Fancy an adventure in virtual reality? We visited Reality Twist GmbH's "GameDeck" in Munich and got a first impression of what the latest technology has to offer and how immersed you can already be in virtual reality (VR).
In the GameDeck, a room on whose walls the game environment is projected, the visitor experiences a combination of exit game, 4-D cinema and adventure gameThe current prototype of the game, intended as a team challenge, is based on the cinematic adventure "Mara and the Firebringer," based on the novel trilogy by Tommy Krappweis. Founders Clemens Hochreiter and Thomas Wagner are working closely with the author and director and are using the original voice from the film to guide players through the game.
The GameDeck is based on a modular room concept that allows for the creation of small Game Decks as well as large dungeons. Up to five people per team are channeled through the various rooms, with each room lasting approximately ten minutes.
But what exactly does such a room look like?
The prototype
A room is composed of various standardized modules: These can be combined in any way, making it easy to create new spaces. GameDeck deliberately uses projectors instead of VR headsets, as the founders see significant advantages in this technology. The primary focus is on natural interaction among group members. This also eliminates the need for specialized equipment, keeping costs within reasonable limits. Furthermore, VR headsets can cause nausea in many users.
So how do you play?
Individual players in the GameDeck are tracked and analyzed by depth cameras. This data is transmitted to the GameDeck Engine. This allows players to perform actions using movements and gestures. For example, it's possible to use a virtual torch to reveal secret messages hidden in the walls. Touch sensors enable precise input recognition. Likewise, it's possible to take control of a high-speed ride through a lava flow and avoid obstacles using movement.
In addition to the virtual objects, real props hidden throughout the room are also used. In the current prototype, players must find runes and hold them in the correct places on the wall to unlock a secret. These runes can be detected by RFID sensors in the wall.
The boundaries between the virtual and real worlds are repeatedly broken down, for example through special effects such as fire, fog and wind. This makes the gaming experience a exciting mix of VR and real life experience.
Looking for investors
The GameDeck project is run by Film Television Fund Bavaria (FFF) and supported by Kultfabrik Munich, Microsoft Germany, and Tommy Krappweis. In the future, the two founders, Clemens and Thomas, hope to collaborate with filmmakers and enter into partnerships with cinemas to offer further adventures as games. What Lord of the Rings fan wouldn't want to stroll through the Shire with Frodo and his friends and make their way to Mordor? Since the necessary cash is essential for further projects, Reality Twist GmbH is currently seeking investors.
We wish you much success and look forward to further gaming experiences with the GameDeck.
