What's Happening?
3R Games has announced the addition of Thailand's Tham Luang cave to its virtual reality spelunking game, Cave Crave. This cave gained international attention in 2018 when a youth football team was trapped inside due to rising floodwaters. To ensure the virtual representation is accurate and respectful, the studio is collaborating with Vern Unsworth, a diver involved in the original rescue, and 3D cave-scanning expert Roo Walters. The Tham Luang cave will be featured in the game's Tourist Mode, which offers non-gamified virtual recreations of real-world locations. This update follows a previous addition of Utah's Nutty Putty Cave, which was closed in 2009 after a fatal incident. Cave Crave aims to provide an authentic exploration experience
of dangerous or inaccessible sites without gamification. The game is available on PlayStation VR2, Quest, and Steam.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Tham Luang cave in Cave Crave highlights the potential of virtual reality to offer safe and educational experiences of real-world locations that are otherwise dangerous or inaccessible. By collaborating with experts directly involved in the original events, 3R Games ensures a high level of authenticity and respect for the historical significance of these sites. This approach not only enhances the educational value of the game but also broadens its appeal to those interested in real-world exploration and history. The update could attract a wider audience to VR gaming, showcasing its potential beyond entertainment to include educational and experiential learning opportunities.
What's Next?
As Cave Crave continues to expand its library of real-world locations, it may attract partnerships with educational institutions or tourism boards interested in promoting virtual tourism. The game's developers might explore additional historically significant or culturally important sites, further enhancing the educational aspect of the game. The success of these updates could encourage other VR developers to adopt similar approaches, potentially leading to a broader trend of educational VR experiences. Additionally, the game's reception could influence future updates and the selection of new locations, depending on player feedback and interest.
