BBC launches first interactive voice drama

The BBC has launched the first interactive voice drama, The Inspection Chamber, a sci-fi comedy.

The Inspection Chamber is available for Amazon Alexa with other platforms to come  on line in the future. The user takes an active party as the fourth character in the story inspired by a video game.

The ball starts rolling with a computer called 'Dave' explaining that a pair of scientists will soon be inspecting the user to try and identify what kind of creature they are. The answers given during the inspection shape the direction of the story, influences its plot and sets the course for 'the player' toward one of a variety of potential endings.

George Wright, head of Internet Research and Future Services for BBC R&D, said, ''The Inspection Chamber is an experimental first step using this emerging medium. It enables listeners to take part and interact in a way they never have before. They're not just a listener any more – they have an active role in the story, playing the fourth character in a radio play which puts them in the heart of the action. This collaboration between the BBC's R&D department and a new audio independent company is something we're all excited by.''

According to Wright, head of internet research and future services for the BBC, "The Inspection Chamber" is an experimental first step.

"They're not just a listener anymore," Wright said, CNet reported. "They have an active role in the story, playing the fourth character in a radio play which puts them in the heart of the action."

BBC Research & Development developed the story in collaboration with production company Rosina Sound.