Next Year is an immersive, escape room-style installation set in the remnants of a 2020s-era office, abandoned in the aftermath of war, climate collapse, and societal breakdown. Participants step into a world on the brink, guided by a mysterious video message from an officer of the elusive Next Year company. As they solve clues, unlock hidden video segments, and piece together the fate of humanity, a haunting story unfolds.

Through rich physical set design, reactive lighting, interactive elements, and spatial audio that moves dynamically around the participant, Next Year creates a fully enveloping narrative experience. The story reveals that some escaped Earth for a distant exoplanet—leaving behind one final rocket. The experience ends with a powerful choice: remain, or leave everything behind for a new beginning.

Blending speculative fiction with urgent themes, Next Year is a compelling reflection on choice, survival, and the long-term consequences of inaction.

Natalie Mertova http://www.linkedin.com/in/natálie-mertová

Ciaran Shields https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaran-shields-229158363/

Nicola Janasova https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-janasova-233901336/