Virtuix Launches Its Own Content Platform for the Omni Treadmill
Not content with producing a literal platform that people actually stand on, Virtuix has announced their own software platform.
Virtuix’s Omniverse
The name of this new platform is Omniverse which will make it easier for new owners of a shiny omnidirectional treadmill to find software that actually works with it.
Of course, Virtuix is not selling a complete VR platform. It still needs to be combined with other VR hardware such as motion controllers and VR HMDs to work. That’s less of a problem now that they have cancelled their plans to sell the Omni to the public. The Kickstarter backers outside the US were refunded with interest, US Kickstarters could take the same deal or have their Omni, but it was no longer going to be sold or supported as a consumer device.
Instead, the Omni is now being marketed to arcades and other businesses. Since Virtuix received a fat stack of investment money, they no longer have to cater to crowdfunders or regular joes like us.
Instant Gratification
Omniverse will allow Virtuix to roll out new VR games instantly to the thousands of commercial entertainment installation it will sell the hardware to. Not only this, but it seems that Omniverse will integrate functions such as customer service and managing time limits within the arcade. Omniverse isn’t just meant to make life easier for the owners of arcades, but the patrons as well. It comes with a VR interface that allows the player to switch out to other games and otherwise control the experience all by themselves. Furthermore, it integrates the payment platform too, especially in cases where the games are being charged by the minute.
Omniverse will also provide detailed tracking statistics and earning numbers to everyone who needs that information. They’ll know who is playing what, which games earn the most and which games people just don’t like.
It’s an interesting wrinkle in a company story that’s filled with interesting wrinkles, but although we don’t seem to be heading towards the original promise of a home VR treadmill, at least the world is getting something out of the hopes and dreams those early Kickstarter backers had.
The Return of the Arcade
Virtuix’s turn to the commercial entertainment space brings up the question again of whether VR could actually revive public arcades, which have been dying everywhere but in Japan. Most of us have no reason to leave home if we want to play cutting-edge games, but VR games might give us a reason to get off the couch. I for one will be giving it a try at least once if an Omni rig comes to my town, wouldn’t you?
