Aussie VR Firm Team Up With Microsoft, Intel
Australian virtual-reality firm Zero Latency has inked a deal with tech giants Microsoft, Intel, and HP to build an epic arena-style VR platform.
The Melbourne-based firm was one of the first to create and deploy a multiplayer free-roam VR (FRVR) platform, that enabled up to eight gamers to roam untethered in a VR world using VR headsets connected to a communication system housed inside a small backpack the gamer wears.
Unlike other VR set-ups which require gamers to connect their headsets to servers directly via cables, the communication systems connect to the servers wirelessly while giving the gamers freedom to roam.
The partnership announcement indicates that Zero Latency has big plans for the next generation of free-roaming virtual reality gameplay.
Yancey Smith, Senior Director of Mixed Reality Commercial Solutions at Microsoft, expressed in a statement that Microsoft is looking forward to working with Zero Latency on “Mixed Reality headsets and our cloud-based services”, likely expanding both their HoloLens projects and increasing Zero Latency’s global reach.
“We are excited to be working with one of the early pioneers of the Arena VR gaming scene. Zero Latency continues to innovate their platform and the gameplay, and Intel’s leading processors for VR and gaming will enable greater playability as they reach wider audiences”, said Raj Puran of Intel’s VR Group.
“With the use of Intel technology such as Intel NUC VR platforms and Intel Core i7 processors, the multiplayer, player versus player and arena VR gaming thrusts players into a world of exhilarating challenges and scenarios.”
Microsoft, HP, and Intel not only bring new software and hardware tech to the Aussie firm but also marketing assistance to increase Zero Latency’s global reach.
The Zero Latency VR platform currently supports five games in its arenas, with more player-vs-player games in the works.
Zero Latency operates 24 Zero Latency arenas in 13 countries, across four continents including one in Melbourne and one in Brisbane.
