HTC VIVE, a leading virtual reality (VR) platform and ecosystem, is helping location-based VR (LBVR) developers and resellers to understand how various elements interlink to create a successful LBVR experience through its latest ebook.
To make the most of the HTC VIVE platform and maximize sales, operators, attraction designers and their contractors must be skilled in a variety of disciplines between them, including game design, hardware integration, operation, and maintenance.
HTC VIVE delivers lifelike VR experiences to businesses and consumers with its ecosystem which utilises premium VR equipment and content. For business customers, the VIVE business includes state-of-the-art XR hardware; software; Business Device Management System (DMS), Location Based Software Suite (LBSS), VIVE Business Streaming (VBS), and VIVE Business Training (VBT).
Asking key questions
In partnership with LBVR entrepreneur and author, Bob Cooney, HTC VIVE has compiled the most essential best practices to put LBVR creators on the best foot forward for making attractions that will resonate with operators and players alike.
LBVR expert Cooney says: “Is the manufacturer all-in on the VR market? Are they supporting our industry? That’s important not only to show support for their products, but to point value-added resellers, location-based entertainment creators, and operators in the right direction.”
By downloading the ebook, readers will learn:
- What to look for when selecting a hardware partner
- Tips when building the greatest LBVR experiences
- How to select an HMD
- How to envision the whole chain, from installation to operation and maintenance
- Key takeaways from VR thought leaders, value-added resellers, and entertainment operators
Expert advice
Whether operators are looking for a virtual roller coaster with a self-service hardware station or an action-packed free-form multiplayer shooter, HTC VIVE has shared three important factors to keep in mind while designing an LBVR attraction:
Find Reliable Hardware: Because many VR products have a consumer lifecycle of two or three years, seek a hardware partner who is committed to VR for the long term. They should provide easily repairable HMDs, as well as development and maintenance assistance.
Take full advantage of VR: Once upon a time, simply providing access to VR technology was sufficient to generate cash; however, as the general public has gotten more familiar with it, or has their VR equipment at home, this is no longer adequate. Bring in game designers to create experiences that players will want to return to, allow technology to boost the design, and offer a variety of experiences ranging from approachable games for newcomers to destination attractions that will excite diehard gamers.
Consider the entire chain: Remember that people other than gamers will engage with your product. Optimising how operators and owners install, maintain, and use your attraction helps ensure they get the most out of their investment while avoiding downtime.
Download now
Creative Works president and owner Armando Lanuti, who has also contributed to the guide, adds: “We are always looking at attractions through the lens of the customer experience – is this fun and approachable – but on the operations experience as well; What’s the uptime? How easy is it to maintain the equipment, start a game, to manage throughput? What is the staffing level to run the game? VR enthusiasts will often come up with a great concept and a great design, but it needs to be run by someone with operations experience.”
The guide also provides advice from VRSenal CEO Ben Davenport and Family Entertainment Group president & CEO George Smith.
The ebook can be downloaded for free online from the HTC VIVE website.
HTC VIVE was also a major thought leader at IAAPA Expo last month alongside Cooney, providing insight into the past, present and future of VR experiences.
