Angler or Fish? Step Into Both Roles in This VR Fishing Game
Extended Reality | Current Events | Games
2-minute read
You might have tried interactive VR fishing games before, but this ultra-realistic VR gaming system developed by the research team at Ritsumeikan University in Japan is something else. Not only does it simulate the real feel of fishing, but it also lets your friends play as the fish you’re trying to catch.
One person plays the angler, the other plays the fish. (Source: Ritsumeikan University)
Recreating the Feel of Fishing!
The Ritsumeikan University team showcased this amazing VR fishing system at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024. It realistically replicates the "feel" of fishing. The player uses a specially designed fishing rod equipped with a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, allowing them to reel in, cast, and feel the tension of a fish on the line, as well as the weight when reeling it in.
The team used a small hand-crank generator that produces electricity when you turn the reel, simulating the "resistance" of reeling in a fish. It feels just like catching a big one! If the line suddenly snaps, the "release" sensation is perfectly recreated!
Making the VR fishing experience more realistic. (Source: Ritsumeikan University)
Can Fishing Games Be Interactive for Two Players?
Another highlight is that this VR fishing system allows another person to play as the fish. Yes, you heard that right! It’s a showdown between the "angler" and the "fish player"! Both wear VR headsets (using the VIVE Pro 2), with the angler holding the VR fishing rod, trying to reel in the fish. Meanwhile, the fish player lies on a bed with a VIVE Tracker attached to their legs, simulating swimming movements to escape the line. When the fish player gets tired, he is caught; but if the angler doesn’t manage well, the line snaps, and the fish escapes to freedom!
Looks like this fish is quite comfortable lying there. (Source: Ritsumeikan University)
However, this VR fishing system is still just a prototype. Hopefully, we’ll get to try it out someday. I wonder which is more fun—being the angler or the fish?
