In a bold convergence of prog-metal melodies and the captivating allure of virtual reality, TesseracT, the pioneering UK grassroots band, has embarked on an extraordinary journey. With their latest album, “War of Being”, as their guide, TesseracT ushers in an innovative chapter that fuses the power of music with the immersive world of gaming.
Let’s delve into the intricacies of this groundbreaking endeavor as PCGamesN takes an exclusive look into the genesis, development, and limitless potential of TesseracT’s exceptional VR gaming experience.
Table of Contents
TesseracT’s Genesis: A Meeting of Minds
The story unfolds in 2019, when Dan Tompkins, the captivating voice behind TesseracT’s haunting lyrics, began streaming on Twitch. Fate brought him face-to-face with Adam Boyt, a talented developer and programmer, setting in motion a creative alliance that would forever change the music-gaming landscape.
What started as a casual encounter morphed into the birth of the TesseracT metaverse, a communal haven for fans and aficionados to unite, share experiences, and immerse themselves in the band’s enigmatic world.
Evolving Beyond Expectations
From streaming VR games to birthing a metaverse, Tompkins and Boyt’s collaboration flourished. The initial vision of a communal lounge evolved into a comprehensive VR game, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
“I’ve always been really keen on developing and bridging the music and gaming worlds. As far as I’m aware, I’ve not come across any project or band that’s created a VR experience based on a musical concept for a band’s album.”
Tompkins
The narrative transcended the confines of a traditional music experience, as the metaverse transformed into a stunning landscape where TesseracT’s music and hard-hitting ethos converged with gaming’s interactive magic.
Challenging Conventions: A Fresh Approach to Music Promotion
TesseracT’s journey is marked by the courage to defy conventions. Instead of embarking on the predictable album promotion cycle, they ventured into uncharted territory, seamlessly intertwining their music with gaming.
Tompkins candidly shares, “It just hit me as the most obvious thing to do.” The audacious move underscored the band’s commitment to engage their audience in an unparalleled manner, reshaping the boundaries of musical expression.
The Enchanting World of War of Being
Stepping into “War of Being” unveils an astonishing world of artistry. Meticulously crafted landscapes and environments, totaling seven distinct maps, form the backdrop to an immersive experience that harmoniously blends TesseracT’s enthralling single, “The Grey,” with spellbinding visuals.
The synergy of audio and visual elements imbues the game with a rare enchantment that leaves players enthralled.
Gameplay Dynamics: Crafting a Mindful Experience
TesseracT’s venture goes beyond the realms of typical gaming. War of Being challenges players to adopt a mindful approach, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the environment, decode intricate puzzles, and savor every moment.
Tompkins emphasizes the significance of absorbing the atmosphere and narrative, underlining the intent to create an experience that resonates on a profound level.
“When we were developing this stuff we started to talk about, ‘Well, why don’t we create a full game?’ which sounds ludicrous considering it’s just a DIY project with three people.”
Tompkins
Boyt was extremely familiar with Unreal Engine, although he had never even downloaded it. This is Boyt’s first game release, and he has taught himself what he knows so far, but Tompkins had confidence in his ability to complete the project.
“He was confident that we could build worlds and make this game, so as soon as we finished recording the album in August ‘22, I literally dropped everything and went straight into learning Unreal Engine, learning game development from scratch.”
Tompkins
Synthesis of Art and Life: TesseracT’s Community and Creative Universe
Central to War of Being’s success is the band’s vibrant community. TesseracT’s grassroots journey, fueled by community support, remains integral to their identity. Characters brought to life by band members’ family members and the influence of bassist Amos Williams’ novella series weave a tapestry of connection, intertwining the digital realm with the band’s personal lives.
“We’ve always grown with the fans. We’ve never signed a major record deal and been thrown on the radio. It’s been slow growth for us. We really appreciate the value in community. I think during covid and the Twitch thing, that definitely hammered home the point that this is a very important part of who we are.”
Tompkins
Watch the MUSIC VIDEO below:
Charting the Course Forward: Kickstarter and Beyond
TesseracT’s journey is far from over. A Kickstarter campaign is poised to propel War of Being beyond its early access phase. Tompkins, a fervent gamer himself, plans to play the game on his Twitch channel, inviting others to join him on this groundbreaking journey.
The promise of experiencing music in an entirely new dimension resonates with Tompkins, encapsulating the essence of War of Being’s evolution.
“It’s such an exciting idea – the fact you’re going to get to absorb and experience music in a very new way, especially being in a game that is specifically designed to cater for the album.”
Tompkins
Conclusion: A New Era of Innovation
In the fusion of TesseracT’s resounding melodies and the immersive embrace of gaming, a new era emerges. The marriage of these two creative forces shapes a unique narrative that redefines engagement, discovery, and expression.
As “War of Being” beckons players to step into an unprecedented world, a resounding invitation to embrace the convergence of music and gaming resounds.
Wishlist Now on Steam
Join the revolution. Wishlist TesseracT’s ‘War Of Being’ now on Steam, and be part of an evolution that defies boundaries, challenges norms, and immerses you in a realm where innovation knows no bounds.
The accompanying music and the game “War of Being” by Tesseract will push you just enough. Get out of your comfort zone and participate in something unique and experimental.
New Album ‘War Of Being’ Release Date
On September 15th, five years after “Sonder” debuted, TESSERACT will release “War Of Being” via Kscope. According to several websites and the progressive metal-specific press, Acle Kahney, Daniel Tompkins, Amos Williams, Jay Postones, and James Monteith have truly created a wonderful set of fascinating, immersive music.
“War Of Being” track listing:
01. Natural Disaster
02. Echoes
03. The Grey
04. Legion
05. Tender
06. War Of Being
07. Sirens
08. Burden
09. Sacrifice
