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Ubisoft Partners With Elijah Wood's Studio For VR Project
Prepare for synchronization - Ubisoft is partnering with SpectreVision, the production company of The Lord of the Rings' film star Elijah Wood, to make virtual reality games. The Ubisoft team involved in the partnership includes Dean Evans, creator of the radical Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon.
The division of Ubisoft partnering with SpectreVision, Fun House, is responsible for smaller-in-scope titles like Child of Light and Grow Home.
"As a longtime gamer, I'm first and foremost a fan and admirer of Ubisoft," says Wood according to IGN's report from the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. "So to be collaborating with them within the realm of VR is an incredible treat!"
SpectreVision, established in 2010 by Wood and partners, uses film, music, and now games to "tell heartfelt, character-driven stories tackling real emotional and social issues that test the boundaries of the genre space," according to its website.
SpectreVision CEO Lisa Whalen goes on to emphasize that Ubisoft's position as a leading publisher and developer will help the partnership succeed in creating new experiences in a "bold and original new format."
Creative director of Ubisoft's neon-drenched '80s action film tribute, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, Dean Evans, revealed on Twitter that he's been involved in this collaboration between Fun House and SpectreVision. To what degree Evans is involved is unclear. We've reached out to Ubisoft for comment.
Ubisoft hasn't confirmed which VR platforms the collaborative games will launch for.
[Source: IGN]
Our Take
As someone who is hopeful for the future of VR, I'm happy to see a titan of industry like Ubisoft partnering with a studio like SpectreVision which appears to revel in taking risks and supporting unique projects. The big question is which VR platforms the future projects will release for: Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, or HTC Vive.
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