HOLOGATE, a global leader in turnkey compact multiplayer VR systems, and Sony Pictures Virtual Reality (SPVR) have announced their new Ghostbusters VR Academy Location-Based Experience, in association with Ghost Corps.
The fully immersive training simulator is set in the world of Ghostbusters and will become available to more than 400 HOLOGATE locations by the end of the year.
Bringing pop culture to life
Ghostbusters Day celebrates the anniversary of the original cult film which was released on 8 June 1984. Written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, Ghostbusters earned widespread critical acclaim, achieving almost $300 million at the international box office.
Jake Zim, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s senior vice president for virtual reality says: “Sony Pictures Virtual Reality is all about making wishes come true.
“Ghostbusters VR Academy, the new location-based VR training experience, will continue to expand the world of Ghostbusters in a way that honours the legacy of the franchise and offers something entirely new.”
“For the first time ever, players will be able to train to be a real Ghostbuster in an amazing academy setting and race a new flying version of the ECTO using HOLOGATE’s vehicle motion simulator. This fantasy fulfilling experience is only possible in virtual reality and with HOLOGATE’s location-based entertainment technology.”
Immersive experience
Ghostbusters VR Academy features two main activities; in the ARENA game, gamers will strap on their proton packs to become academy members in training. Players will have to work together to combat high-risk ghost encounters, thankfully within the safety of academy grounds.
With the BLITZ game, trainees can take the wheel of a new version of the classic ECTO car, competing to be the fastest and most skilful driver in a fast pace race. Guests will put the prototype vehicle to the test in an immersive simulation unique to HOLOGATE, whose VR technology is found in more than 400 international locations.
The original film has since become a pop culture icon, followed by Ghostbusters II (1989), Ghostbusters: Answer The Call! (2016), and most recently, Ghostbusters: Afterlife last year, which earned $204 million globally during the pandemic. The continued success has resulted in the announcement of a further fifth film.
HOLOGATE founder and CEO Leif Petersen says: “Sony Pictures VR is doing incredible things for virtual reality, and we are thrilled to collaborate for this new experience. Ghostbusters VR Academy is a natural fit for HOLOGATE’s ARENA and BLITZ platforms. It transcends reality so players can create memorable moments while fulfilling longtime wishes to operate iconic Ghostbusters equipment. We cannot wait for players to step inside this world.”
Last year, HOLOGATE announced it surpassed its 10 millionth player milestone. The technology firm’s ARENA VR system was identified as a major factor in its success.
