88 Names Podcast Explores VR (Virtual Reality) with Novelist Matt Ruff

HENDERSON, Nev. - March 10, 2020 - PRLog -- The 88 Names Podcast celebrates the publication of a new novel by Matt Ruff, author of Lovecraft Country. 88 Names, which releases on March 17, 2020, combines a gripping and fast-paced adventure with a thoughtful exploration of the social implications of VR (Virtual Reality) technology. Ruff joins podcast host, film critic, and freelance journalist Blake Collier for a limited run series featuring interviews with various luminaries in the VR technology and creative arts fields.

Part history lesson, part exploration of the novel, and part look ahead to the future of VR, AR (Augmented Reality), and immersive experiences, the 88 Names Podcast features a wide range of guests. They include Academy Award winning film director and Chief Creative Officer at Flight School Studios Brandon Oldenburg; science fiction author, activist, and journalist Cory Doctorow; co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Glassbox Technologies, Mariana Acuña-Acosta; philosopher Michael Madary, who co-authored the first code of ethics for immersive technology; HP Global Head of Virtual Reality for Location Based Entertainment, Joanna Popper; and Noah Nelson, the founder of No Proscenium, a publication dedicated to exploring the immersive and experiential arts.

"Online events like podcasts and virtual reality appearances allow you to reach a much wider audience than would ever be possible with a traditional book tour. VR is particularly intriguing, with its potential to bring together artists and fans from different parts of the world on short notice, with none of the hassles of long-distance travel," says author Ruff. "We're living in pioneer days now, but I'm excited to see what happens as the technology matures."

Sponsored by Derooted, a dynamic team of creative problem solvers creating fantastical, unique immersive experiences for top brands, the series culminates with a live reading by Ruff on Microsoft's AltspaceVR platform on Friday, April 17, 2020.

"The 88 Names Podcast was thrilling to be a part of. The insightful questions Blake and Matt asked unlocked thoughts I had yet to verbalize about this wild west storytelling space we call VR," said guest Oldenburg, "With still so much uncharted territory to talk about Blake and Matt each came to the mic with a healthy amount of inquisitive energy. I feel like I went on a conversation adventure with the Lewis and Clark of Podcasts. I deeply respect Blake and Matt's maverick spirit."

About Matt Ruff

Matt Ruff is the award-winning author of seven novels, including Fool on the Hill, Set This House in Order, Bad Monkeys, The Mirage, and Sewer, Gas & Electric. His novel Lovecraft Country is being produced as an HBO series by Jordan Peele, Misha Green, and J.J. Abrams.