Category: ImmotionVR

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LBE VR Specialist Immotion Signs $500,000 Contract With iP2Entertainment

UK-based Immotion Group is a specialist in location-based entertainment (LBE), installing aquatic virtual reality (VR) experiences in two North American aquariums recently, as well as having several VR locations around the UK. Today, the company has announced a new $500,000 USD contract with iP2Entertainment to produce three exclusive VR experiences.

ImmotionVR Underwater

iP2Entertainment is a global family entertainment specialist based in Amsterdam. Details such as themes or what the VR experiences will feature content wise haven’t been revealed, but Immotion Group is scheduled to complete all the work by November 2019. iP2Entertainment centres’ visitors will then be able to view the content later this year and into 2020. 

“iP2Entertainment are well recognised as being one of the leading players in the ‘out of home’ immersive entertainment space. Having the opportunity to work with them in the creation of some cutting-edge VR experiences will not only deliver valuable revenue for the studio but also help us further develop and showcase our skill set in this exciting market, whilst providing access to some exciting new content,” said Martin Higginson, Group CEO, Immotion Group, in a statement.

Immotion Group’s most recent work was 360-degree video Swimming with Humpbacks, the first instalment in Immotion’s Blue Ocean Aquarium series. Captured by cinematographer Jeff Hester, the film provides a rare glimpse and insight into the giant Humpback whale as they migrate from Antartica to the Kingdom of Tonga during mating season.

Swimming with Humpbacks

iP2Entertainment, having previously worked with National Geographic and DreamWorks, aims to immerse families in the worlds of the brands and characters they already know, with experiences that are both fun and educational.

“We are very pleased to have Ian and his team on board for the creation of several immersive media experiences for our family entertainment centres. Immotion is recognised as one of the best in the world in the creation of top-quality immersive media content productions,” adds Roger Houben, co-founder and CEO of iP2. “We look very much forward to working with them on this prestigious project. Hopefully the start of a long and mutually beneficial relationship.” 

As further details on the three VR experiences are revealed, VRFocus will let you know.

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Immotion to Install Aquatic VR Experiences at two US Aquariums

Last month, UK-based virtual reality (VR) company Immotion Group – which specialises in location-based entertainment (LBE) – announced a new experience called Swimming with Humpbacks. This caught the attention of several zoo’s and aquariums, prompting two North American aquariums to order installations from Immotion. 

Swimming with Humpbacks

The company will install a range of VR cinematic motion pods at Odysea Aquarium, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and The Maritime Aquarium, in Norwalk, Connecticut – two major aquariums which have a total footfall exceeding 1.5 million customers per year. This continues Immotion Group’s success which recently saw the company win a contract with Merlin Entertainments Plc. to add its VR platform to Lego Discovery Centre, Legoland, and SeaLife locations.

“We are thrilled to have signed up three major aquariums so quickly after the release of our “Swimming with Humpbacks” VR movie. Demand for immersive ”Edutainment’ is growing, and interest from the zoo and aquarium industry is at an all-time high,” said Rod Findley, Group Commercial Director, Immotion Group in a statement. “Immotion Group can deliver something new and unique to their customers, while also providing valuable ancillary revenue. Working in partnership with larger venues we are able to install a tailored solution at no cost to the venue, rather providing on-going revenue share agreement, creating solid annuity revenues for both parties.”

Due to the interest generated, Immotion Group is developing more content for this new audience as part of its Blue Ocean series of underwater VR experiences, which Swimming with Humpbacks is the first instalment.

Swimming with Humpbacks

A 360-degree video, Swimming with Humpbacks provides a rare glimpse and insight into one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures, the giant Humpback whale. Cinematographer Jeff Hester was brought in to film the whales as they migrated from Antartica to the Kingdom of Tonga during mating season.

“We are thrilled to be able to film in VR some of the most amazing ocean creatures. It was a pleasure to film the Humpbacks,” Ken Musen, Director of Immersive Live Action at Immotion Group adds. “What the team has managed to capture is truly amazing. In the next month, we will set off to film sharks, which for way too long have been vilified. This new film will allow our customers to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.”

As Immotion Group continues to add more locations, VRFocus will ket you know.

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Swimming with Humpbacks is Immotion’s Latest VR Experience

Location-based virtual reality (VR) specialist Immotion Group has brought its technology to a number of locations across the UK, including Birmingham’s Star City and Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier. This week, the company has announced a new VR experience coming to its centre’s, Swimming with Humpbacks.

Swimming with Humpbacks

An immersive live-action title, Swimming with Humpbacks provides a rare glimpse and insight into one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures, the giant Humpback whale. The first instalment in Immotion’s Blue Ocean Aquarium series,  cinematographer Jeff Hester was brought in to film the whales as they migrated from Antartica to the Kingdom of Tonga during mating season.

“At Immotion, we are always looking to push the boundaries of VR. What we’ve managed to capture is truly breath-taking. The film provides an incredible insight into these elusive creatures,” said Martin Higginson, CEO of Immotion Group in a statement. “The experience makes full use of the visual, sound and motion capabilities of our VR Cinematic motion pods to deliver our customers something ground-breaking and memorable.  We are excited about future instalments of our Blue Ocean Aquarium series, and demonstrating the power of VR to engage and thrill audiences.”

Swimming with Humpbacks

“This is a truly remarkable achievement to get so near to such a magnificent and endangered species. One of the great challenges was that our cinematographer, Jeff Hester, couldn’t scuba dive around the whales as the bubbles it generated would have disturbed them,” adds Ian Liddell, Immotion’s Group Creative Director. “He had to hold his breath for up to four minutes at a time while keeping up with the whales. Each whale can weigh 40 tonnes and move at speeds of 15mph.  “At certain points, our camera is just three inches away from the whales’ pectoral fins.  From seeing them show dominance by rolling over and flapping their fins, a mother bonding with her calf, to the young whales gaining their independence – we’ve captured it all.”

Exclusively available on Immotion’s VR Cinematic motion pods across the UK, in the near future Swimming with Humpbacks will be available to the public at home through PlayStation VR, as well as iOS and Android. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

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The VR Job Hub: Varjo, ILMxLAB, ImmotionVR

Welcome to another Sunday afternoon VR Job Hub (if you’re in the UK at least). Today, VRFocus has a veritable selection of awesome jobs from around the world, whether you live in Europe or the US. So if you’ve been looking for a change of pace in your career then have a gander at the positions below.

Location Company Role Link
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Senior Unreal Engine Developer, Computing Platform Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Tooling and Automation Engineer, Gaze Tracking Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Mixed Reality, Software Lead Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Software Engineer, Mixed Reality System Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Unity Developer Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Video Processing Algorithm Engineer Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Principal Optical Engineer Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Marketing Analytics Lead Click Here to Apply
Helsinki, Finland Varjo Test Automation Engineer, Virtual Reality Click Here to Apply
San Francisco, CA ILMxLAB Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
San Francisco, CA ILMxLAB Technical Artist – Shaders/Look Development Click Here to Apply
San Francisco, CA ILMxLAB Experience Designer Click Here to Apply
San Francisco, CA ILMxLAB Production Manager Click Here to Apply
Manchester, UK ImmotionVR 3D Generalist Click Here to Apply
Manchester, UK ImmotionVR Project Engineer 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.

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ImmotionVR’s Cabot Circus Branch now Features Mid-air Haptic Feedback on AFFECTED: The Visit

Having open two new locations in the UK back in December 2018, location-based entertainment (LBE) specialist in virtual reality (VR) ImmotionVR has announced an upgrade to its Cabot Circus experience centre in Bristol, UK.

Affected: The Visit flyer

Working with Ultrahaptics and Fallen Planet Studios, the ImmotionVR location has seen the installation of AFFECTED: The Visit with mid-air haptic feedback technology. Harnessing Ultrahaptics ultrasound system, guests will be able to enjoy a specially adapted version of Fallen Planet Studio’s horror experience AFFECTED: The Manor.

For those that have the nerve, customers will be able to enter a virtual haunted house and experience a number of surprising events that have been augmented with mid-air haptic sensations. Previously shown at trade shows in the US such as the IAAPA Attractions Expo and CES, this will be the first time that the UK public will be able to experience it first hand.

Tom Carter, CTO and Co-Founder of Ultrahaptics spoke of the partnership: “Audiences have really loved AFFECTED: The Visit, but we have only been able to share it with the US so far. This collaboration provides an opportunity to showcase UK companies and what they have to offer the growing virtual reality market. We can’t wait to share it with our home audience.”

Affected - The Manor

“We are delighted to be collaborating with Ultrahaptics and ImmotionVR on this exciting new installation,” said Alex Moretti, CEO of Fallen Planet Studios. “Immersion is key to the VR experiences that Fallen Planet Studios creates, by implementing Ultrahaptics’ mid-air technology we are able to deepen that level of immersion to new levels, without saddling the user with additional hardware for them to navigate. This combines to create a compelling out-of-home experience that really has to be felt to be believed. To be unveiling this installation in partnership with the ImmotionVR brand, is a testament to the quality of their arcades and highlights the UK’s fast-growing interest in location-based VR.”

The normal AFFECTED: The Manor can be found at all of ImmotionVR’s UK locations, with AFFECTED: The Visit only available at the Bristol location. To find out further details including opening times and how to book a slot, head on over to the official ImmotionVR website. For the latest updates from ImmotionVR, keep reading VRFocus.

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ImmotionVR Announces Two New UK VR Centres

Location-based virtual reality (VR) entertainment is one of the best ways to experience the technology without having to shell out the higher cost of a full setup. If you happen to live in the UK, one of the most prolific companies offering immersive entertainment to the public is ImmotionVR, which has just announced two new locations.

The first is already open in Birmingham’s Star City, open seven days a week, Monday to Thursday 14:00 – 22:00, Fridays 14:00 – 23:00 and weekends 12:00 – 23:00. Key titles on offer include Christmas experience Elf Power Inc, virtual ghost train JINXED, action-packed sci0fi adventure DeltaZero and underwater adventure Legend of Lusca to name a few.

“We’re excited to be opening in Birmingham,” said Arek Antoniak, Head of Retail Operations at ImmotionVR in a statement. “We’ll be offering families a unique type of experience, with cutting-edge VR that will be a great addition to the leisure park, creating new experiences where the possibilities are literally endless. From young to old, VR will take you to new worlds or provide a new twist on familiar tales. We’re expecting a busy first few weeks, so booking ahead of time is recommended.  With a host of different experiences, we can guarantee you and your family the most intense and immersive illusion.”

The second new location is Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier, with the popular seafront attraction unveiling ImmotionVR’s immersive attraction next week. The VR centre will feature six full motion experience pods for guests to jump into, with the same content available as in ImmotionVR’s other locations.

ImmotionVR - ElfPower

“We are always looking for new and exciting additions to the wide variety of attractions we already have here on the Pier, so that we have something to offer people of all ages,” commented Tim Moyle, General Manager of the Grand Pier. “We’re particularly excited about the VR experience centre, as it is a truly state-of-the-art experience, with options for thrill-seekers and younger guests alike.

“We can’t wait to see people’s reactions to the VR experience centre. Hopefully, guests will want to try out all six of the VR experiences on offer. We look forward to finding out which one they enjoyed the most.”

To find out more about the content available and to book an appointment so there’s no waiting around, simply head to the ImmotionVR website. For any further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

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ImmotionVR Deliver the Christmas Spirit With the Elf Power Inc Experience

Now that’s it’s Cyber Monday the weekend of retail promotions is all most at an end, so hopefully, many of you are well on the way to completing your Christmas present list. Much like the summer, parents will be looking for activities to entertain the kids once they break up from school, and ImmotionVR has just the virtual reality (VR) experience to suit, a festive adventure called Elf Power Inc.

ImmotionVR ElfPowerInc

Created by ImmotionVR’s in-house animations team in Manchester, UK, Elf Power Inc is a magical adventure where guests join Santa’s elves on their journey to deliver Christmas.

Designed for children eight and over who love their technology, ImmotionVR’s attractions can be found in ten locations across the UK. There’s the ImmotionVR Centre at Xscape Yorkshire, Castleford; the intu shopping centre in St Davids, Cardiff; Cabot Circus, Bristol; intu shopping centre, Derby; Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester; intu shopping centre in Newcastle; intu shopping centre in Uxbridge; Brunel shopping centre, Swindon; intu Metrocentre, Newcastle Metro and Star City, Birmingham.

Each has their own opening and closing hours so check the ImmotionVR website for times and the ability to book beforehand.

Elf Power Inc is available from today and then every day until after the festive season. Tickets cost £5 GBP per person, but you can include other VR rides and gameplay in a 30-minute experience for just £20 per person. These other experiences include Jinxed, a VR thriller, Delta Zero, a sci-fi space adventure, Survios’ first-person shooter (FPS) Raw Data, Space Pirate Trainer, Job Simulator, The Lab, Electronauts, Project Cars 2, Skyfront and many more.

As ImmotionVR continues to add more content and expand its locations across the UK, VRFocus will keep you updated.

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ImmotionVR Opens Fourth VR Centre in Cardiff, Three Further Sites Planned

If you happen to live in the UK and have yet to try virtual reality (VR) in either its home or location-based form then Immotion Group is going to make that much easier to do so. Last month the company opened its third ImmotionVR Centre at Xscape Yorkshire, Castleford, and today announced the fourth at an intu shopping centre in St Davids, Cardiff.

Immotion Group PLC has been working in partnership with intu, which owns and manages many of the UK’s shopping centres, to continue the rolling out its ImmotionVR brand. Customers heading to the ImmotionVR centres will find a broad range of experiences including Delta Zero which was launched in August. Further experiences are due to launch later this year, including seasonal themed experiences for both Halloween and Christmas.

“We are incredibly excited to be working with intu to expand our portfolio of ImmotionVR outlets across its impressive portfolio of some of the UK’s most popular shopping locations,” said Martin Higginson, CEO of Immotion Group, in a statement. “Riding on the success of our existing VR centres, this roll out will positively impact our revenues. We look forward to bringing more high quality VR experience centres to more consumers across the UK, many of whom are trying VR for the first time, in the coming months.”

Most of the ImmotionVR outlets will be centre aisle attractions although for intu St David’s this location has opened as a shop, allowing it to feature VR cinema pods and guns, and the latest Immotion racing car simulators.

Immotion At EAG 2018

“Virtual reality has such exciting potential within our portfolio of the some of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations where it could one day become as commonplace as stopping for a coffee with friends. intu centres are focused on creating these kinds of compelling experiences for our customers to enjoy and we’re excited to provide yet another new brand with a fantastic opportunity to flourish across the UK,” adds Roger Binks, Customer Experience Director at intu.

As for existing and new sites, the Group’s outlet in the Manchester Arndale will be relocated to a more prominent site within the premises. A further three ImmotionVR Centres will then open at intu Derby, intu Eldon Square, Newcastle and intu Uxbridge. For further expansion updates, keep reading VRFocus.