Australia-based MarineVerse specialises in virtual reality (VR) sailing experiences, having previously released VR Regatta and Big Breezy Boat for PC VR headsets. These are fairly leisurely sailing simulators, whereas its current Early Access project MarineVerse Cup is all about competitive racing. Today, the studio has announced a partnership with boatbuilder WASZP, bringing its boats into the competition.
The two companies have been closely working together to create a realistic digital version of WASZP’s foiling boats for the MarineVerse Cup so that sailors and gamers alike can learn to control these high-end boats.
This means that the VR title now has three types of boat to race, with players able to jump into daily races to climb the leaderboards. There’s also a league system where players can rise from the Standard to Pro league via the daily races mode.
“WASZP is a perfect boat to showcase virtual reality and introduce gamers to sailing – WASZP is fast, fun & exciting. Not only do you get to sail, but you can fly in VR! Our goal with MarineVerse Cup is to develop a fun sailing game that is authentic and approachable. Collaborating closely with a Melbourne based WASZP team, is a fantastic opportunity to make it happen,” said Greg Dziemidowicz, Lead developer, MarineVerse in a statement.
Marc Ablett, Head of Product and Global Sales at WASZP adds: “The immersive technology and experience is so life-like. We have engaged some of the best WASZP sailors in the world to help us with the physics of the boat within the game.”
Additionally, WASZP will be launching a platform called RACEHUB to help connect sailors worldwide with competitions, both on the water and virtually. Those who signup to RACEHUB will get a copy of MarineVerse Cup.
MarineVerse Cup is available through Steam for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Oculus Quest users can find it on SideQuest. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.
