From: lishka@cernvax.cern.ch (christopher lishka)
Subject: Re: Yes, there are VR video games
Date: 3 Jul 91 09:00:46 GMT
Organization: CERN, Geneva, Switzerland




In <1991Jul1.223739.29950@menudo.uh.edu> J Eric Townsend writes:

>Race Drivin' has a standard shift, with clutch, brake and gas.  At
>least the one I play does.  There's also a "wraparound" unit with
>three monitors, but I've yet to play it.

Hmmm.  The "sitdown" version that I have played (both in "Hard
Drivin'" and "Race Drivin'" models) only has one monitor.  I have also
played stand up versions as well, but again they only had one monitor.

>[MODERATOR'S NOTE:  I think we're talking about "Hard Drivin'," a game
>previewed at the 1989 Hackers Conference that has since taken the world
>by storm.  I saw a whole bank of the things in a Tokyo game parlor.  Lots
>of yen to play, by the way. -- Bob Jacobson]

"Hard Drivin'" was the first version.  It had only one race course,
with two separate tracks on the course.  It also only had one type of
car.  The followup game was called "Race Drivin'" and features three
separate courses (the original, an auto-cross course, and a killer
course complete with mountains), three different cars, and faster
graphics.  "Race Drivin'" is also able to tilt all of the graphics on
the screen, which I believe "Hard Drivin'" was not able to do (this
helps in simulating hard turns).  Both games use solid-model "vector"
graphics, rather than the bitmaps of the same object at different
distances which some arcade games use.  Atari manufactures both "Hard
Drivin'" and "Race Drivin'".

I have played two different configurations of each game: standup and
sitdown.  The standup version is pretty much a straight-forward
arcade-style driving game.  The sitdown has a cockpit which you climb
into from the back, which isolates you more from the arcade and
provides better stereo sound.  Both versions have the same user
interface: (a) a single large monitor which displays the forward view,
rear-view mirror, and dashboard displays (speed, RPM, fuel, etc.); (b)
a manual shift, which can either be used or disabled (i.e. an
automatic transmission is emulated); (c) a steering wheel which
provides some feedback (e.g. it becomes harder to turn when going real
fast); and (d) a standard clutch/brake/gas pedal layout.  The games
which I have played in Madison, WI, range between $0.50 and $1.00.

In my humble opinion, these arcade driving simulators should be
considered a type of virtual world.  It is obvious that the layout of
the race courses is held in some form of database.  Small details
(like a diner, train, cows, and mountains) have been included to make
the simulation more realistic.  You also race against other cars, and
some courses are on two lane roads so you are forced to contend with
hazards like on-coming trucks.  The virtual worlds are "static" in
that the player cannot add anything to them, but they still represent
an attempt to immerse the player in an alternate reality, if only for
the duration of the game.

I guess it comes down to what you consider a "virtual world."  In my
book it is an attempt to place the user/player in a simulated world
(however big or small), and to use the user's/player's senses to
"fool" her/him into believing they are in another place that doesn't
exist in the physical world.  I even include MUD's (and BattleZone) as
early versions of VW's.

Also, I would like to add (again) that the arcade and home computer
game world is offering many low-cost VR/VW experiences to a lot of
people out there.  It is amusing to realize that the arcade simulators
(some which now use goggles, it seems) are very likely letting more
people experience VR/VW's than the high-end systems.  Sure, these
arcade games are not what many would consider to be full-fledged
interactive VR/VW's, but they are *ALREADY* out there and are being
enjoyed by many people.

Comments, anyone?

							.oO Chris Oo.

-- 
Christopher Lishka       It is not safe out here.  It is wonderous, with
Wisconsin Group, CERN    treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross.
lishka@cernvax.cern.ch   But it is not for the timid. -- Q