My Star Wars Virtual Reality Experience - Only the Beginning for VR & Crypto

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

I thought VR would be a fad, now I’m sold on its future

I’m not a stranger to virtual reality. While I never had a Virtual Boy as a kid, I had the opportunity to try both the Oculus Rift & Samsung Gear headsets in a seated position at the 2015 Biohacker Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Furthermore, earlier this year, I tried a roller-coaster VR experience at the Galleria mall here in Houston, which involved me strapped to a chair that moved in sync with the program.

All three experiences were impressive, but none were like Secrets of the Empire: a Star Wars VR installation in Las Vegas.

Cassian Andor briefs you on your mission.

Get Ready for Westworld in 15 years

A company called, The Void partnered with Lucasfilm to create a truly incredible experience. Instead of a video game you would play while sitting down, The Void created a game that takes place in a warehouse; a multi-room expansive set which you can traverse through. A virtual world is then created based on the existing layout. In other words, if you see a stylistic bench to sit down on, aboard an Imperial Cruiser, it actually exists in reality for you to have a seat. If you see a lever which can be pulled to open a door, one exists for you to pull in reality.

I was not aware VR had commercially advanced beyond the point of a stationary experience. The ability to walk around a large environment, see other people (as their avatars, in this case Stormtroopers) in the game to avoid bumping heads, and interact with the environment like I’m playing an Elder Scrolls game, is incredible.

The Experience

You begin as Rebels, with two or three other companions, in a room aboard a spacecraft. Disguised as Stormtroopers, you look at your hands and marvel how you can see each individual finger move in your armored gloves. The door to the armory opens, you reach for your blaster, and you’re ready to complete your mission.

As you walk out on a platform above the lava planet of Mustafar, you can feel the heat below you. 

Suddenly, the imperials recognize your presence and you’re swept into a blaster fight. Holding a physical blaster, the process of aiming and shooting is nearly flawless - and - when you get shot, you can feel a tingling/burning sensation on your body, thanks to the haptic feedback suit.

The story you experience is considered canon by Disney (it takes place sometime before the Rogue One film) and does contain spoilers that impact the Star Wars universe. The cost is about $30 for about 20 minutes and, in my opinion, is well worth it.

I loved it so much, I bought a t-shirt for the memories!

What about Crypto?

I’ve seen some blockchain-based VR companies and am curious to see what role they will play in this technology’s future. I’ll be doing some research on my end, however, if any of you know of some good options, please share them in the comments below! This is an industry I want to invest in.