Play to Forget

Explore an interactive web-based 3D installation that depicts the use of video games as a means of escaping reality.

Project Overview

This project involved creating an interactive webpage centered around a distinctive 3D model built using Autodesk Maya. Narrative elements were incorporated into its design to allow viewers to explore the identity and psychological state of its imagined occupant. Using Google Model Viewer, a virtual environment was developed with interactive hotspots to encourage user exploration and engagement.

The result is a visually compelling and immersive experience that effectively blends storytelling with technical skill. The experience primarily targets users aged in their late teens to early thirties, however it remains accessible to all users. The project especially appeals to those interested in 3D modelling, mental health and video games.

  • This software was used to design and build the model, sculpting basic shapes into recognisable objects and developing the entire scene. It was also used to render images of the final design, which were used to promote the project.

  • Since Autodesk Maya did not support the file format needed for viewing the model in a browser, Blender was used to export the project accordingly.

  • To make the model viewable in a browser, Googled Model Viewer’s software was used. This involved writing code that introduced interactivity, such as hotspots, zoom controls, and the ability to view the model from multiple angles.

Software used

About the Creator

Hi! I’m Nicole Martin, a final year student studying at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). I am passionate about 3D modelling and telling stories through the digital spaces I create.

I created this project as a way to visually represent how video games can act as a source of escapism from the struggles and pressures of reality.

Take a Sneak Peak

  • Disconnection

    A mobile phone cluttered with unread notifications, for example, missed messages from friends and family, overdue assignments, and ignored calendar reminders. This detail reflects the individuals sense of emotional exhaustion and detachment from responsibilities and social connections.

  • Happy Pills

    A collection of prescribed medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety tablets. These suggest that the occupant is actively addressing their mental health but may still be struggling beneath the surface.

  • Sleepless Nights

    A digital clock glows in the early hours of the morning. For some, it marks the beginning of a new day. But for this person, it represents yet another sleepless night.

  • Blades of Sunlight

    The glow of the morning’s sunrise peers through the blinds. A sight most would call beautiful, yet those awake all night, is scorches like fire.

  • Fake Energy

    Piles of empty cans and energy drink bottles litter the floor. It shows their dependance on caffeine, a crutch for the energy they lack after so many sleepless nights.

  • Forgotten Surroundings

    Piles of dirty clothes and overflowing trash show mare than neglect. They reveal the quiet exhaustion (mental and physical) that mental health struggles leave behind.

  • Escape

    In contrast to the rest of the room, which is cluttered and unkempt, the PC gaming setup is tidy and well-maintained. This deliberate contrast emphasizes the idea of gaming as a controlled, comforting space that provides structure when the rest of life feels chaotic.

  • Inner Thoughts

    A journal placed within the room offers a more intimate insight into the occupant’s inner thoughts, hinting at the reasons behind their decline in mental wellbeing.

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