Now that Virtual Reality is finally here, it is about time gamers get to enter the Sword Art Online world.
IBM Japan announced today that it is working on a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (VRMMORPG ?) set in the world of the famous Japanese manga and anime series, Sword Art Online.
Sword Art Online is a 2009 Japanese light novel series written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by abec. The series takes place in the near-future when virtual reality gamers get trapped inside the world of Sword Art Online VRMMOPRG and have to fight their way out by clearing the game.
IBM Japan is using its Watson cognitive tech and its Softlayer cloud computing platform to run "Sword Art Online: The Beginning." The game is controlled by physical movement rather than using traditional game controllers and a 3D scanner is used to sculpt in-game avatar in its owner's likeness.
The game is compatible with HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. IBM is currently taking applications for participation in closed alpha testing that'll take place in Tokyo between March 18th and 20th.
We are still short on technical details, so we are not sure whether dying in the virtual world will result in actual death or in a game over screen. May be it is best to stay clear of this game on its launch day. (Please disregard this advice if you didn't read the manga or watch the anime.)
