These days, everyone lives at least part of their lives online—but what if you were trapped within the virtual world? That’s the gripping premise of Human Within, which launches today on Meta Quest. The game puts you in the shoes of cyber engineer Linh after her mind is trapped within the very technology she and her sister Nyla developed.
Inspired by sci-fi classics like The Lawnmower Man and Transcendence, Human Within dives deep into the ethical dilemmas of technology. Linh and Nyla’s groundbreaking creation—a system linking the human mind to a computer—holds incredible potential for humanity. But as corporate interests pursue its darker possibilities, Linh must navigate her new digital existence. Trapped within the machine, she observes the outside world, taps into computer systems, and uncovers truths that shape the narrative.
A Blend of Technology and Storytelling
Where Human Within sets itself apart is in its use of cutting-edge VR to tell its story. Combining live-action 2D film, 3D graphics, 360-degree scenes, and Point Cloud environments, the game creates a deeply immersive experience. Players witness Linh’s virtual existence and the events unfolding in the physical world through innovative storytelling techniques.
But it’s not just a passive experience—Human Within places you in the driver’s seat. Your choices throughout the game influence the narrative, leading to one of five distinct endings. Whether it’s Linh, Nyla, or their transformative technology, the fate of this story rests entirely in your hands.
Insights from the Creators of Human Within
To celebrate the launch, META sat down with Creative Director Avi Winkler of Signal Space Lab, Film Director Anne Weigel, and Film Producer Michael Geidel of Actrio Studio to explore how Human Within pushes the boundaries of VR storytelling.
On Combining Techniques in Gameplay and Storytelling
Avi Winkler: It was very important for us to craft a story with a long-form narrative that keeps the user engaged. By switching between full live-action 360 scenes, internet space scenes that also incorporated live-action content, and the Point Cloud scenes, it kept the ongoing experience feeling fresh. We were also very careful not to have any one of these scene types be too short, as going too quickly from one to the other would be jarring and overwhelming for many users.
Anne Weigel: Shooting the live-action for this project was an ambitious and rewarding experience, as we had to account for all the different choices players could make. Shooting in 360 degrees brought unique challenges—you get to envision the scene in every direction, as the camera captures everything. It’s a very different approach from traditional filmmaking, and it forced us to rethink how we approached storytelling, from how scenes were staged to how every detail supports the player’s choices.
A Unique Blend of Cinema and Interaction
The team’s expertise in cinema and VR shines in Human Within, blending the emotional depth of film with the interactive engagement of gaming. Whether it’s the ethical dilemmas of technology, branching narratives, or immersive puzzles, the game offers something truly special.
And the best part? Human Within is designed to be widely accessible. You don’t need to move around physically to play, and it’s fully compatible with one-handed controls. This makes it perfect for both seasoned VR enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Step Into the Future of VR Gaming
Human Within is more than just a game—it’s an experience that redefines storytelling in VR. Now available on the Meta Horizon Store for $19.99 USD, this groundbreaking title is ready to take you on an unforgettable journey. Will you explore its mysteries and uncover the truth? The choice is yours.
Get your copy today and step into the immersive world of Human Within.