Mind at War

For creators of virtual-reality entertainments, the immersive storytelling format comes with new challenges — like keeping viewers focused on the plot despite being able to direct their attention anywhere. Or catering to a user’s desire for the so-called six degrees of freedom, the ability to move forward and backward, left and right, as well as up and down.

Verizon Media’s immersive company RYOT is well versed in these challenges. Founded in 2012 and acquired by Verizon in 2016, the company has worked on a growing number of projects and recently partnered with Paris-based emerging media company AtlasV to develop new immersive content like “Gloomy Eyes,” which premiered at the last month’s Sundance Film Festival.