches Staatstheater, blending art, theater, and gaming in a groundbreaking way. 

Third Call is a first-person video game based on the architectural plans of the Badisches Staatstheater. The game’s goal is to create a digital artwork that exists in the virtual world but still feels rooted in reality. As the theater undergoes major renovations, the game mirrors this transformation, offering a glimpse of both its past and future. Players can explore a constantly changing theater space through interactive portals, experiencing the fusion of the old and the new.

In the game, players navigate the theater’s labyrinthine spaces within a time limit marked by three bell chimes, racing to find their assigned seat in the virtual auditorium. It’s not just about exploring the space; it’s a time-travel experience, where each new player is placed at the center of the action, moving through different eras of the theater’s architectural history.

Third Call stands out with its post-realistic aesthetic, giving the theater’s existing architecture an exciting new twist. The detailed current design is combined with imaginative visions of future spaces, creating an immersive world where reality and digital fantasy blend seamlessly. This unique experience reimagines architectural forms and invites players to interact with them in a totally new way.

Developed using Unreal Engine, the game features realistic effects and an original soundtrack. Its simple mechanics make it easy for anyone to jump right in, with a gameplay time of just 8 minutes. Players can start and continue the game from any point in the theater, making it a perfect pre-show activity.

Third Call is part of the new Digital Theater division at Badisches Staatstheater, which supports the theater’s various divisions through innovative digital experiences. By combining digital art and live theater, the Staatstheater is positioning itself as a leader in hybrid theater experiences.

Karlsruhe, a UNESCO City of Media Arts, has long championed digital and interactive art, making it accessible to the public through urban displays. The city’s Media Art Project Grant Program funds innovative projects like Third Call, which explore sustainability goals and new media methods.

Since its founding in 2016, VOLNA, led by artists Snezhana Vinogradova and Nikita Golyshev, has been pushing boundaries with works that blend technology, space, and art. Their projects, which include large-scale light installations and virtual spaces, redefine how we experience art and space.

You can experience the PC version of the game by downloading it at volna.Itch.io.

Credits

Concept and Development: VOLNA

Music: Szdåt

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