Immersive Design

VRun

A music-driven immersive VR experience exploring the boundaries of order and chaos, reality and virtuality, time and space. Blending evolving digital environments with spectator-controlled mapping, it guides players from rigid algorithmic control toward an emancipating and tangible return to nature.

About the project

VRun is a collaborative research-creation project developed across France, New Zealand, and Germany. The project investigates how spatialized audio, narrative progression, and spectator-controlled mapping can shape immersive environments, bridging the gap between algorithmic control and emancipating chaos.

XR RESEARCH-CREATION INTERACTIVE MEDIA SPATIAL AUDIO SPECTATOR MAPPING IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENTS SPACE AND TIME (IM)POSSIBILITIES EMBODIED INTERACTION

EMIKA

VRun is a natural extension of EMIKA's ongoing interest in immersive experiences. The project draws part of its inspiration (specifically the planetarium sequence) from If We Disappear, an immersive 360-degree audiovisual journey created by EMIKA and visual artist László Zsolt Bordos. Originally designed for planetariums, it creates a meaningful 'mise en abyme' given the very dome we are currently submitting VRun to as part of the ART∗VR Festival 2026.

View project →

About the authors

Portrait of Raphaël Marczak

Raphaël Marczak

Lecturer at Te Kura Toi | School of Arts (University of Waikato) Media and Creative Technologies Department, Te Wānanga o Ngā Kete | Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences

Raphaël's research and creative practice focuses on designing audiovisual immersive media (VR | XR) through novel interaction paradigms. In an era increasingly dominated by AI, his current projects aim to recenter the human body, exploring innovative mechanics such as breath-controlled interactions within virtual spaces.

At the University of Waikato, he is recognized for his teaching in Interactive Media Design, Game Design, and Digital Arts & Cultures. He challenges his students to craft (im)possible spaces and to critically examine how digital media can reconnect with tangible realities (bridging virtuality with physical experiences through visual books, ink-based interactions, and escape games).

LinkedIn → Website →
Portrait of Minica Panchetti

Minica Panchetti

Head of the Interactive Devices track within the Multimedia Bachelor's degree at the Université de Technologie de Tarbes. Lecturer and researcher working at the intersection of research-creation, immersive media, digital fabrication, interactive installations and human-computer interaction.

Her recent projects focus on embodied interaction, projection mapping, digital heritage and adaptive immersive experiences for sensory self-regulation.

Alongside her research, she develops artistic and educational installations where digital technologies become a medium for participation, perception and creative expression.

LinkedIn → Website →

Medias

Gameplay

Condensed playthrough|Trailer showcasing the interactive mechanics, audiovisual synchronization, spatial navigation, and embodied interactions specifically designed for VRun.

Mapping tests

Work in progress.

VRun scenography proposal

Scenography proposal

A possible installation layout combining VR experience, spectator-controlled projection mapping and spatial light environments.

View all VRun videos →

Credits

VRun

A Virtual Reality experience of Run.

Music

Written and Produced by
Emika

Additional Production
The Exaltics

Mastering
Huejahfink

Additional Run Loop
Huejahfink

Run Extended Remix
Raphaël Marczak

Original Concept

Raphaël Marczak
Minica Panchetti

Development

Programming, Level Design,
Real-time VFX, Shaders,
Audiovisual Synchronisation,
Multi-Screens Video Editing
Raphaël Marczak

3D Modeling,
Character Design,
Motion Capture,
Animation
Minica Panchetti

Choreography & Dance
Aurélie Chabrier

3D Assets

Models by Minica Panchetti except:

  • Final Sequence ExoRobot — Gaëtan Jestin
  • Ground / Glass Shards — Brackeys
  • From Leaves Cheetah — NestaEric
  • City Circular Neon — Rémi Andrez

Videos

Raphaël Marczak

Using:

  • White Noise & Paint Drops — Videezy.com
  • Stylized Tree — Zii

Special Thanks

All the beta-testers for their valuable feedback:

Alvina, Aurélie, Bevin, Concetta, Eric, Florian, Gaëtan, Giovanna, Jean-Marc, Maëlle, Martine, Michel, Pantxika, Stephane, Simon, Thibaud, Tobias, Vassilia, Yoann, Franck and Patrice Martinez, Julien Buzy-Debat.

Tutorial channels
Aqsa Nadeem · Binary Lunar · Brackeys · Gabriel Aguiard Prod · i♥GameDev · Valem

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