In March Oculus launched its Launch Pad initiative with the aim to support promising virtual reality (VR) content creators. Since then the programme has worked with over 100 developers, with them attending a one-day bootcamp at Facebook headquarters, receiving hands-on training, mentorship, and a free Samsung Gear VR. This week Oculus has announced the 11 winners of the Launch Pad 2016 scholarship contest.
The winning projects cover a wide range of ideas and will now receive funding to develop them into full VR experiences.
The winning VR experiences are:
- UnveiledVR – Shamir Allibhai. The app is a exploration of how to democratize VR short story creation, and how to share those experiences using smartphones.
- My: home – Hassan Karaouni. The project explores how aspiring 360 content developers can contribute to a meaningful platform from the comfort of their own homes and communities.
- SkyIslandsVR – Erica Layton. A narrative adventure game for Gear VR. Uncover the ecological mysteries of an ancient world, with the guidance of a helpful creature.
- Found + Project Dragonfly – Jewel Lim. Found is an interactive VR film exploring the intersection between storytelling and the use of game mechanics, and it’s currently available on Steam. While Project Dragonfly will continue exploring that same intersection with a stronger narrative.
- Shifting POV – Jeris JC Miller. A four-part VR/AR Mixed Reality film series following women and indigenous cultures.
- EyezVR – Mohammad Musa. The app includes several eye exams in VR that traditionally couldn’t be easily done at home.
- PHOBOS – Francisco A. Rojas, Ph.D. An exposure therapy application that psychologists can use to treat patients for a variety of fears and anxieties.
- The Wait– Lakshmi Sarah. Lakshmi tells stories through a series of small-scale journalistic projects in collaboration with Melissa Bosworth for Tiny World Productions.
- Starship Disco – Rico Stenson. A music-driven VR shooter that lets you import your own tunes, currently available on both Oculus Rift and Gear VR.
- Paradiddle – Emre Tanirgan. A VR drumming application that lets users explore their percussion skills.
- Reviva – Lisa Walkosz-Migliacio. Bailey is the older sister who looks after her mischievous younger brother, Chase, who has destroyed the world. Explore the ruins and bring them back to life with your magical camera that restores lost memories.
All the projects that aren’t already available will be shared over the coming months, and applications for the next Oculus Launch Pad will begin in March 2017.
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