Doppelganger Studios' new project, Virtual Lower East Side (VLES) will attempt to recreate the iconic Manhattan neighborhood in the virtual realm, according to a Metro New York post.
The idea is to create an online hangout where scenesters can check out the LES's hip venues and musical acts without paying New York's high cost of living. The project, currently in the testing phase, will also employ the expertise of music and culture mag VICE, who will consult on various venues and ensure their virtual representations are as true-to-life as possible.
"[The VICE guys] kept saying, ‘Make it darker, make it darker, make it grimier, make it grimier," says Andrew Littlefield, founder of Doppelganger.
Hangouts slated to receive detailed replicas include the infamous Bowery Ballroom, the 205 Club and even a branch of American Apparel, whose clothing line represents the hipster style popular among neighborhood natives.
As of yet, no specific date has been set for the formal rollout, but Doppelganger hopes their extensive alpha and beta testing will continue proceeding quickly.