Virtual Mine Launch

I went to the Virtual Mine launch event to explore an educational sim that teaches about coal mining through the use of an interactive game environment. The Virtual Mine was built in anticipation of a film called Deep Down, which will be screening in various places around the world, and will also be shown on PBS’ Independent Lens program. We met up with our guides, Girl Tenk and Tracks Elcano. Using voice chat, they instructed us to wear the hard hat and a HUD. When the sim warned me via the main chat that I am required to wear a helmet in the area, I knew that the experience was going to be marvelous.

 

VirtualMine_TeleportingIn

 

We waited for a few more people to teleport in, donned our hard hats, wore our HUDs, and began our adventure.

VirtualMine_Gathering

 

First, the trees were cleared from the top of the mountain. It was very sad to watch.

VirtualMine_ClearingTrees

 

Then, explosives were placed strategically on top of the cleared mountain.

VirtualMine_LayingMines

 

The detonator was set off, and the rocks went flying up and then came crashing down…

VirtualMine_Explosion

A crane was brought in to collect the coal…

VirtualMine_Crane

 

Rik was injured in the explosion and he could not move for a while because he did not move out of the way in time.

VirtualMine_Rik

We then crossed a bridge to go visit the town near the mountain…

VirtualMine_Bridge

the town was a replica of a real town in Kentucky that was closely studied by the team that built the Virtual Mining sim.

VirtualMine_Town

 

Draxtor was on location, shooting machinima footage (which I look forward to seeing)

VirtualMine_Draxtor

 

Then we went and put solar panels on top of the farm houses…

VirtualMine_Solar

 

Someone found a line dancing floor and animated their avatar, soon everyone joined in as they were setting up for the panel…

VirtualMine_LineDance

 

Finally, there was a panel moderated by renouned machinimator Draxtor Despres featuring:

Girl Tenk, Film Maker

Tracks Elcano, Film Maker

Shayna Capalini from BAVC

Rik Riel, Global Kids

Frederica Lexenstar, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth

 

VirtualMine_Panel

 

The panel discussed the inspiration behind the building of the sim, and the importance of having immersive educational experiences to showcase the environmental and social impact of coal. They also discussed the state of virtual worlds and their acceptance as a medium. The filmmakers acknowledged that it may not be for everyone, but said that projects like this are increasing the acceptance of virtual worlds as a medium. They also stated that it is up to everyone to be an evangelist for projects like this.

Tracks Elcano: “let’s get this out to the people and not just the choir, the choir already knows.”

Written by: Layal