March 14, 2019 – In a blog post published by HTC VIVE yesterday, it was announced that the four player virtual reality Simulator, Hyperdeck, has chosen the VIVE Pro as an integral part of its VR experience.
The Hyperdeck is a four-player VR ‘ride’ that features environmental simulation and combines a full-motion platform, wind and heat feedback, and interactive controllers to create an immersive experience.
Hyperdeck creators, MajorMega, claim that they have eliminated motion sickness with their custom system, which moves the floor in real time with the game and is intended to simulate g-forces on a user’s body. The company states that Hyperdeck is also able to amplify certain motions that trick the brain into feeling something that a user is not actually experiencing.
The company claims that after thousands of players, there have so far been zero reports of motion sickness from users.
Commenting on why MajorMega selected the VIVE Pro, company Cofounder, Mike Bridgman said: “We started with the original VIVE and loved everything about it… The VIVE Pro improved everything. On top of making a lighter and more comfortable design, the increased pixel density allowed us to do more with text and bring out more detail than ever in our games. And with the 2.0 SteamVR Tracking, we’re able to use four lighthouses to make sure every square inch of our play area is covered.”
The controllers for the Hyperdeck will automatically adjust height to fit the player, and provide recoil and vibration feedback. They also feature dynamic tension, which allows for the simulation of a change in weight. Finally, hand sensors allow for the motion floor to be stopped if a player is to let go.
The Hyperdeck also features iPads mounted on the outside. This ‘Spectator Play’ feature allows people standing outside the Hyperdeck (perhaps those waiting in line for their turn) to interact with players in the game. Users outside will have the ability to target a specific player and create helpful or hurtful situations.
Hyperdeck’s launch game is called H.A.I.R., which stands for ‘Hoopers Artificial Intelligence Research’, and tells the story of rock star Harold Hooper, who invents a powerful A.I. to write music.
When questioned on what the future looks like for MajorMega and the Hyperdeck, Bridgman said: “We’re currently in negotiations with a theme park, some family entertainment centers, and the largest athletic center in North America! We’re also working with some major brands to create custom experiences on a level they’ve never done before. We truly believe the Hyperdeck is the ‘arcade of the future’ and we want to see one in every major city in the US and beyond.”
Previous clients of MajorMega include Converse, Ferrari, Citigroup, and National Geographic.
Video credit: MajorMega/YouTube
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.