Role Playing Tourism

Why travel? Considering money, time, and logistics it is a wonder why we consider it a requirement to a fulfilling life. Some find the ability to experience cultures first hand worth the expense. Others are motivated by their obligation or genuine desire to connect with their family or friends.

For some it’s an escape from the routine of our lives. Videogames, particularly RPGS are one genre where our desire to escape is manifested. Designers of these games re-create parameters that we identify with, such as life cycles, timelines, and reward systems. Environments are becoming so sophisticated that soon they will be indistinguishable from reality. This simulacrum comes from our need to escape, explore, and connect with people across the world. We can do this at our convenience and with minimal expense.

If we sectioned the RPG community and focused on user experience what would happen? If simulations drew you in like RPGS by recreating every aspect of our daily lives under an idealistic or fantastical lens would we still travel? Open worlds have been trending in gaming from time. Another useful trend is user generated content. With these two elements integrated into a simulation, each experience will be unique. This could afford this simulation-platform replay-ability, or rather become a destination you would travel to again.

Ten or twenty years down the line will we really be wearing headsets, or will this be simulated in the brain? How satisfying would it be to be afforded dynamic beach simulations every time we close our eyes?

Of course this is only relevant to travelers that seek an escape or alternative form of entertainment. It is important not to discount VR from integrating with travel in other ways. Perhaps you could experience tours virtually, saving time by informing your decisions of what you actually want to see IRL. Whatever happens, it is sure to improve our experiences on this planet.