A new partnership with Ubisoft and Renault saw passengers strap on VR headsets as an auto-driving car chauffeured them around.
“Ubisoft showcased its experience on a section of highway, north of Paris, where Renault road tested its SYMBIOZ demonstration vehicle, in real-life conditions,” the publisher detailed in a press release. “The car is the first rolling connected and electric prototype, built to be autonomous from the ground up, embodying the automaker’s vision while providing a first look at technology that Renault could integrate in its production range in the near future.
“To accompany the open road tests, Ubisoft developed a virtual reality experience that offers the driver an escape from their surroundings and an opportunity to relax – illustrating the idea of ‘mind off’ – when the car is in autonomous mode. The driver dives into an immersive universe which progressively changes from a realistic representation of both the vehicle and its immediate surrounding, to a futuristic and surrealist landscape.”
The VR visuals come from a connection to the auto-driving car itself, using real-time navigation details including speed, lane changes and surrounding vehicles to offer up a unique experience with each drive.
Check out the results in the video below:
“This project is an opportunity to take up a thrilling technical and creative challenge. It is always enriching for Ubisoft to collaborate with international leaders to explore different and innovative playgrounds. Our partnership with Groupe Renault clearly illustrates the video game industry’s contribution goes beyond entertainment,” Deborah Papiernik, Senior Vice President of New Business at Ubisoft, said.
I’m honestly not sure if this is amazing or terrifying. What do you think? Would you rather watch the road as you travelled? What about the chance of motion sickness?
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