Using Affective Memory to Increase Immersion in Games

What the talk is about

Ana Ribeiro, creator and creative director of the VR game Pixel Ripped, and her team from Ivory Immersive Experience show how affective memories of childhood can deepen immersion. The core formula: familiar situations and surroundings (a bedroom, a living room, a rental store), an engaging game within the game, and a surprising twist where players do what they wished for as kids. The narrative designer explains the exaggerated view of an imaginative child that shapes the story, conflicts and characters. The art director describes a universal, pop-culture version of the 90s, stylized characters and minigames faithful to retro limits. The composer covers music across several consoles and a chip-style sound. Useful for VR and nostalgia-driven game developers.