Universal and The Virtual Reality Company Announced “Jurassic World VR Expedition”
Universal and The Virtual Reality Company (VRC) today announced Jurassic World VR Expedition, an interactive cinematic virtual reality (VR) game that transports players to the visually stunning jungles of Isla Nublar, where fans will engage in an epic rescue adventure inspired by the Jurassic World film series. Jurassic World VR Expedition makes its debut on June 14 at more than 100 Dave & Buster’s entertainment centers, making it the biggest location-based VR launch to date. The VR game launches ahead of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, which arrives in theaters on June 22, 2018.
The VRC development team includes several Academy Award®-winning and -nominated animators, visual effects artists, and technicians. Written and directed by James Lima, a multi-Emmy Award-nominated visual effects artist, and executive produced by VRC co-founders Robert Stromberg, a two-time Academy Award winner®, and entertainment executive Guy Primus, Jurassic World VR Expedition boasts an all-new approach to VR.
Up to four people at a time can put on an HTC VIVE™ headset and enter the Dave & Buster’s state-of-the-art VR motion simulator, where they will be transported into what remains of Jurassic World for a five-minute suspenseful, awe-inspiring expedition. There, they will rescue dinosaurs that were freely roaming Isla Nublar at the end of the last chapter of Jurassic World.
“Jurassic World VR Expedition is the ultimate wish fulfilled,” said Jurassic World VR Expedition Director James Lima. “We wanted to take people to Isla Nublar and visit Jurassic World, and here is where the power of VR presents its potential as a medium that is an extension of the film.”
“What we have done for this project is groundbreaking,” added The Virtual Reality Company Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Robert Stromberg. “It represents a remarkable departure from the traditional approach to combining VFX and gameplay in VR. To achieve the level of cinematic visual integrity we would like to see in VR, we integrated a variety of filmmaking techniques to help complement established entertainment software approaches.”
Jurassic World VR Expedition is the latest in a strategic expansion by Universal into gaming. Last year, Universal announced a significant build-up of its games team, as well as a more active approach and investment into game development. Jurassic World VR Expedition is the first VR production being released that is part of a bold portfolio of games rolling out in 2018 and beyond.
“For many, this will be their wondrous introduction to VR, and Jurassic World VR Expedition will transport fans in a more immersive way than they could imagine. Players will experience the dinosaurs—both the majestic and terrifying—first person,” said Chris Heatherly, Executive Vice President of Games and Digital Platforms, Universal Brand Development. “We are thrilled with the breathtaking visuals and cinematic experience that VRC has delivered, as well as by Dave & Buster’s bold step to make this experience available to such a broad audience.”
“The exclusive launch of Jurassic World VR Expedition at all Dave & Buster’s locations represents an incredible milestone for us as we aim to be at the forefront of location-based entertainment VR,” said Kevin Bachus, Senior Vice President, Entertainment & Games Strategy, Dave & Buster’s. “Our innovative, top-of-the-line simulators will provide fans with next-level immersion, putting them into Jurassic World for a breathtaking journey alongside the biggest creatures this world has ever known.”
To try Jurassic World VR Expedition, players can find a Dave & Buster’s location in their area or through Vive’s Demo Locator. The game will be rolling out soon to additional location-based VR venues worldwide.
About The Virtual Reality Company
The Virtual Reality Company (VRC) is a content studio and production company that combines the best in narrative storytelling, technology, art and gaming to create compelling and immersive VR experiences for people around the world. Founded in 2014 by a team that included Chief Creative Officer Robert Stromberg, and CEO Guy Primus, VRC began with a team of award winning storytellers with a passion for innovation and a desire to explore and create a new way to share experiences and tell stories. A two-time Oscar winner, Stromberg is recognized for designing many of the most iconic and artistic environments in recent cinema. With the emergence of VR, Stromberg has a new platform to create imaginative, emotional and immersive worlds that transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling, such as the critically acclaimed and award winning “The Martian VR Experience,” directed by Stromberg and produced by VRC for 20th Century Fox Innovation Lab and “Raising a Rukus”, winner of the 2018 Lumiere Award for Best Animated Location Based VR experience. For additional information, visit www.thevrcompany.com.
About Universal Games and Digital Platforms
Universal’s Games and Digital Platforms group leverages the vast portfolio of IP and characters from NBCUniversal. The Games and Digital Platforms group is a business unit of Universal Brand Development (www.universalbranddevelopment.com), which is chartered with globally expanding the company’s intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, content, and consumer experiences. The company’s extensive portfolio includes properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, and NBCUniversal cable and television. Universal Brand Development (www.universalbranddevelopment.com) is a business segment of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, and part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
About Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, TX, operates 114 high-volume restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout North America. The exciting environment of Dave & Buster’s also provides the perfect setting for corporate and group events. Each Dave & Buster’s offers an impressive selection of high-quality food and beverage items, combined with the latest games and attractions. Guests can watch sporting events in D&B Sports and play state-of-the-art simulators and games of skill they can’t play anywhere else. For more information visit www.daveandbusters.com.
About HTC VIVE
HTC VIVE is the creator of the unprecedented PC-based virtual reality system, the VIVE, which was built and optimized for room-scale VR and true-to-life interactions. The VIVE ecosystem has evolved around its premium VR product portfolio, supported by VIVE X, the most active global VR/AR accelerator that has invested in over 80 start-ups, Viveport, a global content platform with the world’s first VR subscription model that operates in more than 60 countries, and VIVE Studios, VIVE’s VR content development and publishing initiative. VIVE is delivering on the promise of VR with game-changing technology and best-in-class content, bringing VR to consumers, developers and enterprises alike. For more information on VIVE, please visit www.VIVE.com.
