Fossil x Diesel
Patrik de Jong, Founder Artificial Rome
In 2023, creative director of Diesel, Glenn Martens introduced a VR-designed watch called VERT, specifically designed for those shifting between the virtual and real world. Staying true to this vision, the launch of the VERT was embedded in a breathtaking web3 release-event. Strating with an exlusive NFT evolving while the lauch date was approaching,
Glenn Martens, Creative Director of Diesel
Each Diesel Vert Watch ensured access to a limited edition NFT evolving over time. NFT owners were also granted a premium experience in the Vert Metamorph Experience, with special character skins and enhanced gameplay. The NFT evolved or “metamorphosized” through three stages to become an avatar (known as an A:VERT:AR) which was then minted.
On the 2nd of November, the land of Tempus opened its gates and the audience was invited to continue their journey in a multi-layered, interactive experience inspired by the VERT watch collection. Visitors from around the globe gathered in a metaverse environment - collaborating in a series of quests to access the final unveiling of the VERT watch. The virtual world of Tempus was shaped by the VERT’s design details. It featured breathtaking scenery and a sprawling environment where visitors moved through various challenges with their avatars to reactivate time in a fictional land where time has stopped. Online users interacted in real-time with players joining from the interactive retail installations based in selected Diesel stores globally - including Paris, New York, Barcelona, Las Vegas and Tokyo.
Watch TrailerWe brought together a highly experienced art team to create a visually stunning experience. Taking notes from movie VFX and AAA gaming, we wanted to elevate how Metaverse can look and feel like.
A key aspect of the experience was the collaboration in real time between players joining from selected Diesel stores and the online players. From the physical installations, visitors jumped into the role of the Giants and engaged in mini-games, with their movements - tracked by a sensor camera - turned into real-time animations on-screen. With their unique ability, retail players helped online participants cross areas of the environment by creating bridges as a result of each mini-game. Joining forces together, the players were able to progress along the story and reveal the VERT watch.
The experience culminates with the revelation of the VERT watch in a cinematic sequence. In the heart of the pyramid, the players were treated to a virtual concert celebration with artist Lil' Dre, which allowed players to interact, get together, dance and listen to a premiere track from the artist. We captured a real-life performance from Li’ Dre using depth cameras, and then translated the 3D data into a stunning giant interpretation of the singer.
Watch Case MovieMike John Otto, Chief Creative Officer of Artificial Rome
We used pixelstreaming technology to provide every participant with the best graphical quality regardless of their personal hardware setup, allowing the experience to run in full AAA gaming quality even on mobile phones. Thousands of players connected via multiplayer servers. In retail, interactive stations were connected to the multiplayer metaverse via the internet. The movements of the user standing in front of a vertical 90” screen were applied to a gesture system driving the interaction of bridge creation. Depth and movement tracking cameras helped to translate the images to 3D-skeleton-data using AI/ML and made the interaction between retail and internet players possible.
