If you're unfamiliar with the the Void, it's a location at Disney Springs behind Once Upon A Toy and next door to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Marketplace. I am not a high-tech person and I've actually never done any VR before experienced The Void at Disney Springs. I always thought VR was a little gimmicky and honestly didn't see the appeal of doing a VR version of (insert activity) rather than doing the real thing.

The Void is a franchise of mixed reality entertainment attractions. Co-founded by businessman Ken Bretschneider as a re-focusing of a plan to build an attraction in Pleasant Grove, Utah, and described by some as being a virtual reality 'theme park',^[1][2][3] these facilities feature virtual reality experiences leveraging a combination of head-mounted displays with motion tracking, haptic feedback and special effects systems to allow patrons to freely explore and interact with virtual settings within the confines of specially-designed environments.

The Void's first location was established in Pleasant Grove. In July 2016, The Void debuted a Ghostbusters-themed virtual reality attraction at Madame Tussaud's in New York City. The company subsequently began a partnership with the Disney Accelerator program, and has co-developed attractions based on Disney properties, such as Star Wars, Wreck-It Ralph, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

History[edit]

The Void was co-founded by CEO Ken Bretschneider, Curtis Hickman, a visual effects artist and former stage magician, and James M. Jensen, an entrepreneur and interactive media designer. Bretschneider had been developing a steampunk-themed theme park in Pleasant Grove, Utah known as Evermore Park. One of its planned attractions was a mixed reality experience that would combine virtual reality technology with a physical environment.^[3]

Command and conquer abandonware. However, due to a lack of funding and its estimated cost of nearly $400 million, Bretschneider announced in August 2015 that the Evermore project would be placed on hold, and that his team would focus on developing its mixed reality concept into a 'virtual entertainment center' known as The Void (an acronym of 'The Vision of Infinite Dimensions').^[4] Mayor of Pleasant Grove Mike Daniels explained that 'the size and scope of [Evermore] outgrew both the size of the land they had purchased and the amount of capital they needed to raise in addition to the millions of dollars Ken put up for the project.'^[2][3] Evermore Park did eventually open in September 2018.^[5]

In May 2016, The Void announced that it had partnered with Sony Pictures to co-develop a Ghostbusters-themed attraction, Ghostbusters: Dimension, which opened at Madame Tussauds in Times Square, New York City on July 1, 2016 as a tie-in to the new Ghostbusters film.^[6]

In July 2017, it was announced that The Void would be joining the Disney Accelerator program.^[7] Shortly after, The Void and Disney announced a new Star Wars attraction, Secrets of the Empire, for launch later in the year as a tie-in for the upcoming spin-off film Rogue One. It was being produced in a collaboration with ILMxLAB—an offshoot of Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic devoted to immersive entertainment.^[8][9]

With the same partners, The Void announced in 2018 that it would develop five more projects with Disney, including an attraction based on Ralph Breaks the Internet, and Avengers: Damage Control, based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.^[10][11] This attraction, originally slated for a limited release, has now been extended thru to the end of 2019.^[12]

Technology[edit]

The Void's mixed reality experiences utilize aspects of virtual reality, haptic feedback, and other physical effects; users wear a helmet with a head-mounted display, noise cancelling headphones and a hand tracking sensor, and a haptic suit containing 22 vibrators and a computer to power the headset. The system is designed to allow its users to freely walk through and explore a virtual world; in reality, the user is confined to a 'stage' equipped with ceiling-mounted motion tracking cameras to read the user's movements. To provide physical feedback, the 'stage' contains foam walls, special effects equipment such as fans, mist machines, and heat lamps, as well as props representing items such as guns and torches; all of these physical elements correspond with elements within the virtual world seen through the headset, increasing the illusion of immersion.^[1]

Hickman explained that The Void would leverage his prior knowledge of magic by using 'illusion design, misdirection and magic theory to create the illusion of reality, as opposed to just trying to rely only on the technology to do it.'^[1][2][4] Among the illusion-based techniques used are redirected walking, which is used to give the illusion that the user is traversing a larger path in a straight line, but is actually walking through a curved hall. Redirected walking, in combination with the ability to have the same physical hallways and walls represent different locations in the virtual space, provides the illusion that the user is traversing a location larger than the stage itself.^[1][4][13]

The original prototype of the system, which simulated the interior of a spaceship, utilized an Oculus RiftDevelopment Kit 1, a 10-foot long wall, and electromagnetic sensors for position tracking. Early iterations of The Void's vest system utilized an Oculus Rift Development Kit 2, Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, and a Leap Motion unit for hand tracking. To overcome their limitations and improve the experience, the company intended to eventually replace these off-the-shelf parts with custom-designed equipment.^[1]

One of these new components was a custom-designed headset codenamed 'Rapture', which features curved, per-eye 2K resolutionOLED displays with a claimed 180-degree field of vision, a custom optics system, Bang and Olufsen headphones, and microphones for communication between players. The company stated that Rapture was intended to provide a higher-quality virtual reality experience in comparison to the consumer-grade hardware previously used. Bretschneider personally invested $250,000 into the Rapture project.^[1][14] The Void's developers also planned to replace the optical tracking system with a radio-based system. The current system utilizes markers on the helmet and props that are similar to those used in a motion capture rig, which requires that the motion tracking cameras have an unobstructed view of the stage and restricts the height of the walls.^[1]

Multiple themed experiences can be designed for use on the same stage layout; experiences used at The Void's test location included one where players explore an ancient temple, and a first-person shooter-styled mission known as 'Research Facility'. Outside organizations showed interest in having education-oriented experiences developed for The Void, including police training and nature exploration. VR experiences are being developed by The Void and by other partners, such as the University of Utah and video game studios.^[1][3]

Locations[edit]

Bretschneider, Hickman and Jensen foresaw The Void as being a larger chain of virtual reality entertainment centers, consisting of a flagship location in Pleasant Grove, Utah, which the company planned to open some time in 2016, as well as smaller locations in other markets. Each would feature one or more 60 by 60 feet (18 m) stages capable of handling groups of six to eight players each; the Pleasant Grove location was to feature eight of these stages.^[1][3][4] A proof of concept location with a 30 feet (9.1 m) stage was constructed in Lindon, Utah next to the company's offices.^[1][4]

Ghostbusters: Dimension also opened at Cineplex Entertainment's The Rec Room at Roundhouse Park in Toronto in June 2017.^[15]

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire launched December 16, 2017 at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort (with two stages), and on January 5, 2018 at Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort. In addition, The Void opened a pop-up location at Westfield London for a 12-week run, after which it moved to sister location Westfield Stratford City for a 12-week run there.^[16][17][18]

In July 2018, Cineplex Entertainment announced that it had signed an exclusive agreement with The Void for Canadian franchises, and would open at least five more locations including The Rec Room locations at West Edmonton Mall and Square One Shopping Centre.^[19]

By late-2018, The Void had opened attractions in London, Dubai, Toronto, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Orlando, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and the Californian cities of Anaheim, Glendale, Santa Monica, and Hollywood.^[20]

In early 2019, The VOID opened at Square One Shopping Centre within The Rec Room, one of the most prominent and diverse locations in North America. ^[21]

In July 2019, The Void announced plans to open at least 25 new locations in Europe and the United States by 2022 via Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield properties.^[22]

Void Experiences[edit]

• Ghostbusters: Dimension (First opened in 2016)

The experience was originally a tie-in to the Ghostbusters reboot film; it featured the ability for visitors to participate in a virtual reality ghost-hunting mission. The attraction was developed in collaboration with the respective directors of the original and rebooted film—Ivan Reitman and Paul Feig. Ghostbusters: Dimension marked the first Void attraction outside of Utah.^[6][23] The experience was updated in 2018 to make it available in more locations. The update included an introduction by Ray Stantz (played by Dan Aykroyd) in the pre-show video, as well as the radio voice guide inside the attraction.

• Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire

A tie-in to Rogue One. As a team of Resistance recruits disguised as stormtroopers, players are sent on a mission issued by Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) to retrieve a piece of Imperialcargo on the volcanic and lava planet of Mustafar.^[17]

• Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment(First opened in 2018)

A collaboration with video game studio Ninja Theory, it is a horror experience set shortly after the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where a demon had been unleashed after an accident in an Electro-Spiritualism exhibit.^[24]

• Ralph Breaks VR(First opened in 2018)

A companion to the films Wreck-It Ralph and its sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet, developed with input by its directors Phil Johnston and Rich Moore, and as a continuation of The Void's collaborations with Disney and ILMxLab. It consists of a series of minigames set within the sequel's portrayal of the Internet, including a sequence (referencing a children's mobile game seen in the film's trailer) where the players must fight off invading bunnies and kittens using pancakes and milkshakes as ammo.^[25]

• Avengers: Damage Control(First opened in 2019)

Set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the player takes control of WakandanIron Man suit prototypes designed by Shuri, and battle 'a familiar enemy from the Avengers' past.' It is expected to include appearances by Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, and the Wasp among others. The attraction is a collaboration with ILMxLAB and Marvel Studios.^[26] This attraction, originally slated for a limited release, has now been extended thru to the end of 2019.^[27]

• Jumanji: Reverse the Curse(First opened in 2019)

A tie-in to Jumanji: The Next Level. You play as the title characters of the film in an original storyline voiced by Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Directed and produced by the VOID and SONY Pictures. As the four main characters, you must save the world of Jumanji from the curse set by Hakaar - a demonic sorcerer. The four playable characters have unique abilities that will allow them to progress through the adventure. Heed the warning of the jungle drums! You and your companions fall into this unique world of adventure, becoming Dr. Bravestone, Ruby Roundhouse, Prof. Oberon or ‘Mouse’ Finbar. You risk your ‘three’ lives in a daring quest to return the jewel to the temple from which it was stolen. Feel the cooling mists of waterfalls and the burning heat of desert sands. Each of you have unique abilities – and you must use them together to survive. From ‘dance fighting’ to navigating dangerous animals, with every step you become the heroes who must ‘save Jumanji and call out its name!’

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abcdefghij'Inside the First VR Theme Park'. MIT Technology Review. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
2. ^ ^abc'Welcome to 'The Matrix'? Theme park with virtual reality twist'. CNBC. NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
3. ^ ^abcde'Evermore Adventure Park concept evolves into 'The Void''. Deseret News. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
4. ^ ^abcdef'Welcome to The Void'. Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
5. ^Scribner, Herb (2018-09-10). 'It's official: Fantasy world Evermore Park is opening later this month'. DeseretNews.com. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
6. ^ ^ab'Virtual reality theme park The Void opening its first outpost in Times Square'. The Verge. Vox Media. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
7. ^'The Void, Epic Games Join Disney's Accelerator Initiative'. UploadVR. 2017-07-11. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
8. ^VR needs more Disney-style magic like The Void from CES 2019, CNET, 2019
9. ^'The Void is building a Star Wars virtual reality adventure'. The Verge. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
10. ^'The Void teams up with ILMxLAB for Disney, Marvel VR projects'. GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2019-12-13.
11. ^'Test Out Shuri's Latest Gadgets in ILM's New Marvel VR Experience, Avengers: Damage Control'. gizmodo.com. Retrieved 2019-12-13.
12. ^''Avengers: Damage Control' Extended: Team Up to Fight Alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes'. marvel.com. Retrieved 2019-12-13.
13. ^'You Can't Walk In a Straight Line - And That's a Good Thing for VR'. Wired. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
14. ^'First Look: The Void's 2K 'Rapture' VR Headset with Curved OLED Displays'. RoadToVR. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
15. ^'Be a virtual Ghostbuster at Toronto's new Cineplex Rec Room'. Toronto Star. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
16. ^'The VOID's Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Coming to Second London Location [Updated]'. VRFocus. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
17. ^ ^abBishop, Bryan (2017-11-20). 'With Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, virtual reality is finally ready for prime-time'. The Verge. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
18. ^'With Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, virtual reality is finally ready for prime-time'. The Verge. Retrieved 2017-12-23.
19. ^'Cineplex to add at least 5 more Void virtual-reality experience centres'. CBC News. Retrieved 2018-07-11.
20. ^Fogel, Stefanie; Fogel, Stefanie (2018-06-06). 'Full-Body VR Experience 'The Void' Adds Nine New Locations'. Variety. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
21. ^Newport, Ashley; Ashley, Newport (2019-01-31). 'One-of-a-Kind Virtual Reality Experience Coming to Square One in Mississauga'. Variety. Retrieved 2019-11-31.Check date values in: access-date= (help)
22. ^Roettgers, Janko; Roettgers, Janko (2019-07-25). 'VR Startup The Void to Expand to 25 New Locations'. Variety. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
23. ^''Ghostbusters' Virtual Reality Experience to Open at Madame Tussauds New York'. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
24. ^'The VOID Debuts 'Nicodemus' Horror Experience'. UploadVR. 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
25. ^Bishop, Bryan (2018-11-21). 'The Void's Ralph Breaks VR puts players inside a giant interactive Disney movie'. The Verge. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
26. ^Alexander, Julia (2019-10-03). 'The Void's new Avengers VR experience lets people control new Iron Man suits'. The Verge. Retrieved 2019-10-04.
27. ^''Avengers: Damage Control' Extended: Team Up to Fight Alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes'. marvel.com. Retrieved 2019-12-13.

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