The Burner Boys

Selected XR Development Market

Information

In the heart of Agbogbloshie, Ghana, the world's largest e-waste dump, lives Kojo, a young man who dreams of a life beyond the toxic mountains of discarded technology. Kojo's reality is a landscape of environmental degradation and health hazards, a daily battle for survival amidst hazardous waste. Yet, his dreams transport him to a cyberpunk fantasy, a stark contrast to his reality.

Kojo's girlfriend, Nana, a nursing student with ambitions of moving to America, embodies hope and the tangible possibility of escape. Their relationship, a beacon of tenderness and human connection contrasts sharply with the harshness of their surroundings. Together, they seek moments of joy in music and dance. Tragedy may be inevitable, but for whom?

The story explores themes of hope, dreams, and the harsh realities of the global e-waste crisis, offering a critical reflection on the environmental and human consequences of our digital age.

Lead artist(s)

Nofar Laor, Ronny Daniel

Estimated duration (minutes)

Name of the producer(s)

Nofar Laor, Ronny Daniel

Languages of your experience

English

Play Area

Room Scale

Technologies used

Interactivity6DoFVirtual Reality

Distribution Strategy

Number of user(s)

Single User

Device(s) compatibility

Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3

Targeted audience

Our VR experience, "The Burner Boys," is uniquely positioned to intersect with the climate sector, big tech & electronics companies, developing countries, and consumers, each offering distinct avenues for distribution. Our marketing and distribution goals are to leverage this VR experience as a multifaceted tool for education, advocacy, and behavioral change, addressing those sectors with tailored strategies. We will also form the distribution strategy with our strategic partners in Ghana. For big tech companies, the experience serves as a narrative on corporate responsibility leadership. We aim to distribute through pop-up VR events at tech and hardware company campuses and collaborate on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, positioning these companies as leading in sustainable practices. This approach can add to their ESG and Nasdaq reporting and engages their employees. Our professional connection to this sector offers a pathway to potential technological support, co-marketing, or distribution agreements. Consumers (the users of electronics) are reached through exhibitions and museums with a focus on tech and the environment, as well as VR platforms and social media channels. This dual-channel approach aims to raise awareness about the impact of E-waste. In the climate sector, we aim to be present in major events like COP29/30 and through partnerships with climate-focused events. This strategy aims to engage the public and policymakers. For developing countries, collaboration with NGOs and participation in global economic and health assemblies like the World Health Assembly and the World Economic Forum will be our aim. These platforms offer opportunities to highlight the health impacts of E-waste. Commercialization could follow a hybrid model, combining purchase options for individual consumers on VR platforms, subscription-based access for educational institutions, and licensing agreements with big tech companies for CSR initiatives. Potential partners for distribution include non-profits focused on climate and E-waste, educational entities, impact NGO organizations.