Sports Technology

In an Australian first, Dreamworld is previewing a locally-developed virtual reality (VR) experience - dubbed ‘SkyRider’ - on one of its ‘Big 9’ thrill rides, the Mick Doohan Motocoaster.

The Gold Coast theme park is inviting a limited number of guests per day during the spring school holidays to preview SkyRider in preparation for the official launch of the VR experience later this year.

In developing the unique VR platform, Dreamworld collaborated with Samsung Australia and Sydney-based software innovatorsRotor Studios, to design an immersive experiencetailored to the Motocoaster track.

Wearing headsets powered by Samsung GearVRand Unreal Engine 4,SkyRider takes riders on an immersive high-speed 3D mission through a virtual alien landscape to defend earth and the ‘galactic frontier’.

Dreamworld Chief Executive Craig Davidson said the project team – which included Dreamworld engineers – had designed and built the program from scratch to appeal to a wide audience.

Davidson explained “the experience is truly out of this world. Its tailor made so there’s nothing like it in Australia or overseas

“We looked at some ‘off-the-shelf’ products from overseas but decided we could do something even more engaging and amazing by making our own.

“The outcome is something very unique and proudly Australian-made, combining some of the country’s best digital engineers and artists with cutting edge technology, only available at Dreamworld.”

Davidson said the park planned to extend the VR option to moreMotocoaster riders later this year, creating two different ways to experience one of the park’s most popular rides.

He added “with its high-speed winding track, the Motocoaster really lends itself to an action-packed race through a virtual world so it was an obvious choice to start on.

“All going well, we hope to introduce VR as an option on other rides and attractions in the parkto further extend and enhance the guest experience.”

Former world champion motorcyclist Mick Doohan welcomed the new technology to help take the thrill ride that bears his name to a whole new racing level.

Doohan explained “I’m delighted Dreamworld chose the Motocoaster to trial the new SkyRider VR experience.

“Without the headsets, the Motocoaster is a really fun ride but VR really raises the bar. It’s a completely new and exhilarating racing experience.”

Samsung Electronics AustraliaVice President for IT and Mobile, Richard Fink concluded “this collaboration between Samsung and Dreamworld breaks new ground for how our technology can help engage audiences in more meaningful and immersive ways.

“It also represents the importance of partnerships in developing the best possible virtual reality experiences powered by Samsung Gear VR.”

Images: The virtual reality (VR) experience on Dreamworld's Mick Doohan Motocoaster. Images courtesy of Dreamworld.

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