kickstarter – Page 4 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

April 5, 2021

Gym Masters Brings Story-Driven Fitness to Kickstarter

There are various ways you can utilise virtual reality (VR) to help burn a few calories and stay healthy whilst indoors, from rhythm-action titles keeping you moving to the beat to those that offer subscription models. Indie studio ViFit is aiming to make a mark in the genre with its first title Gym Masters. Last week saw the team launch a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to help support development, already achieving over half of its goal.

Rather than purely being an energetic videogame, Gym Masters is a story-driven fitness experience where you step into a world full of fitness fanatics. This journey will see three gym masters put you to the test in a series of energetic mini-games, each focused on a body part – upper body, lower body or core. Completing these will earn objects and upgrades as you also have a dojo to maintain and customise however you wish.

“We aim to provide people who do not normally workout with a solution that will keep them healthy while having a blast. After months of planning and testing, Gym Masters is a story-based exercise game: you will arrive in your father’s hometown and you will have to continue his legacy. Mentored by local gym masters in order to increase your experience and level up until you reach the final battle, in which you will have to battle your father’s lifelong worst enemy,” explains CEO and co-founder Aritz Ó hAonghusa in a statement.

ViFit is looking to raise a minimum of €10,000 EUR to help complete Gym Masters‘ development. Hitting that amount will see the videogame launch for Oculus Quest in Q3 2021. The team has outlined a further four stretch goals if the campaign is successful, hitting €20k will see a fourth master and gym added whilst the €60k goal will see the inclusion of hand tracking. Should funding surpass €80k then PlayStation VR support will arrive and lastly, at €120k Gym Masters will get a multiplayer.

If you like the look of Gym Masters then for €10 you’ll be given access to a pre-release version of the VR title. But for €15 you’ll get access to the final version of the videogame which sounds like a better deal. Of course, there are plenty of other offers if you have the cash to spend. These include a Gym Masters exclusive gym towel to mop that sweaty brow for €30, a poster of you for your dojo as well as previous bonuses for €100 or for €4,000 put yourself in the game as an actual master!

With the Kickstarter already surpassing €5,000 ViFit’s crowd-funding campaign is off to a good start with just over three weeks to go. Another VR Kickstarter doing extremely well is the Tundra Tracker which is now over $900k after only looking for $250,000. For further updates on the latest VR crowd-funding projects, keep reading VRFocus.

March 31, 2021

Tundra Tracker Kickstarter Passes £500k

It’s always difficult to gauge how well a crowd-funded Kickstarter will do, especially where hardware is concerned. Tundra Labs launched its campaign two days ago for its Tundra Tracker, instantly proving there’s an appetite for SteamVR compatible tracking solutions by smashing past its funding goal in the first day.

The team set out to raise $250,000 USD during the course of the campaign, already achieving just over $750k (£546k) in the past couple of days. That’s quite the haul considering it’s just a wireless tracker and that the first funding tier for a Tundra Tracker and Dongle is $130. The Early Bird x3 Bundle has sold out but the standard Tundra Tracker x3 Bundle – which includes three trackers and one dongle – for $300 (£219) has been the most popular with 1,126 backers so far.

Tundra Tracker is all about offering a small, lightweight solution for virtual reality (VR) enthusiasts to track their entire body within a digital space. As your hands and head are already tracked thanks to the headset and controllers, the trackers are attached to your waist and feet to make an entire virtual skeleton. It’s the sort of framework which is ideal for titles like Rezzil Player 21, a platform based around real-world football drills.

Tundra Labs’ system is modular should developers need it. While adding those three body points provides a basic structure, using the right Tundra dongle users can add a maximum of seven trackers to one system for even more accuracy. One of the benefits of this solution is that only one dongle is required for all the trackers. Compare that to the more widely known Vive Tracker which needs one dongle for each tracker, that’s a lot of USB ports.

The SteamVR tracking space has really begun to hot up in 2021. Not only do you have the Tundra Tracker which is slated to officially begin shipping in September, British firm TG0 has just launched its eteeTracker which looks significantly different, there’s the Manus Pro Tracker at the top end of the market and let’s not forget the third-generation Vive Tracker HTC Vive recently announced. So there’s no shortage of options.

The Tundra Tracker Kickstarter concludes on 28th May so the campaign has plenty of time to up that funding tally even further. As that happens VRFocus will keep you updated.

March 30, 2021

Dungeon Full Dive Is Like VR D&D But You Can Control Your Characters

In Dungeon Full Dive you can roll dice and construct map layouts on a tabletop, then take over the body of your miniature on the battlefield in real-time. Here’s the first teaser trailer below:

Dungeon Full Dive

In the email we received the developer, TxK Gaming Studios, described Dungeon Full Dive as “the world’s most immersive VR D&D game” and you can certainly tell that’s the vibe that they’re going for here.

The two most exciting things I saw in the trailer are how you can teleport down into the body of your tabletop miniature, sort of like how you can possess the bodies of mortal heroes in Asgard’s Wrath, plus the ability to physically move around the props and alter the tabletop map in real-time. It seems like you won’t just be relegated to using pre-built layouts for maps and campaign stories, but will actually be able to physically alter and move around things like walls and buildings.

What remains to be seen is how robust the features are in terms of actually emulating the real D&D experience. I’ve been playing D&D off and on (mostly as a DM for new players) for years and there is a lot of complexity to account for. Will this simply give you the ability to look down at a map in VR, roll dice, and then pull up a window with your character sheet? If so, that was a thing five years ago in Altspace VR already. Admittedly, it also looks quite similar to Demeo from Resolution Games.

Time will tell just how innovative Dungeon Full Dive actually is, but they’ve got a solid teaser trailer showing the potential. You can visit the ‘Upcoming Project’ Kickstarter page here or visit the official website to get notified when they go live. We don’t know what their funding goal plans to be.

March 15, 2021

SteamVR Compatible Tundra Tracker to Launch Kickstarter on 29th March

For those that are interested in tracking multiple objects in virtual reality (VR), full-body motion tracking, for instance, 2021 is set to offer plenty of choices for the SteamVR system. HTC Vive has just launched its third-generation Vive Tracker or for a third-party alternative, there’s the upcoming Tundra Tracker which is going to launch a Kickstarter later this month.

The Tundra Tracker is designed to be a smaller, lighter solution to the Vive Tracker 2.0 which retails for £109.99 GBP – the new Vive Tracker 3.0 also boasts a small form factor but retails for £129.00. However, the biggest benefit the Tundra Tracker could have over its rival is connectivity. Vive Trackers all require a dongle, one for each unit which means you’d either need plenty of free USB ports on your PC or a USB hub.

Making that process a bit simpler, the Tundra Tracker only needs one dongle to do all the work, you just need to make sure you buy the right one for your needs. There will be three dongles available supporting 3,5 or 7 trackers all of which will be available in bundles. Starting from $94.99 USD for a single tracker, bundles will begin at $130 rising up to $630 for 7 trackers and one compatible dongle.

Tundra Trackers	Dongle	Price
1	N/A	$94.99
1	Super Wireless Dongle (max 3 devices)	$129.99
3	Super Wireless Dongle (max 3 devices)	$299.99
5	Super Wireless Dongle (max 5 devices)	$459.99
7	Super Wireless Dongle (max 7 devices)	$629.99
N/A	Super Wireless Dongle (max 3 devices)	$42.99
N/A	Super Wireless Dongle (max 5 devices)	$59.99
N/A	Super Wireless Dongle (max 7 devices)	$79.99

The Tundra Tracker Kickstarter is slated to launch on 29th March. The device will support SteamVR compatible headsets like HTC Vive, Vive Pro, Vive Pro Eye, Cosmos Elite, Valve Index and Varjo. To attach it to peripherals or your body the trackers will include an integrated strap loop baseplate as well as compatibility with screwthread 1/4-20 mounts. It’ll also support SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations.

Offering another alternative SteamVR tracking solution is the Manus Pro Tracker set to launch later this year. Mainly designed to work comfortably with its Manus Prime II gloves, the trackers do have a universal mounting system for wider compatibility but will retail for €299 EUR.

Once the Kickstarter concludes on 28th May, delivery to backers expected to begin over the summer – a tentative release date for early backers is 19th June. When the crowd-funding campaign launches VRFocus will bring you further updates on its progress.

March 2, 2021

Party/Sports Mashup Movin Force Launches Kickstarter

Love energetic virtual reality (VR) fitness videogames and want to support the latest projects? Keiron Interactive recently launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign looking to raise funds for a party/sports-inspired title called Movin Force.

The idea with Movin Force is that players compete in the Kore Tournament, an Olympic Games of sorts where various nations and their champions aim to complete every challenge to attain victory. Players will choose their nation, each one with their own particular strengths and weaknesses, with certain games mirroring these skills.

Movin Force is already well into its development with the team creating three game modes (Arcade, Campaign & Training), five mini-games and two armours. In addition to these, two nations have so far been developed Esperia and Neonia. The studio plans on expanding these to a total of four nations, 10 mini-games and more armour designs.

All the mini-games are designed to be physical and active, Boreas for example is about quick reflexes, hitting illuminated runes quickly. While Egidas is kind of like human pinball.

Currently in the pre-alpha stage, Keiron Interactive is looking to raise €10,000 EUR by the end of March, with €2k already achieved. Funding tiers start from €5 but that doesn’t get you the videogame, you’ll need to up that amount to €12 (a 40% discount on the final price) to nab a copy. The tiers do go up to €500 if you like exclusive statues and other goodies.

Hitting that €10k will help bring Movin Force to market, should its stretch goals be achieved – which are fairly modest – then new features will be added. The core videogame is single-player but if the campaign manages to raise €45k then a 4-person multiplayer will be unlocked. That’s the final stretch goal so by that point other features like a Survival Mode, and more mini-games will have been included.

Keiron Interactive expects to launch Movin Force for Oculus Quest first, arriving in Q3 2021. A Steam version is planned for Q4 this year followed by a PlayStation VR version in Q1 2022. As the Kickstarter continues VRFocus will bring you further updates.

January 5, 2021

Update to Cyberpunk Epic ‘Low-Fi’ Adds Traffic System, Casino & More

One of the most promising titles due to arrive in 2021 is Iris VR’s Low-Fi, a cyberpunk adventure for PC VR headsets. Today, the team released a new update for the early access videogame which adds various performance improvements as well as a casino, traffic system and other content.

The 27th update for Low-Fi and just over 2 months since the last one, dubbed ‘Big City Lights’ it includes an updated casino environment which now features working slot machines so you can gamble when your not policing the streets of city-block 303. Boxing and claw/crane games are also available plus there are arcade prizes for when you cash in tickets.

An ‘overworld traffic system’ has been introduced, with no further details. As a futuristic videogame with flying cars, you’ll need something to manage all of them, although how this will affect your own vehicle isn’t clear.

You’ll be able to customise your cruiser, pistol and utility glove with new skins, all off which are purchasable items. Then there’s a new evidence lockup system and the upgrade system has been improved. All essential stuff as the videogame readies for launch amid the furore over another cyberpunk (non-VR) title that shall remain nameless.

Full Low-Fi v0.027 Changelog:

– Performance enhancements
– Initial overworld traffic system
– Improved Upgrade system
– Evidence lockup system
– 6 new Cruiser Skins (purchasable) – 4 Pistol skins (purchasable) – 4 Utility glove skins (purchasable) – Improved Cruiser lights
– Working Slot machines in Casino
– Updated Casino environment
– Boxing Arcade game
– Claw/ crane arcade game.
– Arcade Prizes (for cashing in tickets)
– In game Photomode viewer + Access to files in documents/My Games/LOW-FI
– New Deluxe Apartment (purchasable later) – Apartment upgrade system (capsule apartment)

Brought to life thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019, Low-Fi is the spiritual successor to Iris VR’s Technolust. You play a cop patrolling crime-ridden streets and skies, able to choose between solving mysteries and fighting crime or exploiting it for your own desires.

Currently expected to officially launch late Q1 2021, Low-Fi will initially support Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. The studio also plans to support PlayStation VR, PlayStation 5 and non-VR platforms in the future. The early access version of Low-Fi is available on itch.io. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

January 4, 2021

Cybershoes for Quest Triples Kickstarter Goal With Over $98,000 Raised

The Kickstarter campaign for Cybershoes for Quest has now concluded after reaching over triple its original goal by raising $98,420.

Last month I wrote some quick impressions of my time with Cybershoes for Quest. During the Kickstarter campaign the creators sent out demo units to press and content creators to check out and I must admit it works better than expected. In terms of effectiveness and reliability for controlling movement in a game, yes, Cybershoes work well. I just wasn’t sold on the use cases versus actually moving around the room using a wireless, standalone headset like Quest 2 — unless it’s necessary for a disability or comfort reason.

But it seems like they’ve certainly found their audience. The Kickstarter goal was only listed at $30,000, but they hit that mark within 12 hours of the page going live. Now that the dust has settled, they’ve managed to gather up over $98,000 which is more than triple the original goal.

Backer tiers were separated by those that already have the PC version of Cybershoes as opposed to those that don’t have any gear at the moment. If you just want the Quest receiver to use your existing shoes, it was only $50. To get the full setup though, it costs at least $300 which includes the carpet pad, spinning chair, receiver, shoes, and everything else you need.

According to the timeline published on the Kickstarter page, delivery to backers is estimated for April 2021. Since the company has previously shipped their first iteration of Cybershoes and already sent units to press and content creators like myself, I’d expect this to be a realistic estimate since they’ve done this before. However, keep in mind that it’s not guaranteed.

Since the Kickstarter managed to surpass $90,000 a “Hidden” Stretch Goal was unlocked, but they haven’t revealed what that will be just yet.

Were you one of the 470 backers that brought Cybershoes for Quest to life? Let us know down in the comments below!

January 4, 2021

Cybershoes’ Kickstarter Ends, Hits Almost $100,000

Starting a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign over the festive period may not sound like a wise idea but Cybershoes is proof it can definitely work. Launched in November, the Cybershoes for Oculus Quest campaign ended last week, tripling its funding goal in the process.

During its six week campaign, Cybershoes managed to raise $98,420 USD from 470 backers, a not inconsiderable sum for a walking peripheral designed for use with the Oculus Quest standalone headset. Towards the end, Cybershoes released updates that confirmed Arizona Sunshine would be given away to those purchasing complete Cybershoes packs as well as revealing titles like Myst and Journey of the Gods are compatible.

Originally, the shipping was estimated to begin in April 2021 but the team have managed to bring this date forward – for North American customers at least – announcing that next week 400 Cybershoes will begin their journey, loaded into two shipping containers.

Having been available for a couple of years now for PC VR headsets, Cybershoes aims to fill the space between controller-based locomotion – which can be uncomfortable for some – and the larger, more expensive omni-directional treadmills. Keeping users seated, the Cybershoes attach directly over your own shoes, connect via Bluetooth and then essentially allow users to ‘walk’ in VR with no discomfort.

While the full Cybershoes for Oculus Quest kit will retail for $399, Kickstarter backers could save a minimum of $100 off that price. Those that already have Cybershoes for PC VR simply need the CyQuest receiver to make their shoes Quest compatible.

There has been a bit of bad news when it comes to legacy games and Oculus Touch. “We’ve encountered limitations that are holding us back from emulating the touch controller. It looked very promising since we’ve started this endeavor but as of December 23rd we’ve identified new problems. Unless we can register as openXR driver, ideally in cooperation with Oculus/Facebook it would only work by rooting the device and this has never been a pathway we wanted to follow,” notes the team.

Check out VRFocus‘ impressions of the Cybershoes for Oculus Quest and for further updates on the latest VR peripherals, keep reading VRFocus.

December 16, 2020

Cybershoes Kickstarter Double its Funding Goal With 2 Weeks to go

Almost a month ago Cybershoes launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for its latest model, one that’s compatible with the Oculus Quest platform. The campaign proved to be an instant hit and has now easily exceeded its original goal by double the amount.

Cybershoes aimed to secure $30,000 USD and achieved that without a problem, on the first day in fact. Now almost four weeks later the Kickstarter sits on just over $76,000 with two weeks still left to go. An impressive feat considering the festive period.

Whilst it’s unlikely to get anywhere near virtual reality (VR) locomotion competitor Kat Walk C which raised a staggering $1.6 million during the summer, Cybershoes has done what it needed to bring the product to market.

Just like the original PC version, the Oculus Quest edition is all about making immersive movement comfortable and natural whilst not taking up too much space. The difference with this model is the addition of the Bluetooth module – the CyQuest – which attaches to the front of the standalone headset. This not only enables the shoes to connect but also offers a speed slider to tweak how sensitive the shoes are.

Now depending on your past affiliation with Cybershoes there are a couple of options when it comes to the backers tiers. If you already own a pair of Cybershoes for your PC VR headset then head to the $49 reward which is just for the CyQuest receiver, this is all you need for Oculus Quest compatibility and its discounted for the campaign.

If you’re new to Cybershoes then you’ll need the full kit which comes with the Cyberchair and Cybercarpet. The Early Bird tiers started from $279 but these were limited so may no longer be available.

As for videogame compatibility Arizona Sunshine offers native integration with many more including The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners working with the shoes.

VRFocus went hands-on with the Cybershoes for Oculus Quest so you can read our impressions here. Come back here further updates.

October 30, 2020

Hybrid Tower Defence/FPS Cyberspace VR Launches Kickstarter

On occasion, certain videogame genres come in waves, not first-person shooters (FPS) as they’re always appearing but more niche examples like tower defence. Recently, this has been the case with hybrid FPS/tower defence examples like Automata Break and Captain Toonhead vs the Punks from Outer Space. The latest to enter this field is Cyberspace VR, with developer FUSE launching a Kickstarter to help fund the project.

Combining the two genres together, Cyberspace VR in its current form puts players in various arenas for each level, each one walled off in a particular shape for waves of enemies to progress through. A the start of each round you can then select from a variety of towers to defend a central core, from rapid fire emplacements to heavy ordinance. After placement atop the walls you can then go on the hunt with machine guns, shotguns and other futuristic weaponry.

This single-player arcade mode is just the start for Cyberspace VR, with FUSE also planning a multiplayer and a full story-driven campaign further down the line. To help achieve this the team is looking to raise MX$150,000 (approx $7000 USD/£5,000 GBP), a rather small sum which its says is: “to help us push through the last part of our development process and bring a minimum viable product to launch.”

That means the base funding tiers are relatively low, with the first giving backers early access as well as access to future expansions during 2021 retailing for MX$340 (£13). The Early Access build of Cyberspace VR – which supports HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Valve Index – will be available from November 2020. The story campaign is already under development expecting to release a teaser in January 2021.

FUSE has already outlined its Kickstarter stretch goals should the campaign do well, adding in Oculus Quest 2 support at $15,000, PlayStation VR support at $20,000 and at the top end a full open-world MMORPG expansion for $90,000.

So the team from Monterrey, Mexico has some big goals beyond just a simple tower defence videogame. Whilst this is the first original videogame from FUSE which usually specialises in branded VR content for enterprise clients, having previously created over 30 immersive projects.

The Cyberspace VR Kickstarter has now begun, for further updates on its progress over the next month, keep reading VRFocus.