Virtual reality project coming next year

The makers of Wallace and Gromit are planning to launch a new high-tech ‘experience’ where fans can immerse themselves in the character’s world.

Due to be launched next year, the project will mix cutting-edge virtual reality with a real-word experience.

Aardman Animations and a consortium including games developers and IT companies, have won a £4million government grant to develop the ‘incredibly ambitious’ project.

Details of what exact form the adventure will take are shrouded in mystery, with the official announcement shrouded in unenlightening jargon about ‘story-driven experience’, ‘globally iconic characters’ and a ‘location-based multi-user augmented reality experience’.

But in announcing their funding, the Department for Business said the finished product will ‘put fans right at the heart of the action, enabling people to join adventures with Wallace and Gromit, looking in any direction, and see and feel part of the action.’

Aardman’s Sean Clarke said they would be ‘ developing brand new Wallace and Gromit content that can be interacted with on many levels. We are sure this will delight and engage fans, offer a unique experience and maintain Wallace and Gromit’s reputation as pioneers of technology.’

Susan Cummings – founder of Tiny Rebel Games, which is also member of the consortium – added: ‘We feel the future of immersive experiences lies in being able to weave a story together using a variety of media and experiences. 

‘At the core will be an engaging narrative, created in partnership with the incredibly creative team at Aardman, which will appeal to Wallace and Gromit fans of all ages. 

‘Around this core, we will use both cutting edge and traditional techniques to enable storytelling and allow people to engage with an evolving narrative. 

‘These may include immersive technologies such as augmented reality, mixed reality and haptics as well as live theatrical production, websites, social media channels and even comic books and audio adventures.’

The news coincides with the 30th anniversary of Wallace And Gromit’s first appearance in the animated short film, A Grand Day Out.

Published: 28 Apr 2019