Lethbridge gamers to compete in one of the first Canadian Virtual Reality competitions
LETHBRIDGE – A game where players compete to get the highest score by shooting and killing drones in a “Space Invaders” style video, except in Virtual Reality, will take place next week.
It will be the first competition of its kind in Lethbridge, and one of the first in the country, says Kyle Ledyit, head of Content and Marketing for VRKADE.
“We are hosting the game ‘Space Pirate Trainer’ where these drones come at you and they shoot at you, and you shoot at them, and you have to dodge their bullets in real time. It’s a lot of fun.”
Virtual Reality Games involve computer generated simulations of 3D images or environments, that can be interacted with, by a person using a special helmet or glasses with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.
“In Virtual Reality, you could be scaling [Mount] Everest, flying over the clouds, or in the middle of a zombie apocalypse,” says Ledyit. “It’s something new and exciting that I think everyone has to try.”
Ledyit explains that during Wednesday’s competition, players will wear the special equipment, and each will try to get the highest score as quickly as possible. The winner moves on to the next round. Players won’t be able to interact with one another yet, meaning they won’t be able to “see” one another in the game.
It’s something though, that Ledyit hopes to do in future VR competitions.
The competition takes place August 30, at 8:30 p.m. at their 3 Avenue South location. There are only eight contestant spots open, and as of a few days ago, there wer only a few spots left. The entry fee is $10. First prize is $80 worth of game time at VRKADE, second prize is a free token good for one hour of free game time, and the third place winner gets $10 off their game-time at the arcade.
