Blackwall Labs – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

November 16, 2021

Space Pirate Trainer & Rhythmatic Are Coming to VRsenal’s Next-Gen Arcade Platform

Location-based entertainment (LBE) has really begun to bounce back in 2021, with VRFocus’ regular The Virtual Arena feature highlighting all the work that’s been achieved. One specialist in the space is VRsenal, which makes unmanned virtual reality (VR) arcade units such as Lightsaber Dojo: A Star Wars VR Experience in collaboration with ILMxLAB and Nomadic. With the IAAPA Orlando Expo taking place this week, VRsenal has revealed.

Rhythmatic comes from British VR developer Blackwall Labs, who actually launched the multiplayer rhythm-action title back in 2020, allowing up to 6 players to compete against one another. The collaboration between both companies will see Rhythmatic released as a two-player experience on VRsenal’s new V² hardware platform. Just like its predecessor, this new setup won’t require an arcade operator to function in a family entertainment centre (FEC).

However, the platform allows up to four cabinets to be linked together for 8 player sessions, really emphasising the competitive, multiplayer gameplay of Rythmatic.

“As a long-time fan of the rhythm game genre, it has been a dream of mine to bring a cutting edge, multiplayer, music-based experience to virtual reality,” said Sam Perrin, director of Blackwall Labs. “That we’ve been able to partner with a market leader like VRsenal to bring Rhythmatic to the FEC space as a fully unattended, multiplayer attraction is the icing on the cake.”

As for Space Pirate Trainer, this single-player shooter will be available in all its drone destroying glory, with two players able to enjoy the wave-based gameplay at the same time.

“Everybody remembers Galaga, but Space Pirate Trainer lets you climb inside a game like that and take personal control of the avatar,” said John Coleman, Vertigo Games’ CFO and Business Development Lead. “With approachable gameplay that also offers veteran players a wide range of options, Space Pirate Trainer is ideally suited for the arcade space.”

VRsenal will be showcasing its new V² hardware platform during the IAAPA Orlando Expo this week using Rhythmatic – which will also be a launch title for the new hardware.

“Operators now have an option to create a high-throughput, affordable attraction with full-body AAA VR content, and never have to worry about staffing the game,” Ben Davenport, VRsenal CEO adds. “This is a very hard thing to pull off in VR.”

As LBE VR continues to gain ground, VRFocus will keep you updated.

April 28, 2021

Rhythmatic Dev Reveals New Worlds, LBE VR for Newcomers

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.

December 21, 2020

Blackwall Labs Offer Some Festive Cheer, Rhythmatic & NYC Bungee Free to Arcades Until Feb

Like many retail establishments, location-based entertainment (LBE) has had a rough 2020. Studios like Ubisoft have tried to help out by offering license-free access to their titles and now British developer Blackwall Labs is doing the same, with free access to Rhythmatic and NYC Bungee.

The announcement comes as the team reveal that Rhythmatic has already become one of SpringboardVR’s top worldwide videogames as well as being highly trending on SynthesisVR – both distribution platforms for LBE content. The title only officially released at the beginning of December having been available in beta form since the summer.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community……we are absolutely delighted to tell you that Rhythmatic is one of the highest trending games on SynthesisVR and also in the top 20 most popular VR games on the Springboard global usage chart just 2 weeks after release,” said Blackwall Labs co-founder Dan Perrin in a statement.

Rhythmatic is a multiplayer rhythm-action title catered towards VR arcades. Offering familiar gameplay where you have to slice orbs in time to the music, up to six players can either go head-to-head or co-op challenges. The gameplay also features powerups to help improve scores or hinder opponents.

“We couldn’t have done this without your help, feedback and support. We know that this year has been a tough one for everyone, but we believe that 2021 will be much brighter once we reach the early Spring,” Perrin continued. “To show our appreciation and also to help people get through these last hard months we have decided to make both Rhythmatic totally free for you and your locations until 28th February.”

As well as Rhythmatic being license-free until February 2021, Blackwall Labs’ extreme sports experience NYC Bungee is getting the same treatment; allowing players to climb the Statue of Liberty and then bungee off the top.

The studio has plenty of update plans for Rhythmatic going into next year, such as upping the multiplayer to 12-players and adding more dubstep, drum and bass, house and rock tracks. As further information is released, VRFocus will let you know.

October 28, 2020

The Importance of XR Influencers

As part of VRFocus’ current Better-Than-Reality-Awards, each category features an industry ambassador to delve into a particular aspect of their subject. Today, Rhythmatic developer Blackwall Labs looks at the field of XR influencers. Of course, don’t forget to cast your vote in The Better-Than-Reality-Awards now.

Content Creators, Youtubers, Streamers, Bloggers and XR influencers come in many forms, but their importance to the industry and ecosystem cannot be overstated. From the comedic approach of YouTubers such as “Up Is Not Jump” to the more informative takes from YouTube duo “Cas and Chary” all the way through to the business-focused podcasts of award-winning director “Alex Makes VR”, each influencer brings something to the industry, delivered in their own unique style.

Most video-format influencers started in VR the way we all did, positioning sensors, dealing with tracking issues or trying not to trip over wires; but as VR tech has progressed and advanced, so have they. These days’ creators are producing their content with standalone headsets, such as the recently launched Oculus Quest 2, or utilising green screen mixed reality approaches to enable their viewers to feel more immersed in the worlds they are exploring.

These modern day methods of content creation show the accessibility and wonder that VR has to offer, exposing their audiences to new tech and helping break the industry into the mainstream.

Alex of “Alex makes VR” set out her stall in a different part of the industry, using her skills and experience to offer tangible guidance to start-ups and entrepreneurs, bringing new blood into the eco-system and as a result helping to fuel innovation.

XR influencers have had a huge role in the growth of the industry, but what can the industry do to help them on their mission to bring XR to the masses? And what innovative features can developers provide influencers to help them grab the attention of their viewers? It would appear that no one is currently doing more to support than Oculus, who has been providing early access to hardware and experiences, but what can smaller development teams do to help?

Speaking with Cas of “Cas and Chary” there are ways for smaller organisations to provide support. Cas explained during a recent interview the pitfalls and challenges of capturing VR content, the most significant of which being the need for the creator to keep their head still as much as possible, to ensure the content being recorded is clear for their audience. However, if developers made a conscious effort to keep creators in mind whilst developing, these pitfalls could be a thing of the past.

Recently, here at Blackwall Labs, we have undergone early development on a new title Dead Quiet. Realising the importance and symbiotic relationship between developers and influencers, we wanted to build a suite of features to not only help influencers capture footage but also give them new ways of interacting with their audience.

In Dead Quiet (coming 2021) we have implemented camera stabilisation techniques to give creators more freedom when recording content. Alongside tools to make their lives easier, we also wanted to give their viewers new ways of interacting with the videogame, even if they don’t own a VR set up themselves. In Dead Quiet viewers and spectators will have access to information that the player doesn’t, allowing them to help or sabotage, adding a new level of engagement and audience participation.

With VR getting closer to the fabled goal of “The Oasis” with each passing year, I’m excited to see what innovations will be utilised by XR influencers in 2021.

July 17, 2020

Competitive 6-Player Rhythm Game ‘Rhythmatic’ Coming to VR Arcades in July

The location-based entertainment (LBE) industry was doing really well when it came to virtual reality (VR) adoption but that came to a crashing halt a few months ago. Slowly, the sector is beginning to readjust and get back on its feet with developers releasing new content. Blackwall Labs (NYC Bungee) has just announced its latest, a competitive rhythm-action title called Rhythmatic set to launch at the end of the month.

Unlike similar titles such as Beat Saber which purely focus on a single-player experience, Rhythmatic is all about bringing friends together and testing their skills to see who’s the best – a surefire way to enhance the replay factor which arcades need.

Light swords in hand, up to six players can compete against one another, slashing blocks in time with the music to stay in the game. To further increase the adrenaline and excitement Rhythmatic also features powerups and power-downs to use against other players, adding that element of uncertainty if they think they’re about to succeed.

Of course, no rhythm-action videogame would be complete without some thumping tunes to get players moving. The team utilised the experience of London, UK-based music venue Studio 338 to enlist artist including DJ Steve Lawler (Space Ibiza, VIVa Warriors), chart-topper Lee Walker as well as heavy metal acts to add a nice variety to the setlist.

In the future, Blackwall Labs plans to add further content including custom environments from well-known international DJs alongside more music to widen the genre pool further. Rhythmatic may have been made for LBE VR locations but it won’t stay that way. The studio has said it’ll be exclusive to venues for six months with a home version to follow.

Rhythmatic is scheduled to arrive in VR Arcades from 29th July as a beta release through distribution platforms like SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR, free to operators for the first month. Those that are interested can apply here to get first access.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of the LBE VR sector as efforts to bounce back are increased. And as Blackwall Labs further develops and polishes Rhythmatic, VRFocus will keep you updated.

April 24, 2020

View New York and the Statue of Liberty Like Never Before with NYC Bungee Next Week

New York City has some incredible landmarks such as Times Square or the Empire State Building, but due to the current coronavirus pandemic, nobody will be able to visit them for a while. One iconic structure is the Statue of Liberty and soon British developer Blackwall Labs will allow you to bungee right off the top in NYC Bungee.

NYC Bungee

Initially designed as a virtual reality (VR) experience for location-based entertainment (LBE) venues, NYC Bungee will be Blackwall Labs’ first widely available title for consumers to enjoy at home. A videogame which combines both exhilarating and relaxing moments, the core of NYC Bungee allows you to take the elevator right to the famous torch of the Statue of Liberty, soak up the scenery and then finally jump off for a unique daredevil challenge.

If you’re looking for something a little more energetic then you can always climb the statue as fast as possible. Or why not enjoy a scenic ride in a hot air balloon high above the Hudson River, even enjoying the New York City skyline at night.

Supporting HTC Vive, Valve Index and Oculus Rift, NYC Bungee is scheduled to launch on 1st May via Steam with Blackwall Labs collaborating with monetization solution Admix to help support New York-based charities making ventilators and PPE equipment for front line medical staff.

NYC Bungee

The two companies will donate opening weekend profits from the sale of the videogame as well as advertising revenue, the ads appearing on a blimp flying overhead. “Our game is set in this beautiful city and having spent the past year replicating it for NYC Bungee, we feel it is our duty to try to give something back as they face a tough time with COVID 19,“ said Sam Perrin, Blackwall Labs co-founder in a statement.

“We’re proud to partner with Blackwall to help monetize their VR titles and even prouder to donate the revenue to help people affected by the crisis,” adds Admix CEO Sam Huber.

NYC Bungee isn’t the only VR title Blackwall Labs is working on with two more planned for 2020. As further details of these projects arise VRFocus will let you know.

Disclosure: Admix is the parent company of VRFocus. VRFocus retains its editorial independence.

April 7, 2019

The VR Job Hub: Blackwall Labs, Alchemy VR, Pebble Studios & KageNova

The British government might not know its arse from its elbow but thankfully that doesn’t include the rest of us, especially in the virtual reality (VR) industry. The UK has a thriving VR and augmented reality (AR) scene and if you want to be a part of it then maybe these following jobs may help.

Location	Company	Role	Link
London, UK	Alchemy VR	Lead Developer	Click Here to Apply
London, UK	Blackwall Labs	Marketing Manager	Click Here to Apply
London, UK	Blackwall Labs	Business Development Executive – Virtual Reality and Consulting	Click Here to Apply
London, UK	Pebble Studios	Senior Account Manager / Junior Account Director	Click Here to Apply
London, UK	Pebble Studios	Senior Moving Image Designer	Click Here to Apply
Guildford, UK	KageNova	Back-End Web-Development Freelancer	Click Here to Apply
Guildford, UK	KageNova	Data Science Internship	Click Here to Apply
Guildford, UK	KageNova	Business Development and Marketing Internship	Click Here to Apply
Guildford, UK	KageNova	Unity Internship	Click Here to Apply

Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hub to check as well.

If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).

We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.

April 5, 2019

EGX Rezzed 2019: Great for Gamers, Just not VR Fans

The Tobacco Dock in London, UK is an unusual place to have a big show like EGX Rezzed. The videogame event – which is primarily geared towards PC gaming – has been held there for a number of years, providing a much more intimate feel than its bigger brother EGX (normally held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham). The small rooms allow studios to create a shop front feel to their displays, for a very British style of gaming event. There was just one problem when it came to VRFocus attending, the notable lack of virtual reality (VR).

That’s not to say there wasn’t any but it was a shame to wander around and really have to search for any hint of a VR experience when the UK has some of the best developers in the world creating awesome content. A good example was the fact that PlayStation was there in all its blue glory but not a PlayStation VR was in sight. On demonstration was Media Molecule’s Dreams – which will get VR support – but April’s Early Access release doesn’t include it.

The ever-popular Coatsink Software – purveyors of fine VR titles like Augmented Empire, Esper, Esper 2, A Night Sky and They Suspect Nothing – was also there but alas no VR, not even a hint of newly revealed Shadow Point.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom as VRFocus not only found some VR, it’s also worth trying out if you have the chance. The centrepiece was most certainly at the Porsche stand with racing simulator specialist Vesaro displaying one of its Commercial VR simulators with full pneumatics and Oculus Rift headset – which has a retail price starting from £20,000 GBP – where players could race on Project CARS Pro title Porsche 911 VR-Racing Experience built specifically for the car manufacturer by Slightly Mad Studios.

Vesaro Racing Sim

Continuing with that sense of adrenaline is London-based studio Blackwall Labs which was demoing its recently announced title NYC Bungee. Using an HTC Vive the core of the experience is being able to bungee jump off the statue of liberty – something you couldn’t do in real life. Other parts to the title include being able to climb the statue, take a zip wire from the top of the statue, or for something a little more tranquil there’s a balloon ride to the top.

Primarily designed for VR arcades, NYC Bungee will eventually come to Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Windows Mixed Reality home users as well.

Next to Blackwall Labs was Spillage Games with its title A Dragon’s Tale, where player’s are the dragon, having to hold the HTC Vive controllers out like wings to flap them to gain height. Once aloft you could then soar around the landscape, learning how to breathe fire and deal with monsters.

The last on the list was located in the Unreal Engine area, with indie developer Ben Lunato demoing his videogame A Ton of Feathers. It’s about chasing down a serial killer through a series of novellas that he’s anonymously published online whilst trying to discover his identity.

Tomorrow is the last day of EGX Rezzed 2019 with some tickets still available. For the latest events featuring VR, keep reading VRFocus.