Kutaisi, a city steeped in history and mythology, is embarking on a digital renaissance with the launch of Odyssey: Sakutaiso, an arcade mobile game that marries ancient tales with contemporary digital art. This groundbreaking project, a collaboration between the Digital Art Development Studio ‘Rero’ and the Destination Management Organization (DMO) Imereti, is set to redefine cultural tourism and digital art in Georgia. With a unique blend of storytelling, artistic homage, and interactive gameplay, Odyssey: Sakutaiso offers players an immersive journey through the historical and cultural landscapes of Kutaisi.
The Voyage of Argo: Navigating Myths in Modern Mediums
In Odyssey: Sakutaiso, the mythological narrative of Jason and the Argonauts takes center stage in the game’s first segment. Players are thrust into the role of navigating the legendary ship Argo across stormy seas, echoing the ancient quest for the Golden Fleece. This narrative is not just a nod to Greek mythology but a crucial element of Kutaisi’s identity, believed to be the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis. The game’s visual design captures the mystique of this era, blending historical accuracy with creative fantasy, thereby revitalizing a timeless legend through a contemporary lens.
Kutaisi’s association with Colchis positions it as a crossroads of ancient civilizations, where cultures and myths intertwine. By transforming this rich mythological heritage into an interactive experience, the game fosters a deeper connection with the city’s ancient past, making it accessible to a new generation of digital natives.
Picasso Boy’s Journey: A Stroll Through Time and Culture
The second segment of Odyssey: Sakutaiso offers players a stroll through Kutaisi of the 19th and 20th centuries, guided by the whimsical ‘Picasso boy.’ This character symbolizes the spirit of artistic curiosity and exploration, wandering through a digitally recreated cityscape filled with iconic landmarks such as the Gelati Monastery and Kutaisi’s vibrant markets. These historical touchstones are not merely backdrops but integral parts of the gameplay, offering educational insights into the city’s architectural and cultural evolution.
Kutaisi’s artistic legacy is rich and varied, with a tradition that spans medieval frescoes, classical Georgian literature, and modernist art movements. This segment of the game serves as a digital museum, preserving and showcasing the city’s artistic achievements. It also reflects Kutaisi’s historical role as a cultural and intellectual hub, a place where Georgian art and thought have flourished.
The Winged Painter: Celebrating Petre Otskheli’s Vision
In the final segment, players engage with the ‘Winged Painter,’ a tribute to the Georgian scenographer Petre Otskheli. Otskheli, known for his avant-garde designs and innovative stagecraft, remains a towering figure in Georgian theater arts. The game captures his visionary spirit, allowing players to explore a surreal, night-time Kutaisi through the eyes of an artist. This segment is not only an homage to Otskheli’s creative genius, but also a celebration of the broader tradition of Georgian visual arts.
Otskheli’s life, marked by his tragic execution during Stalin’s purges, adds a poignant layer to the game. His work, characterized by its bold, expressive style, challenges and inspires new generations of Georgian artists. The inclusion of his artistic vision in Odyssey: Sakutaiso underscores the game’s commitment to honoring Georgia’s artistic heritage while also pushing the boundaries of how this heritage is represented and experienced.
Rero and DMO Imereti: Pioneers in Cultural Innovation
The collaboration between Rero and DMO Imereti is a testament to the innovative spirit driving Georgia’s cultural and creative industries. Rero, a Georgian leader in digital art development, has established itself as a catalyst for integrating traditional narratives with cutting-edge technology. Their expertise in creating immersive digital experiences is crucial to the success of Odyssey: Sakutaiso.
DMO Imereti, on the other hand, plays a pivotal role in promoting the region’s cultural assets. By supporting projects like Odyssey: Sakutaiso, DMO Imereti aims to enhance the region’s attractiveness as a cultural destination, leveraging digital media to reach a global audience. This partnership exemplifies how strategic collaborations can harness the power of digital art to promote cultural tourism and education.
The Playful Mechanics: Simple Yet Profound
The game mechanics in Odyssey: Sakutaiso are deliberately simple, designed to make the experience accessible to a wide audience. However, the gameplay is not the primary focus; rather, the game is an aesthetic experience and art statement. It demonstrates how modern cities like Kutaisi can interact in new and engaging ways with residents and tourists, strengthening positive connections with the city’s aesthetics, history, architecture, and artistic heritage.
By prioritizing aesthetic engagement over complex mechanics, the game offers a contemplative and immersive exploration of Kutaisi’s cultural landscape. This approach underscores the potential of digital art to enhance cultural appreciation and foster a deeper understanding of a city’s unique identity.
The Economic Impact: Bridging Past and Present
Odyssey: Sakutaiso is not just a game; it is a cultural artifact that bridges Georgia’s rich past with its innovative present. The project highlights the potential of digital platforms to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage, making it accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences. This approach is particularly significant in a city like Kutaisi, where history, mythology, and art intersect.
From an economic perspective, the game opens new avenues for cultural tourism, attracting both virtual and physical visitors to Kutaisi. By gamifying the cultural experience, it appeals to a digitally savvy audience, potentially driving tourism and economic growth in the region. The game also offers opportunities for monetization through in-app purchases and merchandising, providing a sustainable model for funding future cultural projects.
A New Paradigm in Cultural Engagement
Odyssey: Sakutaiso stands as a pioneering example of how digital art can be used to explore and celebrate cultural heritage. It is a dynamic fusion of storytelling, visual art, and interactive media, offering a new paradigm in cultural engagement. As the game reaches audiences worldwide, it not only showcases the rich heritage of Kutaisi but also positions Georgia as a leader in cultural innovation.
This project underscores the transformative power of digital art in contemporary society, offering a blueprint for future collaborations between the arts, technology, and tourism sectors. In doing so, Odyssey: Sakutaiso not only enriches the cultural tapestry of Georgia but also sets a new standard for how digital media can be used to tell the stories of our shared human heritage.
By Ivan Nechaev
