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| Standing with Tim Woodley |
From
the second that lederhosen-wearing, blonde bombshell Heidi Klum
appeared on television, I was addicted to every dramatic second of
that visually stunning show, Project Runway. I instantly knew that I
needed to drop whatever provincial career aspirations I had so I
could follow my calling to become a fashion designer. About a
week later, I dropped those aspirations off at the end of my
driveway in a clear plastic bag that also held a very ugly and very
broken beginner's sewing machine that was too pink for words.
This
week, in an interview at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Head of Global
Brand at 505 Games, Tim Woodley explains how a new, interactive game
is due to not only captivate players, but also quite possibly
reignite the dreams of fashion obsessed people all over the world
like me.
As
Woodley explains it, the one down-side to consuming fashion is that
its a very passive experience. Mostly hours spent thumbing
through glossy magazines and absorbing images. Apart from styling
themselves and shopping, there's not really much they can do
creatively. says Woodley as he leans forward so I could hear him
above the hundreds of conversations spilling through the humungous
room. “So what we're creating is the forum in which to do that.”
Brought
to you by IMG, 505 Games, Funcom, and creative director, Pat McGrath,
Fashion World Live is an interactive application where users will
have the chance to engage the fashion industry as they create,
collaborate and communicate with their media friends and the wider
social network, using the brands they know and love from the
authentic realm of fashion. “There are similar types of games out
there,” Woodley admits, “But none are as involved.”
Users
can choose a career, such as designer, photographer, or stylist, then
put together a viable fashion line. But nothing goes unrewarded! As
users pull favors, and accomplish small tasks, they earn points,
allowing them to take on more workers, and make build connections
with people even higher up in the game.
Here
at fashion week, people have been getting a first look at FWL and so
far, they love it! The blogs have been buzzing and at the end of the
week, a compilation of comments and ideas from Fashion Week
attendants will be used to improve the game. “This is going to be a
living, breathing thing.” says Woodley. And once the game goes
live in September, game techs will be evolving the game on a real
time basis, giving people more of what they want and less of what
they don't.
Immediately
I'm reminded of the last time I was addicted to a game on the
internet. “Farmville.” I admitted to Woodley. I put so many
hours into that cocaine-like game; sacrificing school, sleep, and
even my social life, that eventually, I wore down my immune system
and ended up with a nice case of Swine Flu! “So can I look forward
to a good time like that, again?” I ask, secretly proud. Woodley
laughs while shrugging his shoulders; the usual response.
“Sitting
and managing those farms is addicting, but take that concept and wrap
it around something you’re passionate about? Then-- uh, oh!”
--agreed.
Fashion
World Live is the perfect creative outlet for those who are
devoted to fashion, but find their lives consumed by another career.
“I
think there will be a lot Ah-ha moments,” I begin, “where
people realize, Hey. I'm good at this!”
“Exactly.”
he says, with a smile, “My personal ideal for
this is that you actually start being that talent shining through.
That you do establish some level of pace making within the virtual
community. Someone might aspire to be a a designer. It could be
anybody.”
Fashion Week Live Website: http://www.fashionworldlive.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fashion-World-Live/135801473152725
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