First-Person, Interactive Expedition on Mars Produced by FUSION In Partnership with NASA to be Previewed at SXSW 2016 and Launch in Summer 2016
FUSION today announced a partnership with NASA to produce a first person, interactive, virtual reality experience that will simulate life as one of the first NASA astronauts to arrive on Mars. The Mars 2030 experience is the latest example of FUSION’s commitment to exploring and experimenting with new formats and methods of storytelling, a central element of its DNA. This new multi-platform experience will be the first VR product to hit the streets featuring a Mars surface expedition based on actual concepts that NASA is studying today.
The Mars 2030 experience will come to life through a collaboration that combines the research and expertise of NASA with the creative and production talent from FUSION. FUSION will use the research provided by NASA to create the narrative, user interface and 3-D asset creation. Sydney Do, an MIT graduate student in the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department, is also contributing research to the project. The virtual reality experience will bring to life a series of mini-missions that occur within the Mars habitat as well as on the planet’s surface.
“We saw this as an opportunity to share elements of our human Mars surface exploration concepts using today’s advanced virtual reality technologies. We already use VR technology in astronaut training and spacecraft simulations, so it seems logical to extend that successful model to inspire and educate the next generation of space explorers and scientists in captivating way,” said Jason Crusan, Director of Advanced Exploration Systems at NASA. “We are excited to provide the expertise to help create an experience that will put the viewer right in the astronaut’s seat.”
“People today expect more out of their media than just words on a page or video on a site, so we set out to bring Mars to our audience through an innovative and immersive way using the latest virtual reality technology,” said Daniel Eilemberg, SVP and Chief Digital Officer of FUSION. “With the help of NASA our team has been able to create a rendering of the first human explorers on Mars that is as true to reality as the brightest minds know it, enabling users to experience the Red Planet in a highly engaging way.”
FUSION will preview the Mars 2030 experience through a demo at SXSW 2016. The final production will be available to users in Summer 2016 through a wide-range of platforms and products so anyone can take the journey. The Mars 2030 Experience will be available for the Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, and Samsung VR Gear via Valve’s Steam marketplace and on Fusion.net. It will also be available for iPhone and Android on iTunes and Google Play. A broadcast of the experience will also be available on Twitch.
FUSION’s Virtual Reality producer and designer Julian Reyes will be leading production of The Mars 2030 Experience. The original soundtrack for the project is provided by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.