In the first episode of our new season we dive deep into the intriguing worlds of augmented and virtual reality with Rob Morgan, a spatial storyteller and immersive designer/writer. Join us as we explore how storytelling transforms user experiences in immersive environments, challenging the conventional notions of realism and emotional engagement.

Rob shares his journey through the evolution of VR, from early experiments to the creation of captivating experiences like Fisherman's Tale. We discuss the importance of narrative in making virtual worlds feel authentic and the role of player agency in storytelling

As we navigate the complexities of merging real and virtual experiences, we address the ethical implications of augmented realities and the potential impact on society. Can technology enhance empathy, or does it risk deepening societal divides?

🎙️Guest:

Rob Morgan is a pioneering spatial storyteller working across XR, immersive theatre and location-based entertainment. He writes and designs award-winning immersive experiences and as a Creative Director has helped build story worlds and XR installations for some of the world's largest licenses, attractions and cultural institutions including Sky Arts, Netflix, Hasbro, the National Gallery and the Royal Academy. As a Lead Game Writer at PlayStation he wrote groundbreaking, platinum-selling AR games for the Wizarding World, as well as writing the first-ever playable demo for PlayStationVR. He's since written some of the most critically-acclaimed games in VR, including the VR Awards Game of The Year ‘A Fisherman’s Tale’, as well as writing for the world's first accredited VR business masterclass (as used by Nike and Coca-Cola).

Rob has been creating augmented reality theatre since before Pokémon GO, and he now helps integrate spatial storytelling and XR technology into immersive experiences for leading theatre companies and iconic brands. He is a Visiting Fellow at King’s College London, and lectures widely on the practice and ethics of augmenting reality.

Rob's book ‘Storytelling for Spatial Computing and Mixed Reality: the Art of Augmenting Imagination’ (Routledge 2025) is the first dedicated guide to XR storytelling, available now at augmentingimagination.com. You can get 20% off if you order direct from Routledge and use code DIS20.

🔗Links:

• Rob Morgan - https://robmorgan.space/

• Rob's book ‘Storytelling for Spatial Computing and Mixed Reality: the Art of Augmenting Imagination’ (Routledge 2025) - https://augmentingimagination.com/

• Ben Huss - https://www.benhuss.com/#home

📖References:

• Gorilla Tag - https://www.gorillatagvr.com/

• Beat Saber - https://www.beatsaber.com/

• Fishermans Tale - https://store.steampowered.com/app/559330/A_Fishermans_Tale/

• Rosie Collins - https://www.instagram.com/thefred.company/?hl=en

• Nonny De La Peña - Use of Force - https://docubase.mit.edu/project/use-of-force/

• Consequences - https://www.playlines.net/website/SHOWS%20_%20Playlines.html

• Harry Shotta - https://harryshotta.com/

• Hauntify - https://sidequestvr.com/app/5582/hauntify-mixed-reality

• Hyper Reality - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJg02ivYzSs

• Keiichi Matsuda - http://km.cx/

💻Masterclass Links:

• Link: https://www.miat.tech/courses/immersive-storytelling-masterclass-bootcamp/

• 15% Off Code: 2500BH

  
  

📧Get In Touch: podcast@immersi.co.uk

👊The Team:

Host - Ben Huss

Producer – Jake Lee-Savage

In this captivating episode, Ben Huss, The Immersive Technologist, is joined by Axel Drioli, a spatial audio designer. Axel shares his passion for spatial sound and explains how this immersive technology differs from traditional audio formats. He dives into his recent project, "Wings Across Continents," where he and his brother follow bird migration through Europe and Africa, capturing the sounds of nature using cutting-edge spatial audio techniques.

Axel discusses the challenges and rewards of recording wildlife sounds in remote locations and shares how he brings these immersive experiences to local communities using VR and a portable 10-speaker setup. He also touches on the role of technology in reconnecting people with nature and the importance of sharing these stories with the world.

Join Ben and Axel on this fascinating journey through the world of spatial audio, wildlife recording, and the power of immersive technology to inspire a deeper connection with the natural world. Discover how Axel's innovative approach to storytelling is changing the way we experience and appreciate the sounds around us.

Axels Website: www.soundingwild.com

Ben Huss: www.immersi.co.uk

HOST: Ben Huss, GUEST: Axel Drioli TECHNICIAN: Sununu Hernandex