Ubisoft among latest backers for Open Source Virtual Reality platform

Assassin’s Creed firm Ubisoft is among a slew of companies that have pledge their support for the Open Source Virtual Reality platform.

This is the first time Ubisoft has shown support for any form of virtual reality, having previously stated at last year’s GDC it would want VR headsets to have sold more than 1m units before embracing the technology.

Other new partners include Vuzix, Technical Illusions, castAR and a variety of indepdendent studios from around the world. Vuzix and Technical Illusions are among five new firms that will be manufacturing headsets that run on the open source platform.

The OSVR initiative has also released an update to its Hacker Development Kit, which features a new HD OLED display, improved mechanics and greater comfort for the user.

A plug-in for Unreal Engine 4 has also be released.

“Since our announcement at CES less than two months ago, OSVR has propelled into a program that some of the world’s leading companies are joining,” said Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan, a founding member of OSVR.

“It’s the combined effort of the partners that drive the entire VR industry toward a consumer-ready device that’s more immersive, upgradeable, inclusive and affordable than ever before.”

Ubisoft’s new business development director Gael Seydoux added: “The Open Source Virtual Reality framework has the potential to push the boundaries of virtual reality gaming.

“Our teams at Ubisoft are known for pioneering game development using the latest technologies so we’re looking forward to demonstrating what we can do by working with Razer and Sensics, building on the OSVR platform.”

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