Lena NW and Julia Kunberger Awarded Rhizome Microgrant

Lena NW and Julia Kunberger Awarded Rhizome Microgrant

FSU Art BFA  Lena NW and alumni Julia Kunberger, received a microgrant from Rhizome.org to create a browser game. The game they are creating is called “Viral,” which parodies celebrity status games [i.e. Kim Kardashian: Hollywood (app), The Urbz (PS2)] but focuses on the concept of becoming an Internet celebrity via social media.

“Viral” hybridizes different types of gameplays: quest/adventure, photography interface, dress-up, dating simulation, and personality quiz. The player can achieve 5 different levels of fame: gutterslut, troll, meme, “yumblr” famous, and viral. Through customizable performance identities, users have control over the “production” of their medias. For example, a user can choose to post a trendy chain video (i.e. cinnamon challenge), shock video, vlog, fake suicide video, etc. Each decision determines whether celebrity status points are increased or deducted. To boost status points, the user may also go on dates via the app “Cinder,” post photos on “Instacam”, and upload videos to “Viewtube.” “Viral” comments on status, performance, identity, and the narcissistic underpinnings of online personas.

For more information visit Rhizome’s website, which announces the 5 Art Microgrants Awardees:

http://rhizome.org/editorial/2014/sep/16/announcing-microgrant-awardees/