In Conclusion

gameface-labs-mark-5It is great to see so many people getting to have their first VR experience in the socially engaging environment of an event or meetup. It is however important that we ensure that we make their first experience a pleasant one. Without thinking about it, anyone that undertakes to demonstrate a VR experience is entering the “experience business” and is like the operator of their own mini-theme park attraction!

Don’t get carried away by the analogy of operating a theme park ride and especially do not look to monetize the experience! As stated in the product disclaimer on all the VR headsets currently available, these are “Not for Commercial Usage” and while the manufacturers will not go mad at the system being used as a demonstration device within reason, there are serious legal issues about directly charging for the use, not to mention all the issues with copyright on the content being shown.

So be ‘professional’, be ‘prepared’ and ‘have fun.’

Note – As so many people are now experiencing the highs and lows of demonstrating VR to the emerging VR community, there must be a number of observations and comments that should be added to this list. Please contact me if I missed something out, or if you have additional advice on the best way to present this technology.

About the Author – Kevin Williams has an extensive background in the development and sales of the latest amusement and attraction applications and technologies.  The UK born specialist in the pay-to-play scene; is well-known through his consultancy KWP; and as a prolific writer and presenter (along with his own news service The Stinger Report), covering the emergence of the new entertainment market.Kevin has co-authored a book covering the sector called ‘The Out-of-Home Interactive Entertainment Frontier’ (published by Gower).  And is the founding chairman of DNA Association, focuses on the digital Out-of Home interactive entertainment sector.  Kevin can be reached at – kwp@thestingerreport.com  – http://www.thestingerreport.com
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Road to VR
  • stormy3000

    Thanks for putting together such an insightful article.

    I work as an animator by day for a corporate video studio in the UK. We are used to producing content for expos, filming in and around crowds but not actually organizing an event display. I’ve been pitching the idea of producing some VR content for clients to the rest of the team. Partly cause it seems like an exciting thing to be able to offer clients but mainly cause I’d love to have a reason to build some VR experiences by day whilst I tinker with my own Unity projects and code in my spare time.

    Your article is packed full of so much real world knowledge it will be very useful if/when we get round to doing it.
    It also highlights how much thought should always go into a VR display (lice and all) to make it go as smoothly as possible.

    Many thanks.

    Still awaiting my Oculus DK2… not due till September… so reading every damn thing I can find to keep the eagerness at bay.

  • WiredEarp

    This is really an excellent article, well written and covers all the bases. Thanks!