Category: GREE Inc

Posted on

GREE VR Studio to Launch Virtual YouTube Channel Using IKinema Technology

Earlier this year real-time animation specialist IKinema announced the launch of its new motion capture solution Orion. Today, Japanese media broadcaster and games publisher Gree Inc. and its subsidiary Gree VR Studio have announced the implementation of Orion to launch a new virtual YouTube hosting channel.

IKinema Orion 1.0

One of the fastest growing trends in Japan currently is the use of live streamed animated characters which GREE Inc. is looking to take advantage of using IKinema’s Orion and LiveAction technology. This will enable virtual animated ‘idols’ to interact live with online subscribers via GREE’s channel.

“This happens to be an exciting time for IKinema, we’re delighted GREE, Inc. have deployed our real-time technology to forge new and dynamic territories for wider audience appeal and usability,” said IKinema CEO, Alexandre Pechev in a statement. “The VTuber trend is increasing at an astonishing rate, and we’re proud IKinema will expedite its development and growth. IKinema’s ongoing vision to democratise quality motion capture for the masses has been our core message and by partnering the cutting-edge Orion and LiveAction technologies, they have become central tools to shape and evolve the future development of the virtual human.”

Already being used by Tencent IEG NEXT Studio, NASA’s Hybrid Reality Lab and the The VOID in its Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire experience, IKinema’s technology can be used with hardware like the HTC Vive and its controllers to capture head and hand motion. With the addition of Vive Trackers the company is then able to capture hips and feet.

“Orion, together with LiveAction proved to be a solid foundation to build on our virtual YouTuber business,” said GREE VR Studio Manager, Masashi Watanabe. “It served as the key components to make our YouTuber vision come to life. It enabled us to realise time efficiencies as well. The staff from IKinema was also very helpful in supporting us to take advantage of their technology for the project.”

GREE Inc. has yet to reveal when it plans to go live with its new YouTube channel featuring live virtual avatars. When it does VRFocus will keep you updated.

Posted on

Fishing Star VR Comes to Google Daydream

Time to hang the ‘Gone Fishing’ sing on your door with the release of the virtual reality (VR) version of relaxing fishing title Fishing Star from GREE Inc.

Fishing Star was one of the early examples of a casual mobile videogame that introduced social elements, featuring on some of the earliest mobile gaming services. The original version is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and as part of the celebrations, publisher GREE is bringing the title into VR.

Fishing Star VR is, as you would expect, a VR fishing title that allows for up to six players to play together at once. Players need to cast their lines, wait for a fish to draw close, then raise the controller in order to reel it in. There are over 100 varieties of fish to catch, which can be viewed in the fish album or aquarium. The aquarium offers a relaxing spot where players can take a break and watch the fish swim.

Players can raise their rank through catching fish and competing in multiplayer fishing tournaments. A higher rank unlocks new fishing rods that allow rarer fish to be caught. Special baits to lure in rare fish are also available to be bought as in-app purchases.

Up to six players can compete at once to land the best catch, with multiplayer allowing players to compete against one another to obtain rare items, including special avatar skins. Avatars are customisable with the face, hairstyle, clothes and flag all being open to change, and the avatar will show an expression depending on how the fishing trip is progressing.

Fishing Star VR is out now for Google Daydream, usually priced at $8.65 (USD). A special launch offer is currently available to customers in North America, where the title will be available for free until 14th December, 2017.

A video trailer is available to view below.

VRFocus will bring you further news on Fishing Star VR as it becomes available.