The inaugural Worlds in Play took place at ASU Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center in January 2024, and was celebrated as a paradigm-shifting field initiative for artists, producers and organizations.
“Worlds in Play is what I’ve always wanted to see a conference or gathering be. It provides a fertile ground for creative experimentation and growth. I left feeling inspired and motivated to create new work. I have already started on a fruitful new collaboration that resulted directly from Worlds in Play. I know that Worlds in Play is going to spark growth, change and innovation in our industry.”
Arlo Howard, Interactive and Immersive theatre and game creator and director
“Worlds in Play was a phenomenal activation of my intellect, mind and heart. The diversity of perspectives and experiences generated a foundationally moving sequence of days. I made professional contacts I expect to collaborate with for the rest of my career, while also connecting with new friends who saw me. I felt safe to play among equals, well taken care of by the producers, and inspired by the innovative format and programming. I would recommend this event to everyone and anyone I know, and I have already referenced it almost non-stop since it ended. If I forget most of the things that happen in my life, these days and the memories we created are among those that will stick with me to the end.”
“Worlds in Play was a magical ride. I've never felt so connected to a community of strangers who, by the end of the week, became colleagues and friends.”
“Worlds in Play is exactly what I've been waiting for—a gathering of intersectional people who are making transformational and beautiful work in this emerging field of immersive/interactive arts. Best of all, it's not just a gathering for talking and networking, but to engage deeply with work and practice with others.”
Caro Murphy, interactive experience and live-action game designer
“I am convinced that this conversation is one of the most essential we can be having in this confluence of fields. There are far-reaching ramifications of this new intersection of immersivity and interactivity.”
Jake Pinholster, Dean, College of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign“Worlds in Play brought together a playful community around play we have all been craving. As producer, I am most proud of creating a space for artists and organizations to discover mutually empowered relationships that will sustain long beyond the gathering.”
Scarlett Kim, Co-Founder & Executive Creative Producer, Center for Unclassifiable Technologies and Experiences (C.U.T.E.)Workshops
Jan 3-5, 2024 | 3 days of deep dive sessions
Choose-your-own-adventure through deep-dive workshops! A special invitation to all hardcore play practitioners and newcomers alike. Step into the artist’s studio as they develop new participatory work, and play a role in the making-of. Dive into intensives on creating experiences with agency at the center!
Summit
Jan 6-7, 2024 | weekend festival and conference
40+ participatory sessions throughout Saturday & Sunday celebrates a kaleidoscopic community of practitioners, researchers, producers, and entrepreneurs across game, theatre, and other immersive fields. Sessions include immersive performances, transmedia installations, games for solo players & games for hundreds of players, to killer parties and life-changing rituals.