Application of the technology exploded recently as developers race to provide consumers new ways to use VR sets. ABE VR is one of the first films adapted specifically to be experienced using VR. Hammerhead VR developed the concept for ABE VR, based on the award winning Sci-Fi short ABE from Rob Mclellan.
It tells the story of a misguided, malfunctioning robot looking for love from (or inside of) its human creators. If you think that sounds like a formula for disaster, you need to watch the trailer. It clearly shows that “disaster” does not even begin to describe ABE’s twisted search for acceptance.
The film is justifiably categorized as a horror film, and tells the story of a robotic assistant that is glitching in the most disturbing way imaginable, with tie-down gurneys, bone saws, and all.
Hammerhead VR created ABE VR with the Unreal Engine as part of its foray into filmmaking in virtual reality. The studio touts on its site that fans no longer “have to just watch the film, you now get to experience it as a character. Specifically, ABE’s chosen victim.”
The company describes the experience as “remarkably intense,” as the film “explores emotional connection and heightened sense of empathy that VR delivers as a storytelling medium … such as eye tracking between ABE and us as a character, and the sense of physical restriction the user experiences.”
The goal of ABE VR was to create a truly terrifying experience for users, and so far, it seems that Hammerhead VR has met its mark. The BBFC seems to agree with its 15+ rating. Abe VR is available now for Oculus and Steam VR.
