‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Fans Will Want To See Enterprise Recreated In Virtual Reality
An “enterprising” artist took it upon himself to recreate the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation using Oculus Rift, a virtual reality program, and the results are out of this world.
https://youtu.be/uK9ijZeHWjI
Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation will be stunned to see their favorite sets recreated in breathtaking virtual reality. Dubbed “The Enterprise-D 3D Project”, this piece of art in virtual reality is definitely a seller as to VR’s significant benefits, Popular Mechanics says. While only a handful of the ship’s 42 decks have actually been constructed, Star Trek lovers will feel as though they have been transported onto their own personal holodeck with this beautiful recreation, built using Unreal Engines 3 and 4.
The Enterprise-D 3D Project site outlines several different potential phases of the project, which may include citizens for the ship and external exploration. It is possible that external exploration might include travel to Starfleet Headquarters or Deep Space Nine, according to CNET. Essentially, this sort of expansion could lead to a totally immersive Star Trek experience that fans have been salivating for over the years, and may also include game play at one point.
The video that programmer Jason B revealed on Monday, September 21, is visually stunning, and features several of the Enterprise-D’s 42 decks. The reveal comes about a year after another ship from Star Trek lore, Voyager, was revealed online as a virtual reality experience, according to PC Magazine. Described as everything from “rad” to “beautiful,” it is certain that Star Trek fans who were previously unsure about the role virtual reality might play in their lives will definitely be on board with how realistic virtual reality can truly be.
This Virtual Reality Tour of Star Trek: TNG's Enterprise Is Mind-Numbingly Rad – Popular Mechanics http://t.co/xufvOGF5XI
— Star Trek time (@StarTrektime) September 22, 2015
Due to licensing issues, Jason’s progress on this Star Trek virtual reality environment has been slow. Simply put, the more realistic the VR environment, the greater risk that Jason could face that CBS, the company that ultimately holds the license for Star Trek, could come looking for some fees.
However, Road to VR reports that Jason says that, should fan interest warrant it, “I will seek CBS’ blessing to continue to create this. But to release it as a product, licensing will have to be procured. More people hired, a serious road map put into place. Games aren’t cheap. But, for now, the project exists to build a truly immersive Enterprise experience. If there is interest, I will take it all the way.”
For now, though, this beautiful Star Trek recreation is a sight to behold. Existing as a “virtual museum,” Star Trek fans across the globe will no doubt be eager to see what the Enterprise-D 3D Project will build on the Enterprise next.
