What's Happening?
Bandai Namco Filmworks and Atlas V have announced that the interactive VR movie, Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom, will be available on PlayStation VR2. Originally released on the Meta Quest platform, this VR anime film is set in the Universal Century 0096, three years after Char's Counterattack. The narrative follows a mercenary group called Argent Keil, providing a neutral perspective on the conflict between the Earth Federation and Zeon. The film features 6DoF, 360° environments, and a cel-shaded visual style to match the anime's aesthetics. While the interactivity is limited, the experience is heavily narrative-driven.
Why It's Important?
The release of Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom on PlayStation VR2 signifies a growing trend of VR adaptations of popular anime franchises, potentially expanding the audience for VR content. This move could attract both anime enthusiasts and VR gamers, enhancing the market for narrative-focused VR experiences. The collaboration between Bandai Namco and Atlas V highlights the increasing interest in merging traditional storytelling with immersive technology, which could lead to more innovative content in the future.
What's Next?
While a specific release date for the PlayStation VR2 version has not been announced, the existing availability on Meta Quest suggests that the transition to a new platform may not take long. Fans of the Gundam series and VR enthusiasts will likely anticipate further announcements regarding the release date and any additional features that might be included in the PlayStation VR2 version.
