All We Have to Fear: -Chapter 1- Party at the End of the World (2020)

Party at the End of the World was an immersive online experience that drew audiences into a mythical world of Sensations, exploring emotions evoked by 2020’s social and cultural challenges-- where under the veil of secrecy, god-like beings clashed against one another and humanity to dominate and control the bridge between worlds--imagine something like the World of Darkness, Fables, or The Sandman universes.

This hybrid video game/live performance featured the Gather.town platform along with a custom software ‘wrapper’ developed by Spiteful Stageworks enabling prerecorded live acted NPCs with branching dialogue options, inventory based puzzles, and more. Map design was by Magnetic Mapworks. 

Why is it interesting?
Across a 6 week run, Party at the End of the World dropped hundreds of participants in the midst of a party raging in a magical universe diegetically existing online atop our current world and provided agency regarding how they engaged with the show. 

Those looking for a more traditional theatrical fare could ‘grab a seat’ at a private table to tune-in to the floor show: a circus, music, and dance show - featuring an incredible MC.

Those who were more socially minded could meet live-acted characters and follow them along their journey through the night.

And those feeling truly adventurous could seek to unlock the secrets behind the scenes by solving puzzles and engaging in more ‘video-game-like’ elements.

Finally, evolving from a design choice to create real-world impact through a digital fictional experience, many of the narrative threads collided audiences with opportunities to meet real world performing arts professionals and learn about their experiences during quarantine, while encouraging real-world acts of generosity through donations to Theatre Bay Area’s Performing Artist Relief Fund.

Want more?

• Check out an early Design Overview Document

• Check out a Show Flow Document

• Check out an NPC Dialogue Diagram