The Alchemy of Immersion: Blending Technology to Create Magic with Meaning
Ty Curtis
Immersion is an alchemical process. It combines elements like design, hardware, software, storytelling, and world-building to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.
The Alchemy of Immersion explores how these components come together to craft moments of surprise, deliver entertainment in unexpected ways, and drive meaningful change. This talk delves into the levels of immersion, each an essential ingredient in creating experiences that captivate and resonate.
It starts with ever evolving hardware devices and software systems that expand the boundaries of storytelling, unlocking entirely new realms of engagement. Next are the tactile and physical layers, interactive objects and sensory connections that ground digital narratives in the real world. Together, these elements lay the foundation for world-building and theming, where immersive ecosystems invite audiences to step inside and become active participants in the story.
Immersion is more than technology, it is the art of blending diverse elements to evoke wonder and connection. This talk will uncover how these carefully crafted experiences can transform the way we tell stories, build worlds, and engage with audiences.
Ty Curtis
Founder & Managing Director
Activate Studios
Brisbane
Ty Curtis, a dynamic entrepreneur at the forefront of immersive engagement and the founder of Activate Studios, has been designing and producing extended reality (XR) experiences since 2013. His ability to forecast future trends, combined with a bold approach to risk-taking and commercial execution, has led him to collaborate with global brands such as BMW, Free Fire, Suzuki, Lendlease, and Jimmy Choo. Under his leadership, Activate Studios excels in crafting gamified adventures, immersive experiences, and interactive moments, shaping the future of entertainment and advertising.
Previously, Ty served as Business Manager for Fin Design + Effects’ Shanghai studio, where he worked with a world-class team on projects utilising Unreal Engine, real-time rendering, and large-scale volumetric LED stages. He also held the position of Global CTO at Imperfect Circle, where he led the company’s early exploration into XR and innovative immersive storytelling across APAC, driving forward their vision for groundbreaking projects in the immersive space.
As a pioneer in immersive technology, Ty continues to push the boundaries of XR, AR, and MR, creating transformative experiences that captivate audiences and deliver meaningful engagement across entertainment and advertising.
THURSDAY 20 MARCH
FRIDAY 21 MARCH
SATURDAY 22 MARCH
PROGRAM
THURSDAY 20 MARCH
FRIDAY 21 MARCH
