Beings
BY LINGXI ZHANG
“Beings” is an interactive digital experience that immerses players in the perspectives of nonhuman species, offering a speculative view of coexistence beyond the human-centric lens. Set on Wu-Vo, a fictional planet crafted as a secondary habitat for humans and home to Earth’s diverse ecosystems—including revived extinct species—the game explores climate justice, interspecies empathy, and ecological interventions.
Players arrive to uncover the mystery of Wu-Vo, a planet ecologically similar to Earth. The core mechanic involves unexpected transformations. Players can’t choose the species they will become, instead adapting to different creatures’ perceptions and abilities. Through body-tracking technology, players control avatars with their movements, creating an immersive first-person experience.
As they progress, players collect memories of Wu-Vo’s missing inhabitants, piecing together the untold story of the planet’s past. “Beings” challenges anthropocentric worldviews, inspiring reflection on climate responsibility and the importance of honouring all beings in the pursuit of environmental justice.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES & FEARS FOR THE CLIMATE CRISIS & COP29?
As COP29 approaches, I hope it will be a turning point where leaders, especially from major carbon-emitting nations, show accountability through concrete commitments to climate justice. I envision policies that amplify marginalised voices and respect the rights of nonhuman life, fostering an ecological ethic that transcends human-centred priorities. Such action should address systemic issues like corporate greenwashing and unsustainable practices that often overshadow grassroots and regenerative efforts. I also look forward to being inspired by new ways to engage actively and enhance the role of creatives in addressing the climate crisis. Integrating creative approaches into climate conversations could open new paths for collaboration and activism, underscoring the importance of the creative field in driving awareness and action.
However, my biggest fear is that COP29 will fall into a cycle of high-level discussions without meaningful follow-through, focusing on surface goals without tackling root causes or ensuring inclusive representation. I worry that vulnerable communities, fragile ecosystems, and nonhuman species will again be sidelined in favour of economic growth. As time for decisive action dwindles, these concerns highlight the urgency I feel for real change to address every aspect of the climate crisis.
ABOUT LINGXI
Lingxi Zhang is a London-based designer and artist whose work spans digital art, interactive design, and technology. Graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London, Lingxi explores inter-species dynamics, seeking to foster connections between humans and other species. Her designs balance sensibility and rationality, grounded in a respect for all life forms and a commitment to elevating marginalized voices. Lingxi’s work has been featured at Youth Design 100 in Beijing, the London Design Festival, and Dutch Design Week, embodying her vision of design as a bridge across disciplines for inclusive dialogue.