Mike Giuffrida

Some of the most iconic films in history centered around virtual reality (VR). Having another world opens up limitless possibilities in storytelling. Here are three films centered on VR that have made their mark on cinema history. Mike Giuffrida . Image source: alienationmentale.wordpress.com Tron : When “Tron” first came out, critics were divided, not knowing what to make of it. But as time passed, this visual spectacle became a cult classic and earned its place as one of the most recognizable films of all-time. Not only did “Tron” push the envelope of science fiction, but it also pioneered so many filmmaking techniques still studied and used today. Mike Giuffrida . The Lawnmower Man : While not as big a hit as the other two films on this list, “The Lawnmower Man” is still recognized as one of the pioneering VR films in the post-“Tron” era. Based on the book by Stephen King, this sci-fi suspense thriller portrayed VR as a power-giving entity that allowed the film’s antagonis...

More than a hype -- Mike Giuffrida Image source: theverge.com Dungeons & Dragons, or D&D for short, is the pioneer of not just tabletop gaming, but role-playing games or RPGs in general. It has been around since 1974, reached much popularity in the ‘80s, but is not seeing an unprecedented era of success. Indeed, more and more people are playing the fantasy game in the late 2010s and there’s no sign of the hype dying down anytime soon. Mike Giuffrida . One of the main reasons for the resurgence of D&D is its role in the popular Netflix series "Stranger Things." The otherworldly setting of the entire show mimics the so-called “Underdark” of D&D lore. The first season of the series even begins with the child protagonists playing D&D in one of the boys’ basement. Mike Giuffrida. Moreover, the rise of the digital age has helped with D&D geeks broadcasting actual or live plays of the game on streaming services such as YouTube and Twitch. Studies...