Creators of the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and the hit HBO series "Game Of Thrones" teamed up during the SXSW Interactive in Austin, Texas to launch one of the most popular exhibits during the conference.
According to CNN, Oculus Rift set up booths where users could travel into the world of Westeros. Those who donned the headset were transported into the role of a Night's Watch soldier, complete with a 360-degree field of view.
"Essentially what we're trying to do is trick your brain," Ian Cleary, Vice President of Ideation and Innovation at Relevent, told The Verge, referring to the Oculus Rift's technology. "All of a sudden you've got three of your major senses telling you that you're not in Austin, Texas in a music hall, but that you are in fact on top of the Wall in Westeros. And you start to really believe it."
In order to begin the experience, users must wear the Oculus goggles and its headphones. However, in order to move about in the virtual world, users must user the Oculus' version of a game controller, which they did not provide in the experience.
.@Maisie_Williams and Arya Stark hit the red carpet at the #GOTExhibit party at #SXSW pic.twitter.com/pU81B82Wqv
— Game Of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) March 8, 2014
"We honed in on the Castle Black winch elevator because of the possibilities and constraints of the Oculus platform," Cleary told The Verge. "The Castle Black winch elevator is perfect for that," he added. "It's a box; you can't get out of it. But you have a view of the whole kingdom."
The "Game of Thrones" Oculus Rift experience only lasted 90 seconds, but there was more to see during the exhibit than just the VR headset.
Fans were able to sit in the Iron Throne, check out costumes worm by their favorite characters, view props like the famous dragon eggs and actress Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) made an appearance.
