Battletech in the Virtual World – circa 1990 versus 2015

Entering a “mech” robotic exoskeleton and joining an arena with friendly and enemy mechs and robots has been a favourite virtual worlds entertainment theme for many years. Software based systems for personal computers, games consoles and physical simulators have all been employed. lets compare the offerings from around 1990 and 2015… 25 years apart.

Virtual Geographic League, San Diego, California, USA, circa 1990

Battletech Centers opened in the USA from 1990 onwards. The facilities usually had a coffee bar where people could gather and talk… and when your session was due you could enter a preparation area where participants were briefed and choose the mech they would enter and its weapon systems and defences. You could save this on your membership card for later experiences. You then entered the actual simulator area. Each facility typically involved 16 or more “pods” with multiple screens and controls. The simulator door slid to close around you as if you were in the pilot seat of the mech and then the screen opened onto the arena, usually a planet’s surface. More details on Wikipedia – Battletech Centers.

Images from Yelp – Virtual World

Given that this was all possible 25 years ago, it was very impressive and immersive for its time.

Battletech Center, Shibuya, Tokyo, circa 1992

As well as allowing gaming between people in one center, the pods could also be connected via the internet to allow for international events and tournaments.

Oculus Rift, circa 2015

In 2015 a mech warrior experience is available for the Oculus Rift – Vox Machinae. Not yet connected to other players in real time. The opponents are computer generated.

Images from Oculus Rift Share