The Dodo Adventures Series serves as a powerful educational tool designed to cultivate deep empathy for animals. Through a VR experience, visitors embark on a journey that allows them to witness habitat invasion from the perspective of a dodo bird. This immersive experience provides an excellent foundation for discussions on various important topics, including animal rights, invasive species, climate change, extinct species, conservation efforts, and the role of museums in addressing the history of colonization.

Embodiment—the connection between a real person and their virtual avatar—can significantly influence self-identity and behavior. Research has shown that participants using thin avatars exhibited increased physical activity, regardless of their own BMI, compared to those using obese avatars. Additionally, individuals who perceived their avatar as more obese than their virtual opponent tended to decrease their physical activity in the real world while engaged in the game.

Source: Jorge Peña et al., "I Am What I See: How Avatar and Opponent Agent Body Size Affects Physical Activity Among Men Playing Exergames," Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication (2016). DOI: 10.1111/jcc4.12151

Moreover, recent studies have revealed that VR experiences can have a longer-lasting and more positive impact on behavior change compared to traditional media such as videos or articles. For instance, a research group at Stanford University has been exploring the influence of VR on behavior, particularly concerning environmental issues. They found that immersive games created a more enduring impact than merely watching a video or reading texts. In one experiment, participants physically simulated cutting down a tree, resulting in a 20% reduction in their paper consumption and a preference for recycled paper products. While watching a video or reading about deforestation raised awareness for a day, those who experienced the VR simulation continued to exhibit these behavioral changes for weeks afterward, suggesting a potentially lasting shift. Similar effects were observed in participants engaging with coral reef experiences.

Source: Stanford University - Environmental Education Research

While we cannot change the past or reverse the impact humans have had on other species, we can engage with our present and contemplate our future. Dodo Adventures serves as a time capsule, providing insights into how we can improve by reflecting on the past within our current context. Technology enables us to learn in both educational and entertaining ways, allowing us to see, hear, and feel our connections to the world. The first step toward learning is to ask questions and ignite the spark of curiosity that propels us toward deeper inquiry.

Story-based VR games provide an opportunity for deep emotional engagement, which can lead to positive behavioral changes. This emotional connection becomes increasingly important as the initial novelty of escaping into a VR world begins to fade.

Research by Malcolm Burt from Queensland University of Technology highlights that, despite advancements in immersive technology, consumers still crave compelling narratives. Burt found that many current VR offerings overly rely on technology to attract participants, often neglecting the fundamental human desire for storytelling.

Source: The Conversation - Neanderthals Didn’t Need Nintendos: Why We Always Choose Story Over Technology

The Dodo Experience embraces a story-driven approach to biodiversity and sustainable development, allowing users to engage in an immersive audiovisual gaming experience that fosters positive behavioral change. After all, we are animals, and our connection to storytelling shapes our understanding of the world.

The Dodo Experience is designed as a non-violent game, utilizing gentle language and child-friendly content. It is important to note that, due to the absence of long-term studies on the potential impacts of VR headsets, most manufacturers have established a recommended age rating of 13 and older.

Dodo Adventures is a single player game.

To experience the Dodo Adventure, you will need a VR headset and two controllers. Suitable headsets include the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Sony's PlayStation VR. Some standalone headsets are also currently supported.