Do you fancy trying out the latest virtual reality (VR) experiences, but don’t fancy paying out the large amounts of cash needed for the tech? Periscope VR wants to bring a ‘pop-in-shop’ hybrid centre for experiencing VR and mixed reality to the centre of Bristol, so you can try it out whenever you like with your friends, family and work colleagues.
“It is a great moment when you see someone’s face light up when they first experience virtual reality”
The plan is for Periscope VR to offer four ‘pods’ fitted out with the HTC Vive VR headsets available for hourly bookings. Users will be able to access a variety of the best and most recent VR games and experiences. And for those pro and well VeRsed, there will be a larger mixed reality space fitted with a green screen, a monitor and room to sit groups of 20 to 30.
They are currently crowdfunding to make it a reality, so if you want to help make this happen, you have till the Friday 23 June to pledge your money to Periscope VR’s Kickstarter campaign.
Pledge allegiance to the brand
Periscope VR has a range of pledge packages to tempt you, from just £5, to the ‘New BFF’ package that includes a two-year membership that allows you anytime access to a pod for you and up to 2 friends, every day!
We caught up with founders of Periscope VR, Oliver Cooper and Nick Pere,s to find out the whos, hows and the whys on their journey to bring you family-friendly fun that also has serious applications. They tell us, “People are encountering VR, often for the first time in these places. It is a great moment when you see someone’s face light up when they first experience virtual reality.”
“The journey from it being a passion project or a mere daydream conversation around the table at the pub to getting here feels great. We are committed to making this happen. We are ready to be one of a few places at the forefront of VR public spaces.”
Oli and Nick tell us there have been a few challenges along the way: “We have overcome our worries of the unknown with an overriding instinct that people will be as amazed and appreciative of virtual reality as what we have been – we just consider it our job to bring it to the South West so it isn’t just a London thing.
“We had a task finding our category for the insurance coverage!”
“We have also faced the more run-of-the-mill challenges, like explaining to the council what the VR centre is and will entail – we had a task finding our category for the insurance coverage!”
OVeR the moon
So far, on the road to success, the team have already sealed the deal for the space. Oli and Nick tell us, “We recently attained a lease on a fantastic premise here in Bristol which gives us the space and versatility to not only begin this exciting venture but also expand as we roll out the various phases of the centre.
“Its position on Nelson Street is ideal for reaching our audience”
“We believe finding a suitable place and its position on Nelson Street is ideal for reaching our audience.” Delighted by their central Bristol location, they tell us, “Bringing this technology to the public in the South West seemed like a worthwhile project and we believe Bristol is the coolest city to do it.”
They add, “Bristol is also home to some fantastic and inspiring tech companies and startups, particularly around the gaming and VR space and is home to the VRWC, so this felt like the right time and place to set up.
“The South West has a lot to offer and we consider it an honor to set up here”
“There are many companies that we have been inspired by – Reach Robotics, Opposable, Ultrahaptics and the guys at Yogscast to name just a few. We have also been avid readers of Future magazines for many years (based in Bath) and so we really believe Bristol and actually the whole of the South West has a lot to offer and we consider it an honor to set up here – an absolutely beautiful part of the country coupled with some of the coolest, most forward-thinking and refreshing companies going.”
VeRy exciting times
There are some more serious applications that the centre wants to offer, they explain, “VR can revolutionise learning and processes. Imagine bringing a school class into a living, breathing ancient city or giving an art lesson within an immersive canvas – these are the things that will bring VR to the masses.”
“We want to be that place where we can help facilitate learning, fun, entertainment or industry events, and so to that end we are very open to support, sponsorship or developing any programs – We love to chat, so do drop us a line.”
The grand opening is set for Summer of 2017 and they will host a number of themed evenings, events and meet ups. In the meantime they are busy behind the scenes and need your cash to help them achieve all of this.
Periscope VR’s Kickstarter campaign ends on Friday 23 June. To find out more information you can follow them on Twitter @Periscope_VR.
