About this Event
Gaming has long been a proving ground for immersive technology, and VR and AR continue to change how people play, tell stories, and connect. Headsets move players from a flat screen into environments they can walk through and interact with, and that sense of presence is opening up new genres, from sports and horror to fitness games that turn exercise into something people want to do. Storytelling is shifting too, as players take on different perspectives and make choices that shape the outcome. Social play is also changing, with virtual worlds becoming shared spaces where people can gather, collaborate, and create together.
Alongside the progress, the industry is working through real challenges. Hardware limitations like comfort, resolution, and latency still affect how long and how well people can play. Accessibility remains an area to improve, with customizable controllers, eye tracking, and voice input helping but not yet reaching every player. Questions around data privacy, the effects of highly realistic experiences on mental health and behavior, and the representation reflected in game content and avatars are also part of the conversation. And with some of the largest platform companies scaling back their investments, developers are rethinking where the market is headed and how to build experiences that serve players well over the long term.
Join us on Wednesday December 2nd at 2112 where this session will explore how gaming is shaping the future of immersive technology – what is working today, where the barriers to adoption remain, and how lessons from play are extending into how we learn, work, and connect as gamification is being used across sectors in training.
What's The Format:
We will start with informal networking with demonstrations, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking and demonstrations. We keep it simple and informal – this meetup is about you, our members, and not just a soap box for the host, presenters, or our sponsors. Come and get your questions answered, take your next step in Immersive Technology.
5:30-8:30pm Central
5:30-6:15 PM Networking & Tech Demos
6:15-6:30 PM Welcome Message
6:30-7:10 PM Panelist Presentations
7:10-7:45 PM Panel Discussion with Q&A
7:45-8:30 PM Networking & Tech Demos
Hosts:
Matt Wren
Founder of The Next Evolution Nonprofit Event Series & VRAR Chicago
Andrew Towl - Virtual Host
XR Unity Developer & 3D Generalist - ApparitionXR
Panel Members:
Find Details at thenextevolution.org/upcoming-events
Attending The Next Evolution
Joining in Person:
2112 | 4245 N Knox Ave
conveniently located off Interstate 90/94, one (1) block from the CTA Montrose Blue Line stop as well as the Metra Mayfair stop.
Watching the Live Stream www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams
People can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!
Joining Virtually in FRAME
Framevr.io/the-next-evolution-awe-nite-chicago
We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment by simply clicking the link above.
The Frame virtual environment resembles a physical space, so you will be able to talk with other attendees prior to the start of the presentations. We suggest that you arrive no later than 6:00pm and we will get started promptly at 6:15. Please try to get familiar with the technology prior to the meetup, as we will be unable to provide support during the event. Share your camera or simply be a unique avatar or a robot!
The Next Evolution | AWE Nite Chicago Event Series (produced by VRAR Chicago) is now and always will be 100% free to attend.
Thanks to The Next Evolution Sponsor 2112 and beverage sponsors [system] seltzers and Revolution Brewing.
We would also like to thank our Community Partners that help us continue spreading the joy of immersive technologies: FrameVR, XR Women, NVZN, Patched Reality, Two Degrees.io, and Unreal Chicago.
Event venue & nearby stays
2112 Chicago, 4245 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.