Location-Based Entertainment (LBE)

Ubisoft’s Far Cry VR Hits Zero Latency Locations Worldwide

June 1, 2021 by GenVR

Last year Ubisoft and location-based entertainment (LBE) company Zero Latency announced an exciting partnership that would see the Far Cry franchise brought into virtual reality (VR). Today, they’ve announced that Far Cry VR: Dive Into Insanity is now available at select Zero Latency locations worldwide.

Far Cry VR: Dive Into Insanity is a free-roaming, multiplayer shooter for up to eight people, taking them to Rook Islands the setting for Far Cry 3. With each session clocking it at around 30 minutes, players have to fight their way across the island, dealing with plenty of henchmen before confronting the main villain himself, Vaas.

Just like Zero Latency’s other VR titles, players will be able to freely explore the environments, dealing with enemies from all sides with their haptic guns, which can provide a realistic rifle or shotgun feel with pump-action mechanics.

“We’re always looking for new ways to provide our players with the very best entertainment the freeroam VR industry has to offer, and our new Far Cry VR: Dive into Insanity experience is exceptional,” said Tim Ruse, CEO of Zero Latency VR in a statement. “We worked closely with Ubisoft to make sure the action-packed world of Far Cry would feel authentic for fans and entice new players as well.”

“Bolstered by Zero Latency’s one-of-a-kind concept, free-roaming VR is an excellent way for gamers and non-gamers alike to explore the vivid world of Far Cry. We’re thrilled to offer a game that brings people together to create memorable moments” said Deborah Papiernik, VP of New Business at Ubisoft.

Far Cry VR: Dive Into Insanity is available at 33 of Zero Latency’s locations around the world (there are 45 locations worldwide) so you’ll need to check your local one to see if they have it available. The launch continues the LBE industry’s move towards a wider reopening as local pandemic restrictions begin to ease. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

An Army of the Dead VR Experience is Touring the US This Summer

May 28, 2021 by GenVR

Director Zack Snyder knows a thing or two about zombies considering his reboot of Romero’s classic Dawn of the Dead (2004) and then last week saw the highly anticipated launch of Army of the Dead over on Netflix. He’s got big plans for the franchise which, as it turns out, includes a virtual reality (VR) experience called Viva Las Vengence.

Starting in North America this summer Army Of The Dead – Viva Las Vengeance: A VR Experience is going to be a team-based VR shooter set within a mobile taco truck. Up to six players will be able to gear up with Valve Index headsets and StrikerVR guns to take on hordes of the living dead and help rescue survivors.

“It’s time to take matters into your own hands! Helpless civilians are trapped inside the walls confining zombie-infested Las Vegas, and the Las Vengeance crew needs your help rescuing them,” the description explains. “You’ll feel every bump and turn as you shoot your way through zombie-filled streets in an epic adventure. Should you make it out in one piece, you’ll be able to immortalize the mission’s success with exclusive merch and photo ops at the end of the experience.”

The entire experience will take place inside the trailer, so there’s no locomotion for players to worry about, just shooting zombies through the grills. You can even play seated by the look of it. Viva Las Vengence: A VR Experience will clock in at 30 minutes, with prices starting from $24 USD.

“The experience combines state of the art VR with fan-favourite elements of the movie, that will make for an unforgettable tour,” said Snyder in a statement. “Get ready to roll the dice with the undead as you battle your way through hordes of the zombies across a Vegas wasteland.”

The tactical taco truck will start its 10+ month US tour this July, kicking off in Los Angeles and New York City and travelling to: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. It’ll also head to European locations including London, Madrid, Berlin and Paris at a later date.

For further updates on Army Of The Dead – Viva Las Vengeance: A VR Experience, keep reading VRFocus.

Rhythmatic Dev Reveals New Worlds, LBE VR for Newcomers

April 28, 2021 by GenVR

British virtual reality (VR) studio Blackwall Labs firmly believes in location-based entertainment (LBE) having previously released NYC Bungee and most recently, multiplayer rhythm action title Rhythmatic. That trend continues into 2021 seeing more potential for the industry as lockdowns ease, announcing its latest project, New Worlds.

VR suits all ages and abilities yet there’s always that acclimatization period when newbies try on a headset for the first time. At home you’ve got all the time in the world, where at a VR arcade time means money. So Blackwall Labs has built New Worlds to help teach newcomers the VR basics, allowing up to six players at a time to learn the fundamentals of what makes the technology so immersive and groundbreaking for gaming.

New Worlds will take groups through various mini-games and experiences to quickly ground them in those basics like physically interacting with virtual environments – without falling over or walking into a wall, hopefully. The studio plans on regularly updating the title with new content, actively encouraging partners to make suggestions based on their experience of seeing the public using VR for the first time.

“We hope New Worlds will make the first adventure in VR fun, interactive and immersive …leaving staff and management to concentrate on what’s important, running a great location and increasing footfall,” said Backwall Labs’ Director Dan Perrin in a statement.

Rhythmatic. Image credit: Blackwall Labs

“I firmly believe that when someone is experiencing VR for the first time, a menu is the absolute last thing they should be seeing. Entering VR for the first time should be an immersive, wondrous experience free from user interface, that’s why we’ve designed New Worlds to be completely “plug and play” opening the game will automatically connect you with your friends on your local area network without any menu interaction from the player or leg work from the arcade operator,” adds Creative Director Sam Perrin.

VR arcades can signup for the New Worlds beta now by contacting Blackwall Labs. An official launch is slated to take place during the summer. For further updates on the project including the first screenshots and gameplay details, keep reading VRFocus.