Project Syria
More actions
| Project Syria | |
|---|---|
| |
| Information | |
| VR/AR | VR |
| Developer | Emblematic Group |
| Publisher | Emblematic Group |
| Platform | SteamVR, Oculus Rift (Platform) |
| Device | HTC Vive, Oculus Rift |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Type | Full Game |
| Genre | Free to Play, Indie, Simulation, Free to Play, Comedy, VR, Memes, Political |
| Input Device | Keyboard / Mouse |
| Play Area | Standing, Room-Scale |
| Game Mode | Single Player |
| Language | English |
| Review | Mostly Negative |
| Release Date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Price | $N |
| App Store | Steam |
| Website | http://www.emblematicgroup.com/ |
| Infobox Updated | 11/21/2016 |
Project Syria is an immersive journalism virtual reality experience about the Syrian civil war and its child refugees, made by Emblematic Group and created by Nonny de la Peña.[1] It was commissioned by the World Economic Forum and first shown at the Forum's meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2014.[2][3] A free Windows version for SteamVR headsets was released on Steam on 1 November 2016, with Emblematic Group listed as developer and publisher.[4]
Overview
The experience has two scenes. The first recreates a rocket strike on a street corner in the Aleppo district, and the second places the viewer in a refugee camp.[1] According to Emblematic Group, the Aleppo scene was reconstructed from found footage, photographs and maps, and the camp scene, set on the border with Jordan, draws on original video shot by the studio. Symbolic figures were added to represent the number of children affected by the war.[3] The project was built with the Unity game engine with audio, video and photographs drawn from the scene.[1]
On Steam the app is listed as a Single Player, VR-only title that supports standing or room-scale play and requires a keyboard and mouse alongside the headset.[4] Emblematic Group states that the piece has also been shown at conferences and fundraising events, including an installation at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.[3]
Reception
Steam user reviews were rated "Mixed" as of October 2026, with 29 of 71 reviews positive.[5] After the Davos presentation, de la Peña said the work moved many attendees to tears.[2]
Features
System Requirements
Windows
Minimum
- OS: Windows 8 64
- Processor: i5 Intel
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia 970 or higher
- Storage: 150 MB available space
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10 64
- Processor: i7 Intel
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia 970
- Storage: 150 MB available space
Setup Instructions
This VR game requires the use of a keyboard and mouse.
Images and Videos
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Project Syria". MIT Open Documentary Lab Docubase. https://docubase.mit.edu/project/project-syria/. Retrieved 2026-10-09.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Project Syria at the World Economic Forum". USC School of Cinematic Arts. 2014-01-31. https://cinema.usc.edu/news/article.cfm?id=14051. Retrieved 2026-10-09.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Project Syria". Emblematic Group. https://emblematicgroup.com/experiences/project-syria/. Retrieved 2026-10-09.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Project Syria on Steam". Steam. https://store.steampowered.com/app/491790/Project_Syria/. Retrieved 2026-10-09.
- ↑ "Project Syria user review summary". Steam. https://store.steampowered.com/appreviews/491790?json=1&language=all&purchase_type=all. Retrieved 2026-10-09.