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BO O K O F AC H I E V E M EN T
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To the companies and individuals participating at
the VR Awards, London welcomes you and thanks you for helping make the future a reality.
London is a world-leading hub for creativity and is home to the brightest up-and-coming tech
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companies. By celebrating immersive tech innovation in games, film, healthcare, architecture and beyond,
we are recognising the achievements of the talented individuals working in this field.
RA JESH AGRAWAL Deputy Mayor for Business
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I N T RO DUCTIO N
A word from the organisers Virtual reality has come a long way in the last few years, its history is complex but underlined by a resolute passion that stretches across the industry, to innovate and push the boundaries of immersive technology. Already a technology fundamentally shaping the way we live and work, together we are truly pushing closer to making VR the revolutionary technology of our generation. This continual growth is down to you, you are the pioneers, trailblazers, and creatives, who are integral to propelling the industry forward and seeing this extraordinary sector of technology get the exposure it so rightly deserves. The quality of immersive projects continues to amaze and astound us and standards are similarly increasing year on year as the hardware and content becomes even more advanced. As you continue to grow, the VR Awards does so too, with this I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to all of those who have helped support the VR awards from the very beginning. This includes our production team, partners, sponsors, nominees and judges who have contributed massively to the success of this year’s VR Awards and who share our vision of a world transformed by immersive technology. It doesn’t matter at which point you joined us on our journey - what is important is the coming together of every single area of the industry from every corner of the globe. The VR Awards exists to celebrate an industry that rightly deserves a great deal of fanfare. From healthcare to architecture, immersive technology is not only a genuine force for good in society but also a unique and powerful medium through which stories can be told and memories can be forged, whether that be through the lens of a headset or the capability of our minds collectively, together we are paving the way for not only the here and now, but the future too.
DColaianni DANIEL COLAIANNI Executive Producer
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CO N TEN TS
A WORD FROM THE ORGANISERS A very warm welcome to the VR Awards 2018 // p.3
2017 WINNERS IN PICTURES Last year’s winners // p.8
THE FULL NOMINATIONS LIST Celebrate the full list of award worthy nominations for 2018 // p.12
THE JUDGES The VR Awards 2018 jury // p.38
7 A YEAR IN VR Explore the feats acomplished by the VR industry this past year // p.40
THE MAKING OF THE 2018 VR AWARDS A unique behind the scenes look of the VR Awards // p.43
INVESTORS LUNCH What’s on the menu for investment in VR? // p.52
OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS The sponsors and partners that brought the VR Awards together // p.55
SPECIAL THANKS & CREDITS The VR Awards thanks those involved in making the night possible // p.58
Follow @VRAwards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with #VRAwards
2 017 W I NN ERS IN PICTURES
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2 017 W I NN ERS IN PICTURES
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Innovation. Growth. Disruption. Our conversations with leaders of VR companies revealed three common areas of strategic focus:
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fostering a culture of innovation
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achieving sustainable growth
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building high performance teams
It’s been a pleasure to hear the pride that VR companies have in their technology, their people and most importantly, their customers. There’s no doubt in our minds that VR continues to lead the way in disruptive technology across the globe. We want to thank all of the companies that took part in these prestigious awards – both nominees and winners. Your stories continue to provide insight and inspiration. Helping you thrive in a changing world. Eyad Hamouieh Partner – Innovation & Technology Group Moore Stephens eyad.hamouieh@moorestephens.com Aimee Griffiths Director – Technology & Media Moore Stephens aimee.griffiths@moorestephens.com
www.moorestephens.co.uk
PRECISE. PROVEN. PERFORMANCE.
Moore Stephens LLP, 150 Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4AB. T: +44 (0)20 7334 9191. An independent member firm of Moore Stephens International Limited Moore Stephens LLP are registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. August 2018
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THE N OMIN AT ION S 3 0 0 + N O M I N AT I O N S 105 FINALISTS 12 WINNERS
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THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
VR Education of the Year Awarded to companies or individuals who have demonstrated practical and innovative uses of VR in education and training. This applies to any
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industry that has used VR to aid in experiences, videos, games and more (providing it has a positive educational use).
2017 WINNER
“We were honored to receive the VR Award in 2017 for the Education Category which I feel is deserved recognition to the dozens of people behind our VR simulations at ITI, Serious Labs, as well as our earlyadopter customers who participated in revolutionizing training and assessment for crane and heavy equipment operations. VR Bound holds a truly worldclass event and award show that celebrates people and companies across the spectrum of VR hardware, software, and content development. This is a one-of-akind event that brings together the best and brightest from every corner of the VR industry.� ZACK PARNELL CEO, ITI
Pharmaceutical Line Clearance VR Training
MEL Chemistry VR
MEDIASQUAD Medienentwicklungs- und
MEL Science
Vertriebs-GmbH
Offers optimal training design – tailored to key situations of production processes.
A standalone educational experience that will captivate children through the beauty of science.
HoloLAB Champions
Bartender VR Simulator
Schell Games
VR Factory
A virtual reality chemistry game show where players compete against the clock to become masters of lab practice.
Bartender VR Simulator offers you a unique combination of a simulator, bartending course and incredible immersive VR experience.
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Alcon Virtual Eye Experience Elara Systems Alliander Virtual Platform Alliander
Walk around with full room scale movement for complete and physical interaction in the interactive hub of Alliander Virtual Platform.
The Alcon Experience Academy is implementing progressive and leading-edge virtual reality technology for immersive training through the Virtual Eye Experience.
VR Crane & Equipment Operator Training
MasterWorks: Journey Through History
Simulator Suite
FarBridge and Cyark.
ITI & Serious Labs
The ITI VR Simulation training offers the most authentic and immersive industrial training simulator experience.
The MasterWorks Museum transports you to fully explorable environments. Collect artifacts and learn from archaeologists as you unravel the mysteries of history.
THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
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VR Architecture and Real Estate of the Year This is awarded to companies or individuals who have demonstrated practical and innovative uses of VR in the architecture and/or real estate market. This can apply to the research, planning, and end-user phases of the product and/or service for either internal or external application.
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ALL in ONE VR for Architecture GrandPano
Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre Virtual Worlds
Multi-platform real estate all-in-one VR solution for real time animation, photorealistic animation and real time interior animation and design.
An enjoyable, immersive and much talked about VR customer buying experience.
Bostoen – Creating your dream house Overstruct
before it’s even built
Overstruct
Nanopixel
Create architectural virtual reality (and website) walkthroughs automatically and easily over a shorter period.
Uses real time rendering when purchasing a project home or apartment to allow customers to configure and experience their new home.
THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
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VR Healthcare of the Year VR is changing the healthcare industry in very big ways. This is awarded to companies or individuals innovating healthcare through the use of VR and can incorporate both training and educational elements providing it is directly linked to healthcare.
Cigna Peak Challenge Infinite MR 3D Organon VR Anatomy – Enterprise edition Medis Media
A preventative health campaign, which measured users 4 x core health measurables (BP, BMI, Blood Sugar, Cholesterol).
The world’s first fully-featured virtual reality anatomy atlas. Learn human anatomy with realistic anatomical models/structures. Alcon Virtual Eye Experience Elara Systems
Implementing progressive and leading-edge virtual reality technology for immersive training. DR.VR Rescape Innovation Ltd
DR.VR is a virtual reality distraction therapy solution that has been designed to be straightforward to implement even for those with no previous VR experience.
First Certified VR Medical Device Company in the world VRHealth
VRHealth harnesses new technologies and redefining healthcare, specialising in developing medical tools and content while delivering real-time analytics. Infinity House Infinite MR
An immersive 360° mobile application that utilises mixed reality technology to transport viewers to a beautifully designed virtual environment.
Virti Virti
Providing objective and remote skills training by reducing training costs and improve the quality of training.
EaseVR appliedVR
B. Braun Aesculap Spine VR NUMENA Virtual Reality Architects
A digital health tool that leverages the power of virtual reality to help patients and to provide greater control over their chronic pain.
An interactive presentation of lumbar spinal surgery techniques with instruments.
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THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
VR Social Impact Award Some projects may have smaller budgets,
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however, that doesn’t stop them from making a significant social impact on the world around them. The VR Awards social impact award is given to companies or individuals that produce and execute either an experience, product and or service which has resulted in positively impacting a cause for social good.
SUPPORTE D BY
CARNE y ARENA ILMxLAB
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s conceptual virtual reality installation CARNE y ARENA, explores the human condition of immigrants and refugees.
What Will Your Day Bring? The Distillery
A 360° video that takes a look at some of the amazing things Naseem did on placement in Kenya - compared to life back at home in Newcastle.
Evolution of Testicles Flight School
Experience an immersive journey through human history starring Chris O’Dowd to raise testicular cancer awareness through laughter and inspiration.
The Party – A virtual experience of autism The Guardian Media Group
Step into the shoes of 16-year-old Layla at a birthday party. Hear her inner thoughts and experience how overwhelming an occasion like this can be for her.
Virtual Dream Virtual Dream Foundation
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To adapt the newest technology and develop VR projects for everyday relief and support socially excluded groups. Global Warning – Arctic Melt CNN
Window to our World VISYON
In collaboration with the international director Ben Perry they created a moving VR piece aimed at generating emotional proximity with the viewer and help future.
The video takes the viewer to the “Ground Zero” of climate change where they can interactively look around with facts of the potential consequences of the melting ice.
Malaria: Life on the frontline
The Dairy Industry in 360 Degrees
VR City for Comic Relief
Animal Equality
Transported to Uganda, follow the world’s deadliest animal. The film explores how easily mosquitos spreads malaria and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
A unique, immersive 360° VR experience that utilises cutting-edge technologies to transport people inside intensive farms and slaughterhouses.
THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
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Rising VR Company of the Year Without new startups creating innovative solutions and driving forward ambition within the industry, virtual reality would not be where it is today. Commending small businesses with proven business models is VR startup of the year.
SUPPORTE D BY
Flight School
Flight School is a studio of artists and technicians, fearlessly exploring the unknown in films, games, VR, AR and whatever lies in the wide and boundless sky.
Neurogaming Limited
Neurogaming, a joint-venture between VRTech and Wargaming, is an industry leader providing a digital out-of-home entertainment VR experience.
SpringboardVR
SpringboardVR is a dedicated VR arcade management software that runs your VR arcade and transforms the virtual reality experience.
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VRgineers Inc.
Founded by Simon Barratt and Brian Marshall in early 2016. The studio is dedicated to producing high quality cooperative games and experiences for VR platforms.
VRgineers was born from Marek Polčák’s vision of transformative VR that would finally fulfill the promise laid out when virtual reality was introduced as a concept.
Fast Travel Games AB Anzu.io
Fast Travel Games AB was founded by industry leading veterans with a proven history of creating the world’s most immensely popular games.
Anzu provides a place where advertising and cutting-edge technologies meet to guide you through the world of immersive realities.
THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
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Innovative VR Company of the Year Virtual reality is a constantly evolving landscape that requires innovative thought leaders to pave the way by leading by example through first-tomarket developments. Additional points are given to companies that place focus on their company culture and policies along with how sustainable their practices are.
SUPPORTE D BY
Striker VR
Ultrahaptics
Realistic weapon handling is one of VR’s greatest caveats right now. Striker VR looks to solve that and to root you deeper in the VR experience.
No controllers or wearables are needed: their patented “virtual touch” technology uses ultrasound to project shapes and textures directly onto the user’s hands.
Pixvana
Spinview
Pixvana SPIN Studio transforms the way you create, edit, and show 360/VR video in up to 8K resolution, across any device, anywhere.
The Spinview Platform allows you to view, share and monitor the effectiveness of your virtual reality content across multiple devices.
TAKELEAP AiSolve
AiSolve are committed to supporting underprivileged communities through their time and their technology.
With their highly creative content team, they are committed to elegance that’s highly engaged across various devices, from original video to live experiences.
Human Interact
Visbit Inc.
Human Interact are creating a new genre of entertainment in the VR medium that allows for gamers and non-gamers regardless of skill to have new experiences.
Visbit Inc. are a group of brilliant individuals who are dedicated to solving core problems in transmitting, understanding, and rendering large visual data.
Gravity Sketch Flipside
With a passion for building lifestyle brands and creating engaging work, Flipside designs eye catching motion graphics for VR.
Gravity Sketch is an intuitive multi-platform 3D creation tool. Users can create amazing 3D models, scenes, and art work using virtual reality.
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THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
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Out-of-home VR Entertainment of the Year Out of home VR entertainment brings a new level of immersion to theme parks, cinemas, attractions, museums and more. Nominees for this award have researched, implemented and carried out a truly outstanding, quality experience which has resulted in a high level of user satisfaction.
Kraken Unleashed, SeaWorld Orlando Figment Productions
A fully immersive experience matched to the movement of the roller coaster, to take visitors on a thrilling and fantastical ride.
Hologate Hologate
Offers a multiplayer virtual reality attraction that delivers advanced graphic technology in a small footprint that is easy to operate and integratable.
Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire ILMxLAB and The VOID
Be transported with family and friends in a brand new hyper-reality experience from Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB and The VOID.
Koliseum Soccer VR Kynoa
Merges the physical actions of Foosball with the unique sensations of virtual reality. A Moon For All Mankind Framestore
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The world’s first lunar gravity simulation VR experience, created in collaboration with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC).
PolygonVR Neurogaming Limited
World of Tanks VR Neurogaming Limited
A multiplayer gaming arena in which users can enjoy freedom of movement and interaction to receive live feedback from the external world.
Next-generation installment of the worldfamous armor-centric video game — now in virtual reality.
Eclipse
ParadropVR
BackLight
Frontgrid
The first 4D virtual reality collaborative game to allow four players embody the crew of Eclipse II.
A fully immersive and dynamic virtual reality attraction which simulates flying a paraglider with free-roam virtual reality content.
THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
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VR Marketing of the Year Virtual reality gives marketers a new weapon to reach further demographics in increasingly creative ways. Judges look towards marketing campaigns that integrate Virtual Reality within the majority of the project. Particular focus is placed on the originality and creativity behind each marketing campaign.
Star Wars™: Droid Repair Bay ILMxLAB GMC Rangeland Derby VR
Poe Dameron’s sidekick needs your help. Repair BB-8 and his astromech droid friends, each with their own unique personalities, so they can roll back into the fight against the First Order.
Flight School, Momentum Worldwide
Delicatessen
Pebble Studios: DuckTales | 360° Adventure:
Somewhere Else
This experience invites you to join TERREX athletes, Ben Rueck and Delany Miller, and experience the world from new heights.
GMC celebrates its partnership with the Calgary Stampede while paying homage to the sport of chuckwagon racing.
The Lost Key of Tralla La Pebble Studios
Based on the Emmy Award-winning series, adventure calls when Scrooge, Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby recover the Lost Key of Tralla La!
Coco VR Magnopus
Transport yourself and delve into vibrant ‘Land of the Dead’ with charming characters decorated in the style of the traditional Mexican holiday DÍa de Muertos.
L’Oreal / Diesel Only the Brave BackLight
A dizzying experience with a large number of haptic elements providing an immersive experience, including buildings, wind, spatialised audio, Leap Motion and Vive Trackers to get body awareness.
SPP – SMART HOME GrandPano
Intelligent technologies and services that simplifies lives and save costs.
IKEA Virtual Reality Store TAKELEAP
Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab Magnopus
Step into the shoes of a Replicant Blade Runner and hunt down other androids surrounded in great visuals of futuristic Los Angeles, thrills and engrossing gameplay.
Allows users to choose their home layout and furnish in real scale with a list of all items selected. Transport for Victoria: Melbourne, meet your new train Bravo/ Jane Metlikovec (now Welcomm) Audi VR Experience Audi and ZeroLight
Aims to be the new industry standard for automotive dealership sales tools.
Travel through a range of different environments while experiencing Melbourne’s bigger, better high capacity metro trains with eager young testers in control.
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THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
VR Film of the Year Working to create an immersive, spatial and original VR media is very new territory for most designers and cinematographers. All nominations must substantially feature virtual reality within their media and work to create a comfortable and
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enjoyable experience for the viewer. Additional attention is given to the use of positioning and movement within the media. Can include short film, interactive pieces and design work within VR.
2017 WINNER
“Penrose Studios had an amazing time at the 2017 VR Awards. It was inspiring to spend the evening with incredibly innovative talent in the space, and to see the accomplishments of the year highlighted. We are humbled that “Allumette” won the “Interactive VR Media / Film of the Year”. With the release of the experience on major VR platforms, we have been fortunate to enjoy positive reception. Penrose followed up “Allumette” with the fully immersive VR experience “Arden’s Wake”, a post-apocalyptic story about a young woman’s journey of personal independence.” JIMMY MAIDENS Co-founder, Penrose Studios
Asteroids!
CARNE y ARENA
Baobab Studios
ILMxLAB
From the directors of Madagascar, Mac and Cheez are back with their robot sidekick Peas, this time on a dangerous, deep space mission.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s conceptual virtual reality installation CARNE y ARENA, explores the human condition of immigrants and refugees.
Aurora
The Committee
Pink Kong Studios
Room One Films
Produced by Pink Kong Studios, the story is one of peaceful reflection and offers a captivating experience for the viewer to reflect on the nature of time itself.
A 360 video where you are one of the members of a committee and even though you can’t communicate with other members despite their attempts to include you.
The Sun Ladies Lucid Dreams Productions
Trending Gold Olympic Channel & Jaunt
The Sun Ladies VR experience focuses on the journey of the captain of the Sun Ladies, Xate Singali. Follow her new life as a soldier on the front lines.
Experience the thrills and spills of being a top winter Olympic hopeful in immersive 360 VR as they prepare for the 2018 Games.
My Africa
Vestige
Vision3
NSC Creative, Atlas V, RYOT & Kaleidoscope
Conservation International’s upcoming VR experience “My Africa” celebrates the miracle that is Africa — the last place on Earth where elephants still roam free.
Vestige is a room-scale VR creative documentary with multi-narrative and live capture to take the viewer on a journey into the mind of Lisa.
Isle of Dogs Behind the Scenes (in Virtual Reality)
Speed Kills VR
FoxNext VR Studio
TopDogVR
Experience the world of Wes Anderson’s upcoming stop-motion animated film, face to face with the cast of dogs as they are interviewed on set.
Experience the life of a legendary speedboat racing champion and multimillionaire who leads a double life that lands him in trouble with the law, women and drug lords.
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THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
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VR Experience of the Year Experiences are what makes virtual reality come to life. VR experience of the year is awarded to companies that produce and execute a truly outstanding, quality experience which has resulted in positive user feedback.
SUPPORTE D BY
Blade Runner 2049: Memory Lab Silicon Valley: Inside The Hacker Hostel
Magnopus
REWIND
Jump in and explore the virtual recreation of the Hacker Hostel from HBO’s hit series Silicon Valley.
Step into the shoes of a Replicant Blade Runner to hunt down other androids surrounded in great visuals of futuristic Los Angeles, thrills and engrossing gameplay.
Coco VR Magnopus
Transport yourself and delve into vibrant ‘Land of the Dead’ with charming characters.
BBC Earth: Life in VR – California Coast Preloaded and BBC Worldwide
BBC Earth: Life in VR allows users to dive into a spectacular and immersive experience to bring you closer to life beneath the waves.
A Moon For All Mankind Framestore
Explore the surface of the Moon and lunar mission in a smooth, ultra-fast and immersive experience.
NBA League Pass in NextVR: 2017-2018 Regular Season NextVR
NextVR has expanded their fan offering to bring every single NBA League Pass game to fans in virtual reality. Sky4DVR Framestore
Worlds collide in the immersive experience with a combination of drama and sport.
Starship Commander Human Interact
Not the conventional VR experience but is astounding in its own right; driven by human speech.
Manifest 99 Flight School
Storyline and gameplay intertwine to generate an eerie and surreal experience jam packed with interaction that you can enjoy at your own pace.
Ulm Stories – The Dream of Flying The Day The World Changed
Interactive Media Foundation gGmbH and
Tomorrow Never Knows
Demodern GmbH
Witness the aftermath of the atom bomb dropped over Hiroshima, Japan at the tail end of WWII with complete accounts from survivors.
Take off to the skies with the immersive and spectacular experience over 19th Century Ulm in a journey through time.
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THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
VR Headset of the Year VR headset of the year is awarded to companies producing outstanding virtual reality headsets year on year. Emphasis is placed on a headset’s design, feel, functions and features. This award is given only to virtual reality headsets, not augmented reality headsets.
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2017 WINNER
“We were extremely proud to win two VR Awards in 2017. To be recognised by our peers is a huge compliment, especially winning VR headset of the year for Oculus Rift. VR Bound have created a great event that brings the UK VR community together to celebrate each other’s success in driving the industry forward.” DINESH CHAND Director of Business Development, Oculus
SUPPORTE D BY
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Vive Pro
Go
HTC
Oculus
The Vive Pro enables higher immersive experience with the added comfort and fluid movability.
Dive into virtual realms of excellent visuals with the Oculus Go - making the Oculus Rift run for its money.
Vive Focus VRHero 5K Plus
HTC
VRgineers Inc.
World’s first VR headset with high-density OLED displays with unique visuals.
A standalone VR headset to empower exploration further virtual worlds without the mobility restrictions.
THE FU L L N O M I N AT I ON S L IST
VR Game of the Year Focusing on the use of virtual reality within games
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is the VR game of the year award. This combines the ingenuity and creativity that it takes to make a successful game along with the innovative use of movement that makes an experience worth while.
2017 WINNER
“Survios was delighted and honored to be part of the VR Awards in 2017! The show was a great opportunity to make face-to-face connections with industry peers and it was an honor to be recognized for our hard work in developing Raw Data by winning Game of the Year. We see the VR Awards as the premiere gala event and awards show for the VR industry. Everything from the pre-event cocktail hour, to its luxurious spectacle, it demonstrated a high quality production and world class event.� NATHAN BURBA Co-founder and President, Survios
Fallout 4 VR
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda Softworks
Rich and vast worlds gives way to a sobering VR experience that makes the post-nuclear world feel that much more real.
Retains the ‘wow’ factor of the immersive lore and gameplay.
Sprint Vector Survios Inc. Beat Saber Beat Games
Merges the physical thrill of athletic competition with the unhinged energy of a crazy game show.
A unique and immersive VR rhythm game that turns every note into a dramatic sword swing. Brass Tactics Hidden Path Entertainment
Lone Echo / Echo Arena Ready At Dawn
An outstanding and convincing experience of weightlessness and presence.
An action oriented game which draws focus on gathering armies and totaling opponents.
Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul VRWERX
Creates a strong foreboding sense of terror paired with a realistic use of sound and visuals. Red Matter Vertical Robot
Explore the dystopian Cold War through the Sci-Fi story-driven adventure puzzle VR game.
Pixel Ripped 1989 ARVORE Immersive Experiences
A grand sense of tangible nostalgia with a great visual style and music. The Mage’s Tale inXile Entertainment
A classic dungeon experience; battle monsters, experiment with spells and tackle puzzles all the while with magic sparking at your fingertips.
TO THE TOP Electric Hat Games
Grab the experience with both hands as you leap, soar and slide up your way to the finishing line.
The Gallery – Episode 2: Heart of the Emberstone Cloudhead Games Ltd
Episodic puzzle adventure with an engaging and immersive experience.
Shooty Fruity nDreams
Fight off enemies invading a supermarket in the humourous setting that engages players.
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THE VR AWARD S 20 1 8 JU RY
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VR HEADSET OF THE YEAR & VR GAME OF THE YEAR
VR FILM OF THE YEAR & VR SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Josh Naylor, Unity
Jenn Duong, VR Director
Steve Takle, Steel Media
Tipatat Chennavasin, Venture Reality Fund
Taylor Freeman, UploadVR
Megan Gaiser, Spiral Media
Andrew Douthwaite, WEARVR
Luciana Carvalho Se, UNFOLD UK
Rowland Manthorpe, Sky News
Lauren Selig, Tangled Little Dragon & Shake
Daniel Corey, ImageComics
and Bake Productions
Giuseppe Crugliano, PlayMagic
Kris Kolo, VR/AR Association
VR EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR & VR HEALTHCARE OF THE YEAR
VR MARKETING OF THE YEAR & INNOVATIVE VR COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Steve Dann, Amplified Robot Sarah Jones, Birmingham City University Nonny de la Pena, Emblematic Group Nicola Rosa, Accenture Digital Samuel Huber, Admix
Bobby Carlton, VRScout Amber Osborne, Doghead Simulations Chris Freeman, Boeing Dominic Collins, Jaunt VR Stefano Petrullo, Renaissance PR Rob Scott, BBC Education
RISING VR COMPANY OF THE YEAR & VR ARCHITECTURE AND REAL ESTATE OF THE YEAR
Ed Greig, Deloitte Digital
Tom Emrich, Super Ventures
VR EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE YEAR & OUT-OF-HOME VR ENTERTAINMENT OF THE YEAR
Nathan Brown, Tomorrow Never Knows Kam Diba, Reverge VR Sean Earley, INSCALE Thomas Gere, Realities Centre Eyad Hamouieh, Moore Stephens
Jason Lovell, Jaunt VR Stephanie Llamas, Super Data Research Helen Situ, Virtual Reality Pop & Moment Kevin Williams, KWP & DNA Association Deniz Ergürel, Haptical Jonathan Nafarret, VR Scout
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year in V
11.17 .
MAN WALKS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN VR
03.17 .
READY PLAYER ONE MOVIE DEBUTED
12.17 .
YOUTUBE VR ARRIVES ON STEAMVR SOCIAL VR ‘SPACE’ IS LAUNCHED ON HTC VIVE BY FACEBOOK
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01.18 .
METALENSES - SEAS RESEARCHERS CREATE WORLD FIRST OF ITS KIND LENSE FOR VR
10.17 .
HTC VIVE PRO HEADSET UNVEILED
VR AWARDS 2017 CEREMONY PIMAX 8K VR HEADSET SURPASSES $4 MILLION ON KICKSTARTER GOOGLE RELEASES NEW DAYDREAM HEADSET MICROSOFT LAUNCHES ITS WINDOWS VR PLATFORM
04.18 .
MOZILLA RELEASES FIREFOX REALITY - A NEW BROWSER BUILT FOR VR AND AR
09.18 .
HTC VIVE WIRELESS ADAPTER LAUNCHES
07.18 .
VR CREATOR LAB BROUGHT TO EUROPE
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05.18 .
OCULUS GO ARRIVAL
10.18 .
OCULUS ANNOUNCED “OCULUS QUEST”
BEAT SABER SELLS 50,000 COPIES IN FIRST WEEK
VR AWARDS 2018 CEREMON Y
ANNOUNCEMENT: RUSSIA 2018 WORLD CUP SHOWN
LONDON
IN VR
UNIVERSITY (LCC) LAU NCHES
08.18 .
VIRTUAL REALITY MA
NASA’S EXOPLANET EXCURSION VR EXPERIENCE PSVR PASSES THREE MILLION HEADSETS SOLD WORLDWIDE
Raccoon London is a trusted photographic agency that represents talented photographers.
O F F I C I A L P H OTO G R A P H Y PA R T N E R Racoon London proudly congratulates all the outstanding 2018 nominees. Good luck to everyone nominated.
info@raccoonlondon.com // 0203 092 5452 // www.raccoonlondon.com
raccoonlondon
T HE MA K IN G O F T H E V R AWA RDS 2 0 1 8
Building upon a previous year of success, the VR Awards 2018 is bigger and better than ever. Brought to you by a dedicated production team who have worked tirelessly year round to ensure the celebration of immersive technology continues on a larger scale year on year. With the viewpoints from some of the key decision makers behind the VR Awards - the following piece will give you a peek behind the curtain and a behind the scenes look at creating one of the largest and most influential celebrations in immersive technology.
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BEH I ND THE SCEN ES
Breaking Free From Reality Collaborating with Mexican artist Gabriela Pacheco, 2018’s cover art focuses on the present of VR, and the nearly limitless potential it has to break us free of reality. 2018’s retro-inspired artwork, conceptualised by VR Awards’ Creative Director Kelly Wright, sought to celebrate the history and humble origins of virtual reality. Pacheco’s cover is vivid and evocative, with a striking figure in the foreground wearing a VR headset, the figure looks upwards: a broad representation of the industry looking ahead to the future. The artwork’s symbolism extends beyond this, with the intricate details in the curls of the figure’s hair portraying graphical improvements within VR content, as creators continue to embrace realism and strive for fidelity. The pixels scattered across the space-themed background play into the idea of virtual reality continuing to progress upward in keeping with the
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theme of looking to the future of VR. Escapism and immersion are at the core of all VR experiences - the goal of many developers and creatives is to have the user both completely forget about the outside world and to create a sense of intimacy between the player and the experience. The artwork seeks to capture and celebrate the feeling of seamlessly transcending the real world and entering into another world entirely. Pacheco attempts to depict the way in which VR offers us the chance to build our own stories and shape our own narratives - this is what makes VR unique. This artwork, and VR as a whole, is about what can exceed an individual’s own limits by widening the keyhole of one’s imagination and expanding what can be achieved beyond their reality. ARTWORK BY GABRIELA PACHECO
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BEH I ND THE SCEN ES
Africa through VR In 2017, the VR Awards debuted a live Tilt
Working with One-Drum founder, Abass
Brush VR performance featuring the talented
Dodoo, originally born in the Ghanaian town
work of Artist, Anna Zhilyaeva and String
of Nsawam, the VR Awards has recreated
Quartet, ZHL Strings. This year the VR Awards
the accurate and distinct musical stylings of
is showcasing the power VR has to remove
each region Africa has to offer. Having played
borders and bring the world to your doorstep.
an audience for the Queen of England and mentored by Mustapha Tettey Addy; Master
Exploring the rich and diverse history of
drummer, anthropologist and researcher in
African culture, the VR Awards is taking
the field of traditional music and dance, One-
attendees on a journey through Africa’s
Drum exemplifies the connection between
most iconic landmarks, regions and places
the diversity of African culture the modern
of interest with the ingenuity and power of
digital age of VR.
Google Earth VR.
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BELOW: LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA, CAPE TOWN CITY CENTRE
Google Earth VR allows users to explore the
Fusing modern VR, traditional music, dance
world in a way they’ve never seen it before,
and lighting, Africa’s historic traditions are
see places across the world that they may
taken into the here and now, allowing both
never have the opportunity to visit in real life
attendees and online viewers to be culturally
and allows people young or old to learn about
enriched from all key regions of Africa.
continents that may seem foreign or different to them.
The regions of Africa that influenced this performance: North Africa
East Africa
The mountains have been of the utmost
Home to Mount Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya,
importance in the historical development of
both Africa’s tallest peaks, most of the
the area. They run generally from east to west,
countries in the region are home to many
parallel to the Mediterranean coast, with their
species of wildlife, rich in ancient history
highest elevations in the Atlas ranges.
and is populated by over 160 different ethnic groups or more.
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Central Africa West Africa Throughout the region of central Africa, many of these countries share similarities between
Low-lying
each
practices
terrain of West Africa. West Africa is home to
stemming from common origins. Largely
Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry which is
these origins are from Nilo-Saharan or Bantu
the largest film industry in Africa and second
peoples which is evident in music, dance,
largest in the world. A deeply religious region,
art, body adornment, initiation and marriage
the area has a large number of national parks,
rituals.
tropical rainforest and some of the world’s
other
including
cultural
plains
mostly
constitute
the
rarest species.
Southern Africa A region of diverse people and cultures, the terrain ranges from grasslands to deserts. South Africa supports 11 official languages, 22,000 different vascular plants and is ranked sixth out of the world’s seventeen megadiverse countries. LEFT: TAMANRASSET PROVINCE
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CUSTOMCOOKIECO.CO.UK BEST OF LUCK TO ALL NOMINEES!
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BEH I ND THE SCEN ES
Parallel universes collide
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AltspaceVR is collaborating with The VR
This interactive experience allows individuals
Awards to provide a unique, entertaining
from the industry, who have put years of hard
and interactive experience, which will allow
work and innovation into their incredibly
people from all across the world to attend the
detailed projects to join their executives
VR Awards through the power of virtual reality.
that are attending the VR Awards in person.
AltspaceVR has created a virtual space that
Virtual attendees can experience all of the
mirrors the atmosphere and theme of the
excitement of attending the VR awards but
ceremony night, complete with an integrated
from the comfort of their own homes and
live stream, removing the challenge of cross-
offices, while physical attendees can enjoy
continental travel to be at the VR Awards
the 5-star amenities that the red-carpeted
awards.
event has to offer.
BELOW: ENVIRONMENT EXPLORATION
ABOVE: ENVIRONMENT EXPLORATION
A natural progression for the VR Awards
More importantly to meet the inclusive and diverse nature of the VR Award’s this
This partnership was a natural fit as both the
AltspaceVR powered experience has allowed
VR Awards and AltSpaceVR have a shared
users to join from every major platform in VR;
goal of seeing the industry thrive and grow.
Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Go, HTC Vive,
It takes the actions of innovators and risk-
Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, and in 2D
takers to push the immersive industry forward
through an Android phone or PC.
- partnering with AltSpaceVR was one of the best ways to reach new audiences and
Year on year as the VR Awards grows and
further the goal of exponential growth in the
evolves, naturally the ceremony will continue
VR industry.
to search for ways to be ever present in the virtual space with a core focus on creating a
Recently releasing their Worlds and Custom Building Kit, AltSpaceVR has allowed for an unparalleled level of customisation in order to bring the physical and virtual world together. With this, Worlds is bringing users a greater level of customisation to their online experience and sets the foundations for a more personal experience.
memorable experience in both worlds.
“
ALTSPACEVR IS EXCITED TO INVITE THE VR UNIVERSE TO COME TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE TO CELEBRATE THIS AMAZING INDUSTRY, THE VR AWARDS ARE TRENDSETTERS IN EVERY WAY AND WE’RE EXCITED TO HOST THEM FOR THIS RARE VR EVENT
“
The technology behind the experience
Katie Kelly, Program Owner of AltspaceVR
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I N V ESTO RS LUN CH
What’s on the menu for investment in VR?
T
he VR Awards is directly in the centre
It’s often hard to remember that we’re
of immersive technology. The VR
currently at the very forefront of this new
Awards has a unique perspective on virtual
and exciting technology. It’s the pioneers
reality and immersive technology from all
of today that are making the future of
sides of the industry, across the world.
tomorrow. More importantly, it’s the access to finance that these pioneers are given that
Speaking to content creators and studios,
allows everyone to reap increased benefits.
we hear the challenge that companies face when needing better access to finance and
To meet this growing need of collaboration
bridging the gap between investment funds
with investors, 2018 sees the launch of the
and their bright ideas. On the other side
inaugural VR Awards Investors’ Lunch, an
of the market, we hear from investors who
exclusive invite-only event solely available
have worries about jumping in on projects
to investors with an interest in the immersive
that may not ever make it to the light of
industry.
day, or who will only invest if their losses are mitigated by joining forces through
This speciality lunch, provided free of
investment funds and partnerships.
charge, in collaboration with Digital Catapult and AWE/Super Ventures is hosted yearly
However, despite this, it’s clear to us and
on the day of the VR Awards, overlooking
many outside of the industry that VR and AR
London’s stunning skyline.
are coming en masse and is here to stay. As hardware continues to evolve to be smaller,
Visit awards.vrbound.com/vra-annual-
easier to use and more affordable, the rate
investors-lunch to find out how you can
at which XR hardware and content is used
become part of this investor only lunch
will rapidly become synonymous with the
as well as what’s in store for the future of
average mobile phone.
investment in immersive technology.
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T H A N K YOU TO O UR SPO N SO RS & PA RTN ERS The success of the VR Awards is tightly linked to the generosity and support of its sponsors and partners.
VR BOUND Event Organisers
ADMIX Award Sponsor
DELOITTE DIGITAL Judging Locations
MOORE STEPHENS Award Sponsor LO NDO N CO L L E G E O F CO MMUNICATIO N, UAL
Award Sponsor 8 NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE Venue Sponsor
GREEN SPARK
RACCOON LONDON
AV Partner
Photography Partner
DIGITAL CATAPULT
AW E
Investors Lunch Partner
Investors Lunch Partner
SUPER VENTURES
VR FOCUS
Investors Lunch Partner
Media Partner
FUTURE PLC 3D ARTIST
UPLOADVR
Media Partner
VIRTUAL REPORT .BIZ Media Partner
Media Partner
VIRTUAL REALITY REPORTER Media Partner
CUSTOM COOKIES CO.
BADGE BASE
Gift Partner
Gift Partner
THE SOAP CO. Gift & Corporate Social Responsibility Partner POPCORN KITCHEN Gift Partner
CARPO Gift Partner
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LONDON’S MOST CENTRAL VENUE
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Described by English Heritage as ‘the grandest example of a Victorian ballroom in existence’. 8 Northumberland Avenue is where cutting edge technology meets classic Victorian architecture, creating the perfect venue to host events for up to 1000 guests.
“IT HAS BEEN A SINCERE PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. IT IS BY THE FAR THE LOVELIEST VENUE THAT I’VE EVER WORKED WITH, AND YOUR TEAM’S KINDNESS AND FLEXIBILITY MADE IT EXTRAORDINARY” - STARTUPBOOTCAMP W e w o u l d l i k e t o w i s h a h u g e c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h i s e v e n i n g ’s n o m i n e e s !
V R AWA R DS 2 0 1 8 B A DG E G IF T PA RTN ER Badge Base proudly congratulates all the outstanding 2018 nominees. Good luck to everyone nominated.
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GOOD LUCK
TO ALL NOMINEES THIS EVENING!
S P ECIA L THA N K S
The VR Awards 2018 would like to thank...
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VR BOUND
PHIL WANG
Organisers
Ceremony Host
AWARD SPONSORS
EVENT PARTNERS
Moore Stephens
GreenSpark Productions
London College of Communication, UAL
8 Northumberland Avenue
Admix
Raccoon London
The Soap Co.
Deloitte Digital Fragers
GIFT PARTNERS
Mayor of London
Badge Base The Soap Co. (CSR Partner) Custom Cookie Co. Popcorn Kitchen Carpo
MEDIA PARTNERS Future PLC / 3D Artist VR Focus UploadVR Virtual Report Biz
INVESTORS LUNCH PARTNERS
Virtual Reality Reporter
Digital Catapult Superventures AWE VR Award 2018 Judging Panel
Follow @VRAwards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with #VRAwards
CREDITS
Organised and produced by VR Bound
Daniel Colaianni
Jamie Van Amstel
Kelly Wright
Executive Producer
Communications Director
Creative Director
Brandon Lee
Sam
Executive Assistant
Caelin Toms Marketing and Events Assistant
Luke Roberge Marketing and Events Assistant
Gary Kirby
Production Assistant
Katriona
Production Assistant
Phil Wang
Ceremony Host
One-Drum Performers
Audio/Visual Coordinator
Nick Duley
Research Assistant
Emily Foster
Research Assistant
Matthew
Production Assistant
Alix
Raccoon London Photographer
Quentin Reytinas Freelance Photographer
Gaudio Awards Award Trophies
Alchemy Live
After Party Coordinator
Ben Annas
Maria de Margary
Catering
Ryza Media
VFX & Motion Graphics
Fragers
Demo Partner
Minty Studios
Creative Studio
unitrΔ_Δudio
Superventures & AWE
DJ Leroy
Digital Catapult
VR Awards Music
After Party DJ
Investors Lunch Partner
Investors Lunch Partner
Julie Cummings
Production Assistant
VR Awards Voiceover
VR Awards 2018 Book of Achievement © 2018 VR Bound Ltd // awards@vrbound.com // +44 (0) 1206 598 016 VR Awards, 65B North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1PX Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the Publishers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.
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REGIST ER YO UR IN TERES T TODAY
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The future is now. awards.vrbound.com/nominate
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