The Park Playground, a unique VR franchise, has launched NanoClash Focus – a groundbreaking VR experience.
For the first time, competing teams can battle at the same time, on two independent fields, in this fully mobile, free-roam game.
Inspired by esports, this strategic game allows players to join the game from different cities, thanks to 5G technology. This is the most recent latest location-based entertainment (LBE) VR game from the brand and builds on their experience in this market.
Visitors can play NanoClash Focus at all of The Park Playground’s global venues. To play, gamers use HTC VIVE 3 headsets which offer improved mobility. Teams are made up of 4 to 8 players, who are plunged into an immersive arena designed as a sports battle from the future – with the team positioned on hanging platforms.
The team needs to work together and attack strategically to move the opposing team’s platform higher, and their own lower, in order to win. Power-ups are available to help in the battle – and to challenge the team’s strategic gameplay.
Peter Vindevogel, The Park Playground’s CEO, says: “With two teams positioned on two independent free-roam fields and rewards given for teamwork and strategic thinking, NanoClash Focus is an exciting example of how we’re driving technological innovations in LBE VR alongside our partners.”
“NanoClash Focus bridges the previously untapped gap between LBVR and other gaming formats, showcasing the potential of esports in this space to create a more entertaining, interactive and inclusive experience for groups. We’ll be seeing this cross-pollination between LBE VR and elements more traditionally associated with gaming surfacing much more frequently in future.”
Adopting AI
The Park Playground used artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the first time in the design of this game. AI-assisted in their avatar development to create a more efficient workflow with a high-quality output. The success of this experiment has encouraged the company to continue exploring the possibilities of AI in both internal processes and user experience.
Gilles-Adrien Cenni, CTO of The Park Playground, says: “Our partners HTC and Triangle Factory were key in helping us bring NanoClash Focus to life as we set our ambition on breaking new ground in free roam LBE VR. Tapping into emerging technologies like AI is something LBE VR providers must consider doing to remain relevant and drive innovative VR experiences that keep people coming back for more.”
“Doing so requires a complex amount of data in the back end, especially when the game’s environment constantly changes to allow more strategic gameplay. It’s therefore essential to design VR experiences with the technology that powers them in mind, so each component performs seamlessly and can be built upon in the future without technical limitations.”
The Park Playground opened a new location in Australia in March 2023, at Arena 21’s Drone-Games venue in Brisbane. This is the company’s first venue outside of Europe.
