[Updated March 2, 2020 to better illustrate which days Incident will be taking place]

Something strange will be happening as SXSW this year, and Unknown 9 and the launch of their new microsite is the reason why. As the first IP from developer Reflector Entertainment, Unknown 9 is a mysterious multi-layered "transmedia" experience which aims to transcend the normal approach to storytelling and instead offer content through a number of different mediums including books, podcasts, and real-life immersive experiences much like those featured on the recent AMC show Dispatches From Elsewhere.

The Storyworld of Unknown 9 is based around the belief that there was a human civilization which existed before the current one, and those humans had learned how to wield powerful magic before being erased from history of unknown reasons. Some of their knowledge has been retained, however, and it was written down and entrusted to nine immortal figures. While each of the different elements in the Unknown 9 universe are meant to be able to be enjoyed as standalone pieces, the developers hope that by combining all these different experiences together players, readers, and listeners will have a greater understanding of the overarching mystery surrounding the project.

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Now, Unknown 9's creators have revealed that they are about to introduce the world to their new form of interactive storytelling at this year's SXSW festival, which runs from Friday, March 13th to Sunday, March 22nd in Austin, TX. Unknown 9's first live project, Incident, will be taking place throughout the event (March 14th - 21st) and promises to "lay the very foundations of the Unknown 9 mythology." Anyone who is in attendance will be able to participate in the immersive game in real life by helping with the excavation and research of mysterious objects which were reportedly discovered during the construction of Austin's newest subway line. Interested fans should check out Unknown 9's new microsite, which recently went live.

Unknown 9 Art

March 13th also sees the launch of multiple projects in the Unknown 9 Storyworld, including Genesis, the first book in a planned trilogy, Out of Sight, a podcast about a paranormal investigator, and Torment, a comic book about a man who is a "magnet for things lurking on the other side." All of these stories are meant to support the overarching narrative of Unknown 9, which will place a heavy emphasis on both the knowledge of the previous human civilization and also the concept of The Fold, a parallel dimension which humans can tap into in order to discover secret knowledge and untold powers.

Very few companies have attempted a project as ambitions as Unknown 9, and it will be interesting to see how many people are receptive to the idea. More and more immersive experiences have been gaining popularity over the past few years, from the normalization of virtual reality in video games to the plethora of escape room businesses which now seem to dot every major city. There are many people out there who are looking for an escape from the real world, and something as in-depth and immersive as Unknown 9's SXSW installation may do just the trick.

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Source: Unknown 9