MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Channel 4 has harnessed the Sims 3 engine to power its new online drama played out by virtual actors.
The new show, called SuperMe, is set within a fictional English town, and tells the story of four lead characters living in a shared house and follows them through their “triumphs and tragedies”.
Each virtual actor has been given a set of character notes, traits, ambitions and motivations, and will now improvise the drama, taking direction from the production team.
The show has been created by creative agency Somethin’ Else in collaboration with Electronic Arts, and was commissioned by now UKIE CEO Jo Twist for Channel 4 education.
It has been designed help teenagers work through the many life issues they may face.
"It’s no surprise a game like The Sims 3 can be put to such creative use, but we are still incredibly excited by this truly novel use of our world-beating technology,” said EA’s The Sims UK lead Claire Ridley.
Somethin’ Else’s CCO Paul Bennun, who devised the project, added: "This is one of the most exciting projects we have made yet and points to the future of interactive storytelling.
“It’s incredibly moving and funny at times, and a true collaboration between humans and robots. We have become very attached to them. We are delighted to be able to work with Channel 4 Education to make it real."
