Ramayana in Google Chrome
For the past three years, Google Creative Labs have been testing the boundaries of JavaScript and producing and curating what they call Chrome Experiments that use open web technologies like HTML5, Canvas, SVG, and WebGL to push the limits of interactivity and visualization on the web. From games, to data visualization programs and very recently, the juxtaposition of game play with storytelling, it seems the experiment is incorporating a lot in its roster.
But for us, one of the most interesting experiments so far has been the creation of the ancient epic, Ramayana. The story has been re-imagined for the digital age and focuses on staying true to the narrative as told in both Indonesian and Thai cultures. The big difference though is that it is told in the context of a rich and immersible, interactive experience and builds on the power and capabilities of the Chrome browser, along with a bevy of other Google services.
Titled the Ramaya.na, the plot of the story remains the same but the characters – Ram, Sita, Hanuman and Ravan – use modern web tools like Google +, Blogger, Google weather, Google Maps and various other Google products and services to communicate, find information, and plan an interactive narrative strategy to defeat Ravan.
The script of this experiment is written in Bahasa, Indonesian but if you are even slightly familiar with the original Ramayana, you’ll get through the story easily. So far, you can access the experiment on the Chrome browser only.
Divided into seven parts, this collaborative effort between Google, Fantasy Interactive, and OgilvyOne demonstrates the versatility of Chromes’ developer tools and wonderfully makes use of different Google products and services while providing a rich, visually stunning interactive experience for the user.
To learn about the experiment, visit the Ramayana case study website, or head over to ramaya.na to enjoy the complete work. In the meantime here are a few screenshots of Google Chrome’s Ramayana.
Seasons of the Ramayana
Panchwati
Ravan’s Lanka on Google Places
Ravana using Google Chrome’s Incognito mode to disguise himself
By: Tanvi Chug
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