His Story Arrived on Meta's Store in Virtual Reality

Sebastian Carrasco, a recent graduate in interactive media design from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), has launched his virtual reality project, 'A Través del Iris,' on the Meta Store. The experience became available for Meta Quest VR headsets on May 8, 2026, two months before Carrasco's graduation.

Developed using the Unity engine, 'A Través del Iris' is described as a narrative VR experience rather than a traditional video game. Players embody a faceless character moving into an empty apartment filled with boxes. Interacting with everyday objects triggers fragmented memories of the protagonist's past, such as adolescent first love, family conflicts, and moments of freedom. Completing each memory literally tidies the virtual space, reflecting the character's journey of self-discovery. The experience lasts between 20 and 40 minutes and is priced at $7.99, available in Spanish and English with subtitles.

A key innovation is Carrasco's 'Blink to Think' system. This mechanic uses blinking as a trigger for reflection and narrative transitions, turning stillness into a tool for story progression. Mark Bueno, Carrasco's academic tutor, noted the challenge of integrating this system into a non-chronological narrative, allowing players to piece together the story at their own pace. The experience is structured around four objects, each linked to a specific memory, like a potted plant triggering a romantic beach date memory or a scene in the mountains referencing the use of tobacco, which influenced the content's age rating.

Carrasco, who was born in the United States, aims for his project to be the first VR narrative experience from his university's program to reach an international commercial platform with significant distribution potential. The project also includes a mode designed for individuals with color blindness.

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Blink to Think