The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Building a Digital Sarajevo

In August 2023, Emagine unveiled *Echoes of Sarajevo*, an immersive virtual reality experience that re-creates the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip—a moment that ignited the First World War. This groundbreaking project allows visitors to step back into 1914 Sarajevo, experiencing the events that shaped a century of global history.  

At the heart of the experience lies a meticulously crafted digital twin of Sarajevo as it stood over a hundred years ago. Emagine’s team worked closely with historians, studying archival materials to reconstruct the city’s streets, architecture, and atmosphere with unparalleled authenticity. This painstaking attention to detail ensures visitors are fully immersed in the world of pre-war Sarajevo, gaining a deeper understanding of the social and political tensions of the time.  

Creating a digital twin of 1914 Sarajevo was a monumental challenge. From cobblestone streets to bustling marketplaces, every element was thoughtfully recreated to transport visitors back to a city on the brink of history. Collaborating with historians and cultural experts, Emagine ensured that even the smallest details reflected historical accuracy. This dedication to authenticity breathes life into the past, providing an experience that is both educational and emotionally resonant.  

Immersive, Inclusive, and Interactive

To enhance the accessibility of Echoes of Sarajevo, Emagine developed an innovative controller app, enabling group experiences where multiple headsets can be synchronized. This feature allows visitors to explore the VR environment collectively, fostering shared moments of discovery.  

Recognizing the global significance of this event, Emagine also translated the VR content into multiple languages, including English and Bosnian, ensuring the experience resonates with a diverse, international audience. This multilingual approach makes history more inclusive, breaking down language barriers and inviting people from all walks of life to engage with the story.  

Launching at the Sarajevo Film Festival

The project premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival, a fitting stage for its debut. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the events leading up to the assassination, witnessing the fateful moment unfold in vivid detail. The experience offered a powerful blend of historical education and emotional engagement, showcasing the transformative potential of VR in bringing history to life.  

A Vision for the Future of Education

At Emagine, we are committed to harnessing the power of virtual reality to redefine how history is experienced and understood. With *Echoes of Sarajevo*, we have fused historical authenticity with cutting-edge technology to create an experience that is both immersive and enlightening. This project represents a new frontier in interactive storytelling, highlighting VR's potential as a tool for education, connection, and discovery.  

Through Echoes of Sarajevo, we invite audiences to step into history—not just to witness it, but to feel it.