Location Based VR Hit: Go-Karts + VR

It may sound a little dangerous to wear what is the equivalent of a technological blindfold and then go on a go-kart, but one VR experience producer thinks this is a great idea and the results actually do not disappoint. The test location is in Gardena, California at a go-kart race track that looks completely normal, but when you put on your virtual reality headset it appears as though you are racing through the streets of Tokyo – after the apocalypse of course. Pick your way through the decimated landscape and experience an unreal (because it is super realistic) VR game.

The track is outfitted with 28 cameras to track the location of the go-karts. This data plus data from the go-kart like braking and steering is used to provide real time results in the head set. There are also power-ups in the game that boost the real life vehicle, and obstacles like fires that slow you down. This location-based system could bring a whole new element to go-karting that could revitalize the industry itself. Even though go-karting is fun without a headset, after you do it once or twice, it could become a bit boring. With VR, the experience becomes exponentially different as long as developers keep making new worlds for drivers to explore.

For right now, the company is only testing the Tokyo environment, but they have plans to create a tropical one too. The game is being developed by Intel and Master of Shapes, an interactive studio that has created exciting and immersive events and installations of all kinds all over the globe. Their works incorporate technology, design, robotics and more. This one is absolutely on the cutting edge of the future of VR!