An all-in-one solution for virtual reality gaming that doesn’t use a head-mounted display (HMD) has been created by Cinionic, the Barco cinema joint venture. It is designed for cinema lobbies and location-based entertainment venues.
While using HMDs can make players feel isolated from others, the patent-pending solution uses multiplayer interactive VR domes. Family VR, as it is called, uses an immersive stereoscopic projection environment and supports real-time gesture interaction for up to six players. According to Cinionic, it brings “a highly inclusive and social one-of-a-kind experience that can attract new audiences to virtual reality, in particular groups and families.”
An increasing number of Hollywood studios are embracing VR to provide moviegoers new ways to engage with their blockbuster movie content as well as create new revenue streams.
According to projections by Greenlight Insights, location-based entertainment is anticipated to become a $1 billion market by the end of 2018, comprising seven percent of the virtual reality industry with growth projected up to $12 billion by 2023.
Family VR is being demonstrated by Cinionic at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Visitors can play, together, the famous Fruit Ninja VR game by Halfbrick Studios, thanks to a collaboration with VR content creator and distributor Secret Location.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Secret Location to demonstrate this new Family VR solution with Halfbrick Studio’s iconic IP Fruit Ninja at CinemaCon. By eliminating the need for head-mounted displays, we’re turning VR experiences into a very social experience that many in the location-based entertainment industry have been asking for,” commented Wim Buyens, CEO of Cinionic.
