Silver & True: SellYourRoleX work in progress

Computer games are based on simulation. In the gaming world, the player can experience dangerous situations without actually risking bodily harm. But what happens when we take this simulated reality out of the box and introduce it to the real world? Suddenly, binary code gains the power to toy with people’s emotions, and an unpredictable game will ensue...

Concept:
Visitors to the museum may borrow a pair of mobile phones (a single visitor would need to find a partner to play with). Visitors must then decide which of two possible roles they would prefer to play.

Using simple interface, the Player sends commands to the Avatar via mobile phone. The player has the power to control the Avatar’s social behavior by using these basic, predetermined commands that will be received by the Avatar’s mobile device.

The Avatar has a hidden mobile phone with an earplug. When the Player sends a command, the Avatar will receive an audio command through the earplug. He must obey the command immediately, but retains a certain amount of freedom to improvise while performing the requested action. The command should be carried out in the most natural manner possible. The Avatar should attempt to conceal the fact that he is under the control of an outside force. The two visitors can go wherever they want within the museum, but it is recommended that they stay within a crowd and interact with those they encounter.

Technical description:
J2ME client software runs on the Player's mobile phone. This allows him to send basic commands through an Internet server to the Avatar's mobile phone, which is kept hidden. The Avatar client software interprets the commands and translates them into audio messages. These are then transmitted directly via headset to theAvatar's ear.

Video:
Video is from previous, related works by Silver & Hanne Rivrud

Being developed in collaboration with LABoral Art and Industrial Creation Centre, Gijon, Atelier Nord, Oslo and Spasibar, Oslo

Installation hardware:
Nokia N73 (20 pieces)
Web server

Installation software:
Nokia Symbian v.3, custom made Java MIDlets
Red Hat Linux, Apache Web Server, MySQL, PHP scripts

Thanks:
The Intrigue project would be impossible without the help and participation of many people. We would like especially to thank:

Regine Debatty for inspiring feedback
Kelly Dobson and Martin Butler for sharing their experience related to their work and many inspiring ideas
Erika Dobesova for introduction to the world of discipline
Anja Brinich for help with texts

Year of creation:
2008