Description: The ‘Backstory’ in the context of virtual reality refers to the contextual information that sets the stage and narrative for a virtual experience. This concept is fundamental for creating immersive environments that are not only visually appealing but also have a narrative coherence that allows users to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The backstory provides the necessary background for users to understand the context of their interaction, the characters involved, and the objectives they need to achieve. Without a well-developed backstory, virtual reality experiences can feel empty or disconnected, which can diminish user immersion and engagement. In this sense, the backstory acts as a thread that ties together all elements of the experience, from visual design to gameplay, and is essential for developing complex and meaningful narratives in virtual environments. As virtual reality technology has evolved, so has the way these backstories are constructed and presented, integrating interactive and dynamic elements that allow users to influence the narrative’s development through their decisions and actions within the virtual environment.
History: The concept of ‘Backstory’ in virtual reality has evolved since the early days of the technology, dating back to the 1960s with the creation of the first simulation systems. However, it was in the 1990s that virtual reality began to gain popularity, especially with the development of more complex video games and simulations. Titles like ‘Myst’ (1993) and ‘Dactyl Nightmare’ (1991) began to incorporate deeper narratives and contexts that enriched the user experience. As technology advanced, so did the ability to create more elaborate backstories, leading to a more narrative-focused approach in video games and virtual reality experiences in the 2000s and beyond.
Uses: The backstory is primarily used in the development of video games and virtual reality experiences to provide a narrative context that enriches user immersion. It is applied in various areas, such as education, where simulations are created that allow users to explore complex concepts through interactive narratives. It is also used in entertainment, where backstories help build richer and more engaging worlds in games and augmented reality experiences. Additionally, in the field of therapy, virtual environments have been developed that use backstories to help patients confront their fears or traumas in a safe setting.
Examples: A notable example of backstory in virtual reality is the game ‘Half-Life: Alyx’, which features a rich narrative and context that deepens the player’s experience in the ‘Half-Life’ universe. Another case is ‘The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners’, where the backstory intertwines with gameplay, allowing players to make decisions that affect the narrative’s development. In the educational realm, simulations like ‘Google Earth VR’ allow users to explore the world from a unique perspective, providing historical and cultural context that enriches the learning experience.
