Eano Gu

As one of the earliest societal institutions, religion has long connected individuals and communities through distinct narratives and structures. Similarly, with technological advances, video games now offer complex storylines and shared experiences. When compared to religion, games exhibit comparable patterns in shaping identity and influencing psychology. These parallels invite a reconsideration of faith, positioning video games as a lens through which to examine cultural shifts and social meaning. 

In this context, Godless Ceremony is a near-future Valorant esports finale experience. We envision Spheres—arena structures—being built in cities worldwide, forming a network of modern “cathedrals” that host the event. The project proposes a new spiritual model, where “Godless” signifies not the absence of divinity, but a reframing of it in secular culture. 

The design spans four stages of the finale: Preparation, Player Entrance, Mid-game, and Trophy Ceremony. Drawing on Valorant’s narrative, it incorporates spatial installations and immersive media—dome projection, stage design, and lighting—to enhance the arena experience. 

A project co-directed with Anchor Li.

Collaborators:

Nico Alexandroff, Academic Supervisor

Zhaozheng Xu, Technical Advisor

Yiling Hu, Creative Consultant