IBM Japan announces Sword Art Online virtual reality project

IBM Japan Announces Sword Art Online-Inspired Virtual Reality MMO Project
IBM announced today something rather interesting: Sword Art Online The Beginning Project, a “virtual MMO project” in collaboration with Kadokawa, Bandai Namco, Apniplex and more, inspired by the popular anime series.
Not much is known at the moment, besides the fact that the project uses IBM’s cloud computing tech SoftLayer, and aims to explore the idea of using cognitive computing (the simulation of human thought processes in a computerized model) for the future of gaming.
Apparently, the prototype utilizes body motions to control movement in game. The protagonists of the anime Kirito and Asuna are also involved in some form, retaining their original voice actors.
The project, that has a teaser website and a trailer that you can see below, is recruiting 208 alpha tester in the Tokyo metropolitan area for a test to be held between March 18th and March 20th.
《刀剑神域》将与日本 IBM 展开合作 将「那款」VRMMO 藉由 IBM 技术实现
日本 IBM 今(22)日于 Twitter 上,释出了他们将与《刀剑神域》合作,将「那款」VRMMO 藉由 IBM 技术实现,并且释出了主视觉图以及详细情报将于明日上午 10:00(日本时间)公开的消息。
《刀剑神域》是由作者 川原 砾撰写、绘者 abec 绘制的轻小说作品,故事以虚拟现实次世代在线游戏(VRMMO)「Sword Art Online 刀剑神域〈SAO〉」为主题,描述桐人等人藉由「NERvGear」进入游戏世界后,却因为游戏设计者「茅场晶彦」的因素,导致一行人必须得打倒位于最上层 BOSS 才得以注销游戏的物语...
近年来由于 VR 以及 AR 装置的发展,过去在小说中看见藉由各式装置让人可以更深度体验游戏的方式已有机会实现,这次日本 IBM 宣布,将与《刀剑神域》合作,重现那款 VRMMO 游戏,虽然官方对此尚未释出更多的详细情报。 但由计划名称「SWORD ART ONLINE THE BEGINNING PROJECT」或许可见两方合作的目的。
根据官网表示,企划预定将于 3 月 18 至 20 日间进行 Alpha 测试,并且招募 208 人于东京都内某地进行测试。 参加企划的人,将可以藉由扫描将自己以 3D 虚拟造型进入世界中,并且藉由 IBM 的云端服务「SoftLayer」体验作品世界。
「老後想成為VR遊戲廢人」SAO川原礫老師和IBM一起談未來