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Season 1 Overview

Held in Shanghai in June 2025, the first season established AltNext as a meeting point for interactive storytelling, immersive media, and creative technology across conference, festival, and market formats.

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Season 1 essentials

18-19 June 2025
Shanghai, China

Young woman wearing a virtual reality headset and holding controllers smiles while interacting with a man in a vibrant, softly lit environment - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Interactive storytelling formats

The edition showcased narrative-driven games, interactive films, live formats, and experimental works that expanded how audiences participate in stories.

Immersive and emerging technologies

Exhibitors and speakers presented XR environments, AI-supported tools, and new production approaches shaping interactive experiences.

Person wearing a white VR headset with straps, immersed in virtual reality with blue and orange lighting - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
Four men sitting on stage chairs having a panel discussion at an event with AltNext signage in front - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Industry participation

More than 90 companies and 80+ speakers contributed to a cross-sector dialogue spanning creators, studios, platforms, and technology partners.

Ecosystem momentum

The inaugural season positioned interactive narrative and immersive media as a developing industry space with growing international visibility.

People walking and interacting under a large tent illuminated with blue lighting at an indoor event or exhibition - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Scale and participation

A first season with measurable impact.

The 2025 season welcomed nearly 4,000 participants, including more than 500 international guests, 80+ speakers, and 90+ participating companies, with over 100 media reports documenting the event.
This scale signaled strong cross-sector interest in interactive storytelling and immersive media.
Attendance
4000
+
creators
1000
+
Speakers
80
+
organizations
80
+
Media outlets
100
+

Conference

Ideas on stage.

Keynotes, panels, and creator sessions explored the evolution of interactive storytelling across film, gaming, live media, and emerging formats. Directors, producers, investors, technologists, and creators shared case studies and perspectives on how narrative participation is reshaping audience engagement.

Selected 2025 insights

Luo Yihang and Cheng Liang discussing the position of directors as AI models master montage at AltNext 2025

When AI starts to understand the language of shots

At AltNext 1025, Luo Yihang and Cheng Liang explored the rise of the “AI Director Era” and how AI reshapes cinematic language, workflows, and creative power.

AltNext 2025 Review
Feb 11, 2026
Dasheng Zheng and Salar Shahna discussing 130 years of cinema tranformation at AltNext 2025

From Campfires to AI

Dasheng Zheng and Salar Shahna share firsthand insights and reflections at AltNext 2025, sparking dialogue and new perspectives.

AltNext 2025 Review
Feb 5, 2026
Read 2025 session insights

Festival

Works in action.

The festival showcased interactive films, narrative-driven games, immersive XR works, and experimental formats. Audiences engaged directly with projects that blur boundaries between cinema, gameplay, and live experience.
Selected works demonstrated how interactive storytelling can operate across platforms and formats while maintaining narrative ambition.

Featured workshops

Video camera recording two people in front of a green screen with the camera displays showing different backgrounds - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Virtual Filming

Three men working together on an underwater camera setup at the edge of a pool - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Underwater Filming

Laptop screen displaying video editing software with dual fisheye video preview and adjustment controls in Chinese - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Post-Production

Dark room with a large screen displaying blue and purple gradient with light dots and several lit computer monitors on a desk in front - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Dolby Atmos Final Mixing Stage

Market

Industry exchange.

Alongside conference and festival programming, the edition included a market dimension within the summit structure. More than 90 companies participated across the ecosystem, with selected exhibitors presenting interactive games, AI video tools, immersive systems, and related technologies.
This layer reflected the growing commercial relevance of interactive narrative and immersive media, highlighting collaboration across production, platforms, and technology providers.

Exhibitor categories

Exhibitor gallery

Rokid technology booth at AltNext featuring AR smart glasses with people interacting and promotional banners in blue lighting.
People interacting at a technology exhibition booth with screens and banners featuring a red robot and Chinese text under blue lighting - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
People interacting at a technology exhibition booth for ShengShu's AI video content platform Vidyu, with bright blue lights and digital displays - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
Group of people interacting at a booth with a large illuminated OMEGAMES sign and digital screens at the ALTNEXT event.
People at a tech exhibit booth with VR headset, laptops, and a screen displaying Chinese text at ALT NEXT event.
Exhibit table with 3D printed figurines including a large reptile named Angela, QR code display on tablet, and marketing materials for Tripo 3D - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
Crowd of people interacting and walking inside a neon-lit exhibition hall with a demo game booth and ALT NEXT branding.
Exhibition booth with people interacting, a large poster of women in traditional dresses, and a display promoting Tripo AI 3D modeling technology - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
Woman holding a drink and phone examines merchandise on a table while two women behind the table arrange items at a dimly lit event booth - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
Group of visitors interacting at the FUZOZO exhibition booth with a large screen showing a person working at a desk and plush mascot characters displayed - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
Exhibitor at ALTNEXT event presenting Bside booth with colorful anime-style posters and visitors engaging.
Group of people interacting at a WeWork exhibition booth with large digital screens displaying maps and data - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
People interacting and working on laptops at the ALTSTORY booth with large banner showing hands holding guns at the ALTNEXT event.
Exhibition booth with large posters, two screens showing scenes from a film, and people interacting at a table during a gaming event - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.
Indoor technology exhibition booth with people viewing screens and wearing VR headset under patterned ceiling - at AltNext Edition 1 in 2025.

Experience

Beyond the stages.

Screenings, installations, live performances, and informal gatherings extended the summit beyond formal sessions. The experience dimension allowed participants to encounter interactive storytelling not only as discussion, but as shared practice.

After party gallery

Live band performing on an outdoor stage at night with colorful neon-lit buildings and a crowd watching - at AltNext Season 1 (2025).
Live concert scene with a band playing on stage and a large audience behind a barricade under red lighting. Volunteers at AltNext Season 1 in 2025.
Crowd of people watching a live concert with vibrant green and blue stage lighting and beams - at AltNext Season 1 (2025).
Singer holding a microphone and facing an enthusiastic crowd behind a barrier at a concert with blue lighting - at AltNext Season 1 (2025).
Crowd watching a live band perform at night in a street filled with illuminated Asian-style neon signs and lanterns - at AltNext Season 1 (2025).

Speakers and contributors

Voices shaping the conversation.

The 2025 season featured filmmakers, XR pioneers, producers, investors, technologists, and creators from multiple countries, reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of the field.
View 2025 speaker alumni

Media and recognition

International visibility.

With more than 100 media reports and coverage across creative and technology sectors, the first edition generated sustained public attention and industry recognition.

Featured mentions

What this season established

The inaugural season demonstrated that interactive storytelling and immersive media are developing into a structured, cross-industry ecosystem. It laid the foundation for future seasons to expand participation, deepen collaboration, and strengthen international exchange.

Explore the upcoming season