Benjamin Nourse Miller
Game & XR Production, Publishing, Design
thebluVR_earlyscreenshot.jpg

theBlu

Online Virtual World

Lead Designer & Lead Project Manager for WEVR
Concept through Ship & Post-ship Support
5 / 2012

 

Description

TheBlu is an interactive, massive multiplayer digital ocean curated by real artists and oceanographers. TheBlu is a combination of digital documentary, interactive educational experience, and digital marketplace where players built and customized their own photo-realistic digital aquarium. Players could also adopt fish, visit other player’s oceans, and use theBlu as a screensaver.

Platforms

PC  / Mac

Partners

OPS  / WildAid  / Maker Network / Unity

Impact

100,000+ Users from over 100 countries  / $20K+ paid to maker network / technology stack used in theBluVR & theBlu Encounter  / Jackson Hole Film Festival 2013 / Eco Goody Award - 2012 / SXSW 2012 - Accelerator Competition Winner  / Exhibited at Monterey Bay Aquarium 2013

Media

PC Mag review  / Times Square launch article  / Audubon Article

 
theBlu was a virtual world built for PC & Mac that was the first product I led at WEVR (then known as Wemomedia)

theBlu was a virtual world built for PC & Mac that was the first product I led at WEVR (then known as Wemomedia)

theBlu included 8 different environments and 100+ undersea creatures all based on their real world behaviors

theBlu included 8 different environments and 100+ undersea creatures all based on their real world behaviors

theBlu launched in 2012 in Times Square in New York. We built a custom mobile app for the release that allowed people to sign up for an account on their mobile phone and potentially get their Facebook profile photo displayed in Times Square

theBlu launched in 2012 in Times Square in New York. We built a custom mobile app for the release that allowed people to sign up for an account on their mobile phone and potentially get their Facebook profile photo displayed in Times Square

theBlu was built on the Maker Network : a web-driven system that allowed digital artists from around the world to create content for theBlu and take a share in revenue

theBlu was built on the Maker Network : a web-driven system that allowed digital artists from around the world to create content for theBlu and take a share in revenue

theblu_screesnhot_6.jpg
theBlu actively supported conservation efforts devoting a % of profits to charities like WildAid & successfully selling a digital whale for $10,000 at their 2012 auction

theBlu actively supported conservation efforts devoting a % of profits to charities like WildAid & successfully selling a digital whale for $10,000 at their 2012 auction

TheBlu.jpg
While we eventually had to shutdown theBlu, the vision, technology and creativity lives on today through several award-winning immersive experiences including theBluVR , theBlu Encounter and more

While we eventually had to shutdown theBlu, the vision, technology and creativity lives on today through several award-winning immersive experiences including theBluVR, theBlu Encounter and more