Torrent Raiders is a dynamic network visualization realized through the idioms and aesthetics of arcade-style video games. Driven in real-time by the activity of bit torrent swarms, Torrent Raiders takes place on the ad-hoc networks created by bit torrent users. Torrent Raiders playfully addresses issues of domestic surveillance and intellectual property by putting players in the role of a mercenary copyright enforcer, encouraging them to capture evidence against peers on torrents in order to collect bounties. Players assist in the distributed surveillance of these torrent swarms, sending information to a central server where it will be used to drive further visualizations of this information. As a dynamic visualization exploring privacy, piracy and surveillance, Torrent Raiders challenges Internet users, content pirates and government spooks to examine their allegiances and mistrust their computer connections.
Torrent Raiders was created by Aaron Meyers for his MFA thesis project at the USC Interactive Media Division. Some of Aaron's other recent projects are the Digg Swarm visualization and MobZombies.
The 3D modeling in Torrent Raiders was done by Corey Jackson, who currently makes all kinds of pixel magic happen at Faketown.
Contact: Aaron Meyers | admeyers [at] usc [dot] edu| Subscribe to the Torrent Raiders mailing list |
Torrent Raiders is a 2007 Rhizome Commission.