Tag Archives: VR

Train2Game News Crytek VR First Program

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Seeking to nurture grassroots virtual reality development worldwide, Crytek today announced the launch of its new VR First program.

Under the initiative, Crytek will partner with academic institutions to provide state-of-the-art technology and facilities for students and researchers looking to explore the power and potential of VR.

Beneficiaries of the VR First program will not only enjoy full source code access to Crytek’s CRYENGINE development suite, but also free use of hardware from VR First affiliates.

VR First seeks to empower the development talent of tomorrow by ensuring academic institutions around the world are equipped to support their ambitions in this exciting new field. The initial VR First Lab opens its doors today at Istanbul’s Bahçeşehir University and will act as a pilot destination for the scheme. Crytek and the program’s affiliates hope to ensure every VR First lab facilitates users to play a key part in shaping the future of VR.    

For more information on VR First, and details of how to become an affiliate or academic partner, please visit http://vrfirst.cryengine.com.

Train2Game News Explore Chernobyl from home

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On the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear-power-plant catastrophe – the greatest human-caused industrial and environmental disaster in history – Polish game developer The Farm 51 is developing The Chernobyl VR Project.

A virtual-reality adventure that will put players in the role of a documentary crew sent to uncover secrets surrounding the tragic event. From the comfort of their homes, players will travel to photorealistic recreations of numerous areas in Chernobyl and Pripyat, where they’ll explore the Restricted Zone, seek clues about past events and help an old survivor find his family memoires.

Via its state-of-the-art Reality 51 technology, The Farm 51’s Chernobyl VR Project will offer players unprecedented access to the site of the catastrophe and the nearby city of Pripyat. In addition to the game the team is developing, an educational component is in the works. Since more than 350,000 inhabitants were evacuated in the aftermath of the disaster, access to the area has been highly restricted and closely monitored; the Chernobyl VR Project will break down those barriers in the form of an interactive documentary, compatible with multiple VR headsets, including Oculus, PlayStation VR, Vive or Samsung Gear VR.

Watch a video that provides a brief look at the project and the people and processes behind it.

The team at The Farm 51 was granted special scientific access to areas unavailable to tourists, spending dozens of hours in the area and using its Reality 51 technology to scan locations in Chernobyl and Pripyat in photorealistic detail. Minor details, including paint peeling off the walls, scuffs on an abandoned amusement-park ride, and rust on an old cash register are captured with exceptional accuracy utilizing photogrammetry and stereoscopic, 360-degree camera technology. Players and virtual visitors will be free to explore and engage with places that have hitherto been off limits, losing themselves in a one-of-a-kind, interactive documentary.

For more information on the Chernobyl VR Project, visit:
www.reality51.com
https://www.facebook.com/chernobylvrproject

Train2Game News BioGaming aids home physiotherapy

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BioGaming, the leading developer of virtual reality physiotherapy solutions, has taken computer aided patient recovery to the next level.

For the first time, exercise routines can be created by licensed physiotherapists for patient use at home, using ‘motion capture technology’ to ensure correct rehabilitation, and low cost hardware and mobile apps automatically to connect the physiotherapist with the progress of the patient.

Biogaming allows physiotherapists to create digital personalized exercise plans, which it then automatically converts into games tailored specifically for patients, who are given hardware and instructions to connect with the platform in the cloud. A patented motion detection algorithm powers a Microsoft Kinect 3D motion capture camera which can be connected to Microsoft Windows computers or paired with a provided Xbox One for use with a television. Rich reporting capabilities enable progress automatically digitally.

Says Dudi Klein, founder and CEO of BioGaming;

“We are turning therapy into a game to be won. Patients who use BioGaming tap into something extra within themselves to do better in the virtual world, while getting better in the real world, a win win for patient, provider and payer. We are taking proven physiotherapy routines, real-time biofeedback and personal encouragement of sessions in the hospital or clinic and bringing them home. We are closing the gaps in the current physiotherapy process to boost adherence, transform the therapy cost equation for providers, and empower Physiotherapists to deliver better patient outcomes.”

The innovation is designed to tackle the problem of low compliance with traditional physiotherapy approaches where boring routines often demotivate patients. It also helps to include physiotherapists in the fast moving world of digital and mobile innovation in healthcare.

In a world where telemedicine enables more cost-effective, convenient and connected healthcare, BioGaming is the equivalent for the rehabbing of orthopedic injuries.

Train2Game News Virtual Reality foresight

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A new report has been published by Transparency Market Research, titled  ” Virtual Reality in Gaming Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013 – 2019 ” .

TMR, a market intelligence company based in the U.S., states that the global virtual reality in gaming market was estimated at US$466.6 million in 2012 and is anticipated to reachUS$5,839.9 million in 2019, expanding at a 39.2 % CAGR from 2013 to 2019. According to this report, the market for virtual reality in gaming is fuelled by numerous factors such as continuous advancements in gaming technologies, namely 3D effects, motion tracking, and user interactive graphics.

The increase in disposable income is also a key factor augmenting the market, as with rising disposable incomes, individuals are inclined towards new innovative reality games and entertainment solutions to entertain themselves. However, the soaring costs of these entertainment sources are amongst the major factors impeding the growth of the market. Nonetheless, cost-effective devices with gesture control and economical sensors for motion tracking are projected to be introduced in the market in the near future, which will stimulate the growth of this market.

On the basis of component, the virtual reality in gaming market is segmented into two components, namely software components and hardware components. Among these two components, in 2012, the software segment was the biggest segment, representing a revenue share of 53.5% in the overall market for virtual reality in gaming.This segment is expected to retain its dominance in the market throughout the forecast horizon owing to consistent advancements in virtual reality technology. The hardware segment is predicted to experience exponential growth in the forecast horizon owing to the utilization of virtual reality products, namely hand gloves, head mounted displays (HMDs), and glasses.

On the basis of type of gaming console from various manufacturers, the virtual reality in gaming market is segmented into Apple Mac, personal computers, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Wii, and Sony PlayStation. Amongst these, Sony PlayStation dominated the global market for virtual reality gaming consoles owing to its powerful brand equity in the mobile phone industry, gaming industry, and other consumer electronics.

On the basis of geography, the market for virtual reality in gaming is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World (RoW). In 2012, North America dominated the global market, accounting for a revenue share of 37.0% owing to the existence of prominent companies such as Take Two Interactive and Electronic Arts Inc. After North America, Europe emerged as the second biggest market and held a revenue share of 31.9%. Nonetheless, Asia Pacific is predicted to exhibit enormous development in the market during the forecast period owing to rising numbers of online gamers along with presence of the topmost gaming manufacturers in this region.Sony Corporation, Electronic Arts Inc., Linden Lab Inc., and Nintendo Company Limited are the dominant companies in the virtual reality in gaming market.

Train2Game News Hands on with VR at VRTGO

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Samsung and CCP Games will be giving all VRTGO attendees the opportunity to get hands-on with the best that VR has to offer.

VRTGO, the annual conference and expo that explores the future of virtual reality (VR) for both entertainment and business applications, today reveals that Samsung will have full retail units of its impending Gear VR headset available for all attendees to try as the event kicks off on Thursday 12th November at the Newcastle Gateshead BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead.

Samsung’s Gear VR headset is released in November, and VRTGO is the ideal opportunity to be one of the first in the country to try out the brand new VR technology that Samsung will be releasing to the wider public.

Jason Lovell, wearable’s senior product manager at Samsung Electronics UK (SEUK) commented, “The VRTGO event is very timely as we will shortly be releasing our first consumer Samsung Gear VR headset, so attendees will get a chance to try out the device for themselves and ask any development questions they may have.” He continued, “Enabling people to use the Gear VR headset in a free and open environment means that VRTGO attendees will be able to not only experience the product, but also engage with the development team behind it and understand many of the nuances that make it a stand out device.”

Samsung will also be joined by CCP Games, who will be showcasing EVE:Valkyrie and inviting attendees to experience a playable version of the hit 2015 trailer.

“At this years VRTGO we’re inviting players to join the Valkyrie and fight alongside the legendary Rán Kavik in our ‘Convoy’ single player mission on Oculus Rift Crescent Bay.” outlined Andrew Robinson, artist and narrative designer, CCP Games. “Built from the ground-up for virtual reality, it’s now possible to experience the visceral combat of EVE:Valkyrie in a completely new way, and VRTGO is the perfect place to showcase this.”

VRTGO will be hosted by respected technology journalist Will Freeman. The conference gives all attendees the opportunity to experience the newest developments in the world of VR, complete with keynotes and panel discussions.

A full agenda of the day’s events can be found at: http://vrtgo.co.uk/agenda/

Tickets for the event can be purchased from: http://vrtgo.co.uk/buy-tickets/

Train2Game News First look at vTime

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Starship, the UK-based innovation studio, today unveil a first glimpse of mobile social VR network, vTime, with the release of a new video and screenshots. Set for launch in November, vTime offers friends and family a compelling new way to spend quality time together in virtual reality.

Using just a smartphone and a VR headset, cross-platform network vTime allows users to meet-up and interact with people around the globe. Combining breath-taking virtual locations with intuitive and hands-free controls, vTime users can chat, enjoy music, and share images, videos, and spherical media in rich virtual environments. Running on 3G and 4G cellular networks as well as Wi-Fi, vTime transforms the smartphone into a passport to the metaverse.

vTime users are able to personalise their experience by customising the appearance of their avatar, hosting virtual meet-ups and creating friends lists. Newcomers can quickly expand their social circle and immerse themselves in engaging conversations through vTime Search, which focuses on matching users based on interests and trending topics.

Friends without a headset can still be a part of the conversation by using vTime Mono – a 2D window into the vTime metaverse through which they can interact and chat with other participants using a tablet. Users are also able to view live public exchanges happening within vTime through Spectate Mode, accessible through tablet, phone and PC.

“vTime brings social VR to virtually everyone, from virtually anywhere on virtually any device,” explains Starship CEO Martin Kenwright. “We’ve taken complex technology and made it simple, beautiful and accessible. Just download the vTime app, put on your headset, and you’re vTiming.”

The free and platform agnostic network will launch its open alpha to Android users in November. Compatible with multiple mobile headsets including Gear VR and Google Cardboard, Starship has opened a mailing list for those interested in being the first to experience the network.

View the trailer for vTime at http://www.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=k8BSftnVMRA

Train2Game News Merge VR Headset

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Walk with dinosaurs or fly into space all from the comfort of your own living room with the new Merge VR headset available to pre-order now, only at GAME.

Priced at only £49.99, the new portable headset is a great, affordable way for families to step inside a whole new world and experience the virtual reality phenomenon.

Compatible with both iOS and Android phones, the Merge VR headset allows customers to enjoy the extensive immersive content already on Google Play and in Apple’s App Store. Play games, explore an unknown world, or watch a concert in your own home just by downloading an app.

On 30th October, GAME customers can be among the first to take home the new Merge VR headset by pre-ordering online or in-store. From mid-October, customers will be able to get their hands on this innovative technology with demonstrations taking place in all GAME stores across the UK.

Charlotte Knight, UK Retail MD at GAME, comments: “Virtual Reality is the topic on everyone’s lips at the moment. With gamers eager to see what’s coming next, we’re incredibly excited to give our customers exclusive access to this new technology.

“At GAME we’re passionate about making the latest technology accessible for everyone. The Merge VR headset does exactly that, offering the Virtual Reality experience to gamers and families. For those thinking about Christmas gifting, the Merge VR headset is the perfect present for under £50.”

To make the new headset even more affordable, gamers can Trade-in their old software and hardware in exchange for cash or credit. Customers will also earn 2% back in Reward points on every purchase, which can go towards even more great games, tech and accessories from GAME.

To find out more about the Merge VR headset, head into your local GAME store or visit www.game.co.uk/MergeVR .

Train2Game News Adventure Time Magic Man’s Head Games music

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Award-winning composer Erik Desiderio is thrilled to share his uplifting soundtrack for Cartoon Network and Turbo Button’s virtual reality take on the Adventure Time universe with a music video reveal that features game footage alongside several musicians who perform the main theme live by combining banjo, harmonica, melodica, accordion and even whistling:

Adventure Time: Magic Man’s Head Games Main Theme Music Video

Adventure Time: Magic Man’s Head Games is developed by Turbo Button and follows Cartoon Network’s Finn and Jake on new adventures in full virtual reality for the first time. Drawing inspiration from classic platformers like  Banjo-Kazooie, players control Finn, while Jake sits in his backpack. Finn can attack enemies with his sword, or use Jake to smack creatures with his his inflated hand. Voice actors from the recent Emmy Award-winning show provide the voices in the game, which is available now.

“I was a huge fan of the show before being contacted about this project,” notes composer Erik Desiderio. “I especially enjoyed the first episode with Magic Man, who acts as the primary antagonist for this game. The playful nature of the  Adventure Time universe afforded me the opportunity to work with some of my frequent collaborators and incorporate lots of fun instruments. Somehow, though, despite their various talents, everyone insisted that they be able to whistle on the soundtrack. I had no choice but to comply and join in myself!”

Desiderio-known best for his work in film and on the SMS Racing and This Means War! videogames-was given the freedom to take the Adventure Time franchise into new waters with this soundtrack by including live performances to bring the already quirky and upbeat world of  Adventure Time to life. The featured whistler has sung on other projects and created sound effects with his mouth for the mobile game Stick to It, while the woodwind player recorded flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor sax, bari sax and also whistled on the soundtrack. The trumpet player performed trumpet and coronet. Finally, Desiderio himself played banjo, fretless electric bass, harmonica, triangle, melodica, accordion, shaker and can also be heard whistling throughout the score.

Learn more about Adventure Time: Magic Man’s Head Games:

Adventure Time: Magic Man’s Head Games on Fortune

Train2Game News VR Mobile Store

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A new online store specifically for mobile VR titles has been announced at the Tokyo Game Show.

Nvia Group, the technological group, will present throughout this whole week its bet on the thriving virtual reality market for mobile phones: a virtual reality headset for mobile phones and its most exclusive feature: an app store, developed exclusively by the company with a series of games developed externally and in-house for mobile phones or smartphones which use Android technology.

Store MVR (www.storemvr.com ) will introduce more content and games during the upcoming months, from joint developers who want to take advantage of this distribution channel as well as in-house games developed by the studio’s development group which are being tested at the moment.

The store also introduces a section for developers to upload their games and other virtual reality contents on their own to be distributed in more than one hundred countries thanks to the localization of the store in 14 languages.

The website where the characteristics of the headset can be found is www.vxmask.com , and also includes in the price 2 free contents from the Store MVR.

The Store MVR is available in 14 different languages with Technical Support for the users in all these languages.

Victor Lamas, CEO of NVIA Group says “After two years working on this project, we’re very pleased to officially announce its launch, and what better place to do so than in Japan, the most predisposed market to adopt new technologies in the world”

Train2Game News VRTGO 2015 Conference

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This November will see the return of the popular future gazing VR conference and expo -VRTGO in Gateshead. 

Following last year’s sell-out event the organisers will be introducing new features and encouraging more buyers to attend the break-out sessions to meet technologists and developers.

ZeroLight, headline sponsor of VRTGO 2014 believes attending the event this year is valuable for any company exploring the potential of virtual reality, “VRTGO helps those inside and outside of the technology industry to explore the opportunities that virtual reality brings.  As well as being a showcase of VR applications, it provides real value to anyone thinking of using VR in their business”, said Jason Collins Marketing Director.

The conference and expo will feature companies such as nDreams, CCP, Coatsink, Crossrail, Microsoft, Atomhawk, Hammerhead Interactive and the list goes on….

Patrick O’Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams said, “We spoke at the inaugural event last year, and were hugely impressed by the professionalism, speaker quality and general feeling of excitement. This year’s event should be bigger and better, and we’re looking forward to sharing the lessons that we have learnt releasing titles on the Gear VR and developing launch games for the Morpheus, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.”

Carri Cunliffe, Secret Sauce MD and VRTGO producer said, “It was a great event to work on last year; so many exciting new questions about how VR will impact not just the entertainment industries but how we live and work. We will see more diversity of attendees as buyers look to see how VR can improve their business.  We are thrilled to be working on this exciting event again this year.”

To register today and take advantage of the early bird price https://vrtgo2015.eventbrite.co.uk