Rising River - A Personal Odyssey to Your Shadow
Rising River is an AI-driven self-analysis VR experience, which integrates Jungian shadow theory and the VIA Character Strengths framework to create a novel approach to therapeutic self-analysis. It began with a question: Can gaming and virtual reality democratize the therapeutic benefits of Jungian shadow work, making them accessible to a broader audience? At its core, Jung’s theory of the shadow posits that within each person exists a subconscious aspect of the self that remains neglected, suppressed, and poorly understood. Traditional shadow work facilitates an encounter between an individual and their inner shadow. To translate this concept into an interactive experience, we designed a process of self-reflection to bring the shadow into view. This required careful exploration of players’ fears, motivations, desires, and memories. We realized that such exploration needed a foundation in a broader understanding of self-perception, both positive and negative. The VIA 24 Character Strengths framework provided a comprehensive taxonomy of character traits for players to assess as relative strengths or weaknesses. Our key insight was that the traits players identify as lesser strengths during gameplay could reveal areas of insecurity or overlooked aspects of the self. To enhance this exploration, we leveraged generative AI to craft a personalized narrative journey in a virtual cave. The system dynamically generates content based on the player’s responses, enabling a deeper engagement with their shadow self. With the director’s background in filmmaking, she view narrative as a powerful tool for organizing memories and psychological structures. Research shows that storytelling helps people find meaning, construct identity, and cope with trauma, making it a vital component of this interactive experience. Through this embodied VR experience, participants are gently guided into self-exploration via a series of fixed and generative questions, leading them on a unique narrative journey. Players embark on a journey to revive a dried-up, dark river by offering words that reflect their innermost self. Through VR-based physical interactions, their responses become tangible elements within the world.
