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Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley hosted its first VR esports event, The Gauntlet Cup. This tournament combined VR gaming immersion with physical exercise. This unique tournament showed the value of North East’s gaming industry, allowing local companies, game-developers, and startups to collaborate, share ideas, and compete in an environment that was commercially neutral.
The contestants competed in the tournament after completing BearHammer’s Venture Gauntlet VR. This obstacle course tested players’ stamina, accuracy and reflexes by having them navigate treacherous terrains and solve puzzles while tackling various obstacles within the virtual world. The obstacle course was a glimpse into the future of video games and esports, since the UK is home some of the largest gaming and esports organisations in the World, including Riot Games, Twitch, and FACEIT.
BearHammer Ventures Gauntlet VR introduced a new aspect to esports by combining the enjoyment of video games and the benefits of exercise. The VR game created an immersive and unique experience, pushing the limits of what esports could be in the future. It also showcased new applications of immersive technology for public health. Gareth Randle won a Quest 2 VR head-set, while the two runners-up each received a PS50 voucher.
The tournament was a great way to reach a new audience in the North East. It was hosted by Advanced Media Production Gateshead in partnership with BearHammer Games and Digital Catapult, as well as Innovate UK. Digital Catapult’s mission is to grow critical economic sectors within the UK. Its Advanced Media Production network and immersive labs as well as its team of experts are all key components in helping the UK gaming industry grow and support the next generation.
The Gauntlet cup was held at a time when the North East gaming industry’s economic value is expected to grow. It now accounts for 5.4% of the UK games development workforce and games development has increased by more than 45% in the past year. The UK gaming sector is also a major employer in the UK. According to The Independent Game Developers’ Association, the UK’s overall employment has increased by 11.4% in the games development industry. Studio numbers are expected to increase by 18% by 2023.
Sophie Craggs is the Studio Manager of Advanced Media Production Gateshead. She said, “We are thrilled to be hosting such an exciting event in the Advanced Media Production Studio. The Gauntlet cup brought together North East gaming communities for an exciting and unique tournament. It offers a glimpse into the future of video games and esports. It’s my hope that this event has inspired local studios and businesses, and demonstrated what’s possible. I’m also proud that we took advantage of the opportunity to show how gaming and fitness can be combined. It was great to see the players at work.”
Brian Allen, Studio director at BearHammer Games, said: “Ventures Gauntlet VR is a unique game that challenges both mind and body. It combines physical fitness along with the thrills of adventure. We enjoyed watching players push themselves to the limit in The Gauntlet Cup.”
Gareth Randle (VR Gamer, Gauntlet Cup Winner) said: “I’m really happy with my win. I could not have competed against better people. “We need more VR games like this and I can imagine the growth trajectory in the future being incredible.”
