Xbox Series X: Walking in Steve's Dreams
Award: Graphite Pencil
Graphite Pencil / Radio & Audio / Innovation / 2021
Those who are blind experience video games differently, and the Xbox Series X was developed with spatial audio technology to make gaming more inclusive. To highlight this feature, Xbox worked with dream scientists to conduct a first-of-its-kind study with sight-impaired gamer Steve Saylor, who was led to a sleep state where he could describe his dreams in real time after he played the Xbox Series X. The dream-data was then faithfully recreated in a 3D audio story so everyone could feel the unique and amazing way in which a blind person experiences sound and gaming.
What did the judges have to say?
"Xbox X: Walking in Steve's Dreams is a fantastic use of spatial audio technology. It’s not often a piece of audio can successfully put you in someone else’s shoes and evoke a genuine emotional response every time you listen to it. It’s a completely immersive experience that takes you on a journey and really shows you the power of audio."
Lesley Chambers, Producer & Voice Casting Professional, The Casting Chambers
Are you credited on this winning entry?
If you've been awarded Wood Pencil or above, drop us your details for further information about how you can order your D&AD Pencil. If you've previously won In Book or a Nomination and would like to celebrate your achievement with a Wood or Graphite Pencil, please let us know.