Virtual Rio Olympics draws visitors to Dubai

Dubai / Emirates Business

Visitors at the 22nd edition of the DEAL show experienced the latest in virtual reality and also had a chance to participate in virtual ‘Rio Olympics 2016’ here in Dubai.
The local, regional and international exhibitors have showcased some of the best innovations from the virtual reality industry at DEAL. Furthermore, exhibitors at the DEAL Show are exhibiting the themepark industry’s latest equipment and rides.
Atari founder Nolan Bushnell, known as the founding father of the video games industry is also present at the DEAL 2016 show.
Warehouse of Games, one of the oldest exhibitors at DEAL is showcasing the VR-CADE full motion gaming platform. VRcade installations deliver full motion, wireless, multi-player experiences designed for out of home entertainment centres. The VRcade platform ships with its flagships zombie survival game, Time Zombies, and has growing pipeline of new content across a wide range of genres. The Warehouse of Games also has the Valkyrie Revitalization which is an interactive shooting ride. The Valkyrie is an interactive 4D motion ride that combines Simuline’s immersive motion platforms with cutting edge interactive content based on the award winning ‘Unreal’ game engine.
The Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games was launched for the very first time in the world. Amusement Services International (ASI) combines two well-known hits, the Rio Olympics 2016 and brings in the two hit cartoon characters Mario & Sonic in one game.
“Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is a very fine combination of media with a lot of interaction where players will be able to compete in different Olympic Games like dashes, javelin throws using simple and easy-to-use fun controls. It’s a game that is physically engaging as it is virtually dynamic,” says Prakash Vivekanand, ASI.
Leading US-based VR technology experts VRstudios and Korean 4D entertainment company Simuline, are joining forces to deliver brand new experiential products to the location-based entertainment industry. The two companies are showcasing their products at DEAL Show 2016.
Isaac Ha, Head of Overseas Sales, Simuline, described VRstudios as a global powerhouse in VR entertainment solutions, “VRstudios’ flexible VR platform, distinctive abilities, and long-term customer engagement approach make them an outstanding partner to enhance our offerings to customers and partners. Working with VRstudios will bring new ways to differentiation Simuline from other attraction companies.”
DEAL 2016 event will be held till April 21 at Zabeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 in the Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai.
“Simulation games can transform players to other worlds. Gamers want something immediately recognizable. The popularity of pop culture franchises will rake in revenues to FECs and theme parks that incorporate movie or well-known themes to their rides or equipment. Some games also incorporated virtual and augmented reality technology to them, making the electronic gaming experience more enjoyable,” says Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of IEC, the organizers of DEAL Show.
Aside from ASI, other exhibitors will also display the industry’s top theme park and FEC simulation equipment fusions with the likes of Angry Birds, Ghost Busters, and Pink Panther.
“In 2017, the global amusement industry is expected to top US$31.8 billion. With the upcoming theme parks and the maturity in the industry, our entertainment sector is ready for global recognition and we have already paved our way for MENA to be recognized as one of the leading tourism attractions in the world. Family Entertainment Centers, or FECs, are also making waves as they become key attractions and a requisite at most, if not all retail places in the UAE,” adds Falaknaz.
DEAL 2016 event will be held till April 21 at Zabeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 in the Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE. DEAL is MENA’s most anticipated and biggest trade show for the entertainment and amusement industry’s stakeholders looking for a strong entry in the Middle East’s flourishing market. Over 300 global and regional exhibitors from 33 countries will unveil the industry’s top and latest rides, services, and equipment.