Ever had the thought of experiencing TIGER & BUNNY in the wonderous worlds of virtual reality? No? Us either! But it could become a thing!
On 28th April 2021, a press release was released by HTC's VIVEPORT, a leading VR app store and subscription service, which announced their collaborative partnership with BANDAI NAMCO Pictures (BN Pictures).
Over the next few months, Viveport and BNP are working to bring new services which will "enable users from hard-core players to casual viewers to enjoy new immersive animations and virtual social interactions."
In description of BANDAI NAMCO Pictures from the press release "Known for producing original animation series with strong merchandising potential, such as the ‘Aikatsu!’ series, the ‘Battle Spirits’ series and the ‘Tiger & Bunny’ series, BN Pictures also creates animations based on hit comic titles such as the ‘Gintama’ series and ‘Sergeant Keroro’ series. Viveport and BN Pictures will work closely together to create and evolve the VR ecosystem, to allow access to a wide range of virtual experiences for consumers."
Previous series' producer Ozaki Masayuki (now President and CEO of BNP) had this to say: “We at BANDAI NAMCO Pictures are an animation production company that has produced and owned numerous TV series, OVAs, Web animations, and theatrical films, and in particular, we continue to actively produce original works. By combining the original animation planning and production know-how that we have cultivated over the years with HTC’s advanced technological capabilities and strength as a communications platform, we will be able to create an environment where fans can enjoy experiences together, transcending physical limitations, as if they were diving directly into the world of our creations from anywhere in the world. We are very much looking forward to evolving this newly born space together with our fans.”
The press release's final note is that: "This partnership will initially focus on the integration of animation content, development and distribution resources from both companies, ongoing collaborations on new animation and IP development, and robust exploration of new business opportunities. Through the collaboration with BN Pictures, Viveport will continue to enrich and diversify the content for mobile and social VR platforms – creating new and fun virtual entertainment."
From BNP's Japanese version of the press release, the service is tentatively called "Banapy Forest" in reference to their mascot.
With all this in mind, it'll be interesting to see what experimental opportunities this might bring to the T&B IP, e.g. having the series distributed on their services with possible VR integrated elements in it, to maybe having a full on immersive interactive experience where you're in Stern Bild in VR! Could absolutely nothing come out of this! Possibly but who knows!
We'll continue to watch this space.
Sources: Viveport Press release / Namco Bandai Picture's Japanese Press / HTC Vive Twitter / T&B related HTC Vive Tweet
