Latest news with #LBE
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
HTC Partners with NTT Com to Forge a New Model for Immersive Entertainment in Japan
TOKYO & TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HTC Corporation, a global leader in innovative smartphone and virtual reality platforms, today announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the leading Japanese ICT solutions provider for telecommunications and smart venue infrastructure. The two companies will join forces to promote the development and application of large-scale immersive location-based entertainment (LBE) across Japan, paving the way for a new era of immersive experiences. LBE is a rapidly growing type of immersive entertainment that brings extended reality (XR) headsets into physical spaces, allowing guests to enjoy virtual experiences together. LBE can deliver a range of experiences across culture, entertainment, education, and tourism. For LBE venue operators, HTC's lightweight deployment solutions allow for quick setup without major renovations, which enables flexible planning and improved venue utilization and value. As Japan continues to invest in large-scale sports and concert venues, operators face the challenge of maximizing venue usage in off-peak periods. Reducing operational costs while increasing usage is crucial to the health of these businesses. With HTC's globally leading LBE technology and NTT Com's expertise in smart venue infrastructure and networking, the partnership will develop innovative LBE immersive experiences and help revitalize venue operations. As a pioneer in XR, HTC has successfully launched immersive cultural exhibitions in multiple countries, showcasing the versatility of LBE in large spaces. Notable examples include "Eternal Notre-Dame," recreating the historical splendor of Notre-Dame Cathedral; "Versailles: The Lost Garden of the Sun King," transporting visitors into the grandeur of French royal gardens; and "La Magie Opéra," an operatic XR journey at the Paris Opera. These experiences have received acclaim from international media and audiences alike, highlighting the potential of XR to transcend cultural and technological boundaries. HTC's LBE solution supports multi-user synchronous immersive experiences, allowing free exploration of virtual spaces as large as 1,000 square meters (approximately 33 x 30 meters). These experiences can be adapted for different uses, including cultural exhibitions, performing arts, military and police training, educational outreach, and immersive tourism, offering high scalability and commercial flexibility. Looking ahead, HTC and NTT Com plan to deepen their collaboration by working with popular Japanese IP holders in anime and gaming, cultural institutions, and local governments to expand the scope and depth of immersive content offerings. In addition, NTT Com will explore integrating its advanced technology platforms—such as IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network), IoT applications, and tactile transmission systems—to build a next-generation entertainment model. This will enable real-time multi-site connectivity and highly interactive immersive experiences, driving Japan's LBE ecosystem toward a more interconnected, intelligent future. About HTC HTC Corporation is a global technology innovator delivering award-winning products and industry firsts since 1997. The company creates inspiring products and experiences through a strong line of mobile solutions, connected devices, and VIVE virtual reality (VR) hardware and ecosystem. HTC offers a diverse portfolio of mobile and VR hardware, software, and content that transforms the way consumers and businesses see and interact with the world and beyond. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit About NTT Communications NTT Communications offer a full portfolio of advanced, end-to-end ICT infrastructure services backed by one of the most extensive IT operations in the world. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure combines premiere global data centers, a high-capacity, low latency tier-1 IP backbone and around the clock global operations support.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Play For Dream MR Headset Powers Next-Gen LBE Experiences at AWE USA 2025
Play For Dream MR headset demonstrates commercial-ready solutions for arcades and entertainment venues, backed by ecosystem partnerships and SteamVR breakthroughs. LONG BEACH, Calif., June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Play For Dream, a global pioneer in spatial computing, showcased the world's first Android-based spatial computer at Augmented World Expo (AWE) USA 2025, featuring an 8K Micro-OLED display with world-leading 14ms VST latency plus hand and eye tracking. The device drew record crowds to Booth #631, where attendees queued for immersive demos while venue operators explored large-scale deployment opportunities, validating its mission to make "Spatial Computing Get Real" in commercial entertainment. Transforming Location-Based Entertainment Play For Dream MR delivers turnkey solutions for arcades and family entertainment centers (FECs), addressing core industry challenges of low throughput and passive interactions. Attendees experienced three revolutionary demos: In the Gesture-Controlled Jellyfish Aquarium, users manipulated virtual marine life with natural hand movements via precision tracking—no controllers required. The Dino Expedition transformed physical spaces into primeval forests where photorealistic dinosaurs reacted to real-world obstacles, demonstrating seamless environment blending. At the Floating Chess Arena, holographic pieces stabilized flawlessly on physical boards through advanced spatial anchoring, enabling competitive multiplayer matches. Wireless AAA Gaming Performance Beyond LBE applications, the headset achieved industry-leading SteamVR streaming for titles like Half-Life: Alyx. Leveraging Wi-Fi 7 and Virtual Desktop optimization, users experienced uncompromised visual fidelity with under ultra-low latency—proving standalone device can deliver desktop-grade VR wirelessly. This breakthrough eliminates tethering constraints while maintaining cinematic immersion. Strategic Ecosystem Accelerates Deployment Play For Dream's partnership ecosystem—featuring LBE content partners such as Story Studio and MixWorld—now delivers premium-quality content to broader venues. Story Studio's no-code MR engine, previously developed for Vision Pro, now enables FECs to customize experiences (e.g., dinosaur themes) in hours, not weeks. MixWorld's outdoor XR solutions, proven in high-end headset deployments, now extend spatial entertainment to theme parks and cultural sites at mass-market scale. This integrated "hardware-content-venue" model reduces deployment costs by over 30% while unlocking recurring revenue streams. Market Validation and Future Vision The spatial computing revolution is reshaping commercial entertainment, with Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) emerging as a $100+ billion global opportunity by 2030, according to MarketsandMarkets' latest industry analysis. Play For Dream's technology aligns with Disney and Universal's push into mixed-reality attractions. The company also revealed complementary applications in development: A medical rehabilitation program with Tobii leverages attention computing for cognitive therapy, while education-focused deployments are underway across Japan and Southeast Asian museums. "Think beyond screens—spatial computing sets your creativity free," said Ryan, CMO of Play For Dream Technology. "Whether you're building immersive attractions, developing content, or expanding entertainment venues, our open platform helps you turn bold ideas into reality. Let's collaborate to redefine what's possible." The company invites venue owners, content creators, and distributors to explore partnership opportunities at bd@ About Play For Dream Technology Founded in 2020, Play for Dream Technology is a company focusing on spatial computing devices. It is committed to bringing new digital entertainment experiences to users, reforming the way everyone acquires information, and advancing three-dimensional information technology. With a team of brilliant minds and a spirit of relentless innovation, Play for Dream continues to redefine what's possible with spatial computing and mixed | Twitter: @Play_for_dream View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Play For Dream Technology
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Play For Dream MR Headset Powers Next-Gen LBE Experiences at AWE USA 2025
Play For Dream MR headset demonstrates commercial-ready solutions for arcades and entertainment venues, backed by ecosystem partnerships and SteamVR breakthroughs. LONG BEACH, Calif., June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Play For Dream, a global pioneer in spatial computing, showcased the world's first Android-based spatial computer at Augmented World Expo (AWE) USA 2025, featuring an 8K Micro-OLED display with world-leading 14ms VST latency plus hand and eye tracking. The device drew record crowds to Booth #631, where attendees queued for immersive demos while venue operators explored large-scale deployment opportunities, validating its mission to make "Spatial Computing Get Real" in commercial entertainment. Transforming Location-Based Entertainment Play For Dream MR delivers turnkey solutions for arcades and family entertainment centers (FECs), addressing core industry challenges of low throughput and passive interactions. Attendees experienced three revolutionary demos: In the Gesture-Controlled Jellyfish Aquarium, users manipulated virtual marine life with natural hand movements via precision tracking—no controllers required. The Dino Expedition transformed physical spaces into primeval forests where photorealistic dinosaurs reacted to real-world obstacles, demonstrating seamless environment blending. At the Floating Chess Arena, holographic pieces stabilized flawlessly on physical boards through advanced spatial anchoring, enabling competitive multiplayer matches. Wireless AAA Gaming Performance Beyond LBE applications, the headset achieved industry-leading SteamVR streaming for titles like Half-Life: Alyx. Leveraging Wi-Fi 7 and Virtual Desktop optimization, users experienced uncompromised visual fidelity with under ultra-low latency—proving standalone device can deliver desktop-grade VR wirelessly. This breakthrough eliminates tethering constraints while maintaining cinematic immersion. Strategic Ecosystem Accelerates Deployment Play For Dream's partnership ecosystem—featuring LBE content partners such as Story Studio and MixWorld—now delivers premium-quality content to broader venues. Story Studio's no-code MR engine, previously developed for Vision Pro, now enables FECs to customize experiences (e.g., dinosaur themes) in hours, not weeks. MixWorld's outdoor XR solutions, proven in high-end headset deployments, now extend spatial entertainment to theme parks and cultural sites at mass-market scale. This integrated "hardware-content-venue" model reduces deployment costs by over 30% while unlocking recurring revenue streams. Market Validation and Future Vision The spatial computing revolution is reshaping commercial entertainment, with Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) emerging as a $100+ billion global opportunity by 2030, according to MarketsandMarkets' latest industry analysis. Play For Dream's technology aligns with Disney and Universal's push into mixed-reality attractions. The company also revealed complementary applications in development: A medical rehabilitation program with Tobii leverages attention computing for cognitive therapy, while education-focused deployments are underway across Japan and Southeast Asian museums. "Think beyond screens—spatial computing sets your creativity free," said Ryan, CMO of Play For Dream Technology. "Whether you're building immersive attractions, developing content, or expanding entertainment venues, our open platform helps you turn bold ideas into reality. Let's collaborate to redefine what's possible." The company invites venue owners, content creators, and distributors to explore partnership opportunities at bd@ About Play For Dream Technology Founded in 2020, Play for Dream Technology is a company focusing on spatial computing devices. It is committed to bringing new digital entertainment experiences to users, reforming the way everyone acquires information, and advancing three-dimensional information technology. With a team of brilliant minds and a spirit of relentless innovation, Play for Dream continues to redefine what's possible with spatial computing and mixed | Twitter: @Play_for_dream View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Play For Dream Technology Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time Business News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Location-Based Entertainment: The Evolution of Immersive Leisure Experiences
Location-based entertainment (LBE) refers to physical venues where consumers engage in interactive, often technology-enhanced, entertainment experiences—from immersive movie worlds and family amusement parks to high-tech arcades and themed social venues. As consumer demand grows for in-person, high-engagement experiences, the LBE space is undergoing a dynamic transformation powered by innovation, strategic partnerships, and educational investment. A Surge of Innovation and Strategic Moves in 2024–2025 FIU Launches D.R.E.A.M.S. Program with the Dolan Family Foundation In 2025, Florida International University (FIU), with support from the Dolan Family Foundation, launched the Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Sciences (D.R.E.A.M.S.) initiative. This academic-industry collaboration aims to position FIU at the forefront of the LBE sector by equipping students with immersive tech skills, real-world project experience, and direct access to leading entertainment partners. Impact: This initiative is expected to drive a new wave of talent into the LBE space, increasing the availability of skilled professionals who can bring cutting-edge creative and technical ideas to life. It also reflects a growing emphasis on education as a pipeline for future innovation. Blacklist Experiences and Lionsgate Join Forces Also in 2025, Blacklist Experiences announced a new collaboration with Lionsgate to develop immersive experiences based on the studio's blockbuster franchises. By fusing cinematic storytelling with interactive environments, this partnership targets fans eager to step into their favorite fictional worlds. Impact: This move further commercializes intellectual property within physical entertainment formats and intensifies competition among studios to capitalize on fan engagement through real-world attractions. It also sets a benchmark for branded entertainment in the LBE space. Lucky Strike Entertainment Acquires Visalia Adventure Park In a strategic move, Lucky Strike Entertainment acquired Visalia Adventure Park, a 7-acre family destination in California. The park features activities for all age groups, including mini golf, laser tag, go-karts, and arcades. Impact: This acquisition signals a broader trend of consolidation and expansion among LBE operators, helping companies diversify their offerings and build nationwide networks of experiential venues. It also reflects a push toward multi-generational, all-in-one entertainment centers. Bowlero to Rebrand as Lucky Strike Entertainment In late 2024, Bowlero Corporation revealed plans to rebrand itself as Lucky Strike Entertainment. This shift underscores the company's intent to move beyond its bowling roots and embrace a wider portfolio of interactive and social experiences. Impact: The rebrand marks a strategic pivot toward experiential diversification, encouraging traditional venues to innovate and evolve with changing consumer expectations. It also aligns with a growing trend where entertainment providers blend lifestyle, technology, and social engagement under a single brand. With institutions, entertainment giants, and venue operators all actively investing in immersive real-world experiences, the LBE sector is on a transformative path. As educational pipelines expand, IP-driven experiences proliferate, and legacy brands reposition themselves for the future, the stage is set for an increasingly interactive and boundary-pushing era in entertainment. About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies, by offering services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Activate and Hadrena Join Forces to Revolutionize Entertainment in France, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Portugal
The first location set to open this summer! WINNIPEG, MB / / March 20, 2025 / Activate, the world's first active gaming facility, is expanding its immersive entertainment experience across Europe. This milestone marks a major step in Activate's global growth and is driven by a strategic partnership with Hadrena, a leading innovator in the location-based entertainment (LBE) industry across the U.S. and Europe. "At Activate, we've always aimed to revolutionize entertainment by making gaming more active, immersive, and social," says Adam Schmidt, CEO of Activate. "Expanding our European footprint is a major milestone, and Hadrena's expertise in the LBE industry makes them the perfect partner. With their impressive portfolio of 130+ leisure centers, they share our vision for redefining entertainment." Hadrena first discovered Activate through its viral presence on social media, particularly its popular Mega Grid game. Sarah Lion, Hadrena's innovation director, experienced Activate at American Dream in the U.S. and immediately recognized its potential as a game-changer in the action gaming and challenge room sector. After her visit, Lion eagerly presented Activate to her colleagues, who were onboard with the idea, excited to be part of this game-changing experience. "Activate represents the future of action games, seamlessly combining technology with physical activity to engage players in a unique and replayable way," said Edouard Malnoy, CEO of Hadrena. "As we expand our portfolio of innovative leisure experiences, introducing Activate to Europe aligns perfectly with our ambition to redefine leisure. Its universal appeal and scalable model make it a perfect fit for Hadrena's ambition to lead the European market in innovative entertainment." Since its founding in 2017, Activate has transformed the entertainment industry by seamlessly blending physical activity with high-tech gaming. Activate currently has 40 locations across North America, Dubai and London, with 15 more under construction worldwide including Norway, Denmark, Germany, and Kuwait. With licensing agreements in over 20 countries, Activate plans to open 200 additional locations globally over the next 10 years. The first Activate venue in France is scheduled to open in early summer 2025 at Imagipark, a premier leisure mall in Val d'Europe, near Paris. This location will serve as a launchpad for Activate's continued European expansion, with future locations planned for Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Portugal. For more information on Activate and its expansion, visit or follow @activategames on social media for the latest updates. ### EDS: Click here for high-res assets. ABOUT HADRENA Hadrena is a leader in the location-based entertainment industry in the U.S. and Europe, operating 130 entertainment venues and aiming to reach 1,000 centers by 2032. Its portfolio includes action games, virtual reality experiences, family entertainment centers, and kids' playgrounds. For more information, visit Hadrena online. LinkedIn: @Hadrena Activate is the world's first active gaming experience where players #EnterTheGame. Activate offers a unique blend of physical activity and gaming that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Each Activate location provides fun and interactive rooms where players can work cooperatively, compete against, earn coins, and track achievements. With the global headquarters located in Winnipeg, Canada, Activate has grown to 40 locations across Canada, the U.S., the UK and Dubai. To join the active gaming movement, visit Activate and follow us on social media: Facebook: @activategames Instagram: @activategames TikTok: @activategames LinkedIn: @activategames Contact Details Tanya Williams+1 Company Website SOURCE: ACTIVATE View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
