Virtual Reality is Coming to 'Star Wars'
"Star Wars" fans have something else to be excited about. Apart from the slew of new books and the next episode of the epic science fiction franchise that is coming before the end of the year, it seems that fans can add to the list virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.
According to a report in Tech Times, Lucasfilm, Industrial Light and Magic and Skywalker Sound are coming together to work on bringing virtual reality experiences. Particularly, they are working together through a newly established division of Lucasfilm called the ILM Experience Lab or "ILMxLAB" for short.
The good news for "Star Wars" fans is that the first set of virtual reality and augmented reality experiences that ILMxLAB will be working on will focus on "Star Wars"-centric experiences, such as being able to have a conversation with R2-D2 or C-3PO, or riding a speeder bike or piloting an X-wing, or even watching the twin sunsets of Tatooine.
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The report says that the aim of the ILMxLAB is "to create immersive entertainment experiences" using existing technologies already developed by ILM for other purposes such as motion capture with real-time, high-definition graphics.
According to another report in The Verge, ILMxLAB will be ready to show off these "Star Wars" experiences during the same time as the release of "The Force Awakens" or maybe even earlier. The new division may also open its doors to other studios in Hollywood as well, especially those who are looking to develop their own VR experiences.
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy told USA Today, "ILMxLab is all about us leveraging our skills across all platforms. It's the Wild West out there with new frontiers, and we're all figuring out these new tools. Today, technology is in search of content. But we can bring an emotional experience to that technology."
A video posted on the official ILM YouTube account showed some of the possibilities of using VR technology.
In terms of where these experiences will be eventually offered to the public, the official press release lists theme parks (of which Disney has many) as well as "real-time cinema."
