Epic Games teaming with NASA on a new metaverse project. It will challenge developers to create virtual reality experiences set on Mars for research and testing purposes.
The rapid growth of virtual reality technology in the gaming industry has opened up a significant number of opportunities in other industries.
Now, Epic Games announced it was partnering with NASA to bring metaverse technologies and experience to scientific research and training.
The challenge is to create virtual reality assets and experiences based on Mars that can help prepare for an eventual trip to the red planet.
Epic Games and Nasa to bring metaverse to Mars
The challenge runs on the HeroX platform, which allows organizations to crowdsource solutions for unique projects.
Developers will use Unreal Engine 5 to create their Mars metaverse assets and experiences. Later these assets will be used in NASA’s Mars XR Operations Support System environment.
The developers won’t have to start from scratch.
The MarsXR environment already has a significant amount of content available. There is a world with over 400 km of Mars terrain. The world already includes day/night cycles, realistic weather conditions, simulated Mars gravity. NASA has already prepared spacesuits and rovers.
Developers can then add to these assets or use what’s available to create their custom experiences.
What will Mars metaverse look like?
NASA has announced five categories for the developers to evolve – “Set Up Camp,” “Scientific Research,” “Maintenance,” “Exploration,” and “Blow Our Minds.”
It is not yet clear if any of them are supposed to include any aliens.
There will be 20 individual prizes, 4 for each category, and a total prize pool of $7,000.
The developer who becomes the overall winner for each category will receive $6,000.
The challenge by Epic Games and NASA aiming to bring Metaverse to Mars is going to last for 80 day.
As of now, more than 150 teams of developers are willing to take part in the challenge. Most of these teams are from the US, but there are also developers from Ukraine, Kenya, Iran, South Korea, Taiwan etc.
Key takeaways
- Epic Games and NASA to create Mars metaverse
- This metaverse will be used for scientific purposes
- Developers from around the globe can become a part of this fascinating project
Source: GameRant
