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Looking forward to this being released.
(All links in this post are 100% safe, being Pinterest, and Deviantart. Or I would not link)
Can you move through the environments. Is there locomotion...?
And if so is it -(hopefully)- full motion, and not teleporting.
(Well both would be amazing) as Full motion would be so much more immersive. But also porting for those who get MS in motion.
🌟 1, can you interact with the fauna. I am a huge animal lover, and was very very pleased to see the list... "and more to come" of beautiful wildlife in Nature Treks VR.
Will it be possible to get close, and observe them. as that alone would be incredibly relaxing. Interacting also would be amazing, but just watching would be brilliant.
🌟 2, Music. I saw how it is possible to turn off the music, and listen to the beauty of nature.. Very pleased you are including this option.
However would it be possible to play our own music through the game?
🌟 3, future environments.
I love all of the scenes shown in the trailer.
However as this is VR could you please consider one, or even some fantasy environments.
Let me explain...
I am not talking fantasy as in Mordor, or lakes of fire.
I mean "fantasy" in the terms of beautiful, relaxing, and fantastical...
Rolling hills, lagoons, and strange landscapes beneath alien sky's, MASSIVE felled statues, strange beautiful flora and fauna.
The huge statue / s being something mysterious, but beautiful.
If you do a search for...
"Amazing fantasy landscapes"
and also for ...
"Beautiful fantasy landscapes"
In Google images... That is what I mean.
Just one (or more) environment/s to add to, and compliment the "real life" ones.
It would be utterly stunning to vist a place such as this, in the graphical fidelity you are incorporating in this lovely title. But not have to blast anything, or be "at wars with"... etc etc..
"This being VR," it is a wonderful idea to have these amazing environments you are bringing.
However..
"This being VR," Anything is possible, and so including places that we would never be able to visit, no mater how rich we were, or where we lived.
Would also bring another element to "Nature Treks VR." it would still totally be "nature" but of a different kind.
PS, I suffer with Megalophobia, and so would really love to see whose immense crumbling statues of a once proud civilization.
http://fangfingers.deviantart.com/art/Lost-Wonders-of-the-World-1-69767612
Or a gargantuan but peaceful giant beyond the mountains. Think the end of Moana.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/218987600611964839/
and
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/575827502341161277/
Once again thank you for bringing a different approach to VR.
Hi Andy, thanks for the suggestions. Fantastic ideas.
I will answer the locomotion question first, its been the issue highlighted most and the main reason we have decided to launch in early access so we can spend some time working on the best solution for this, and find one that will suit everybody.
Yes you can explore the environments, the movement is currently teleportation. You have a huge area to explore with 250 locations, so hopefully you do not feel restricted.
We have a strong feeling against our own judgement that the majority of people will request full movement, currently is our number 1 priority and is being worked on. We have a prototype working with arm swinging locomotion, as it stands that's been the most comfortable but it still has the majority of people reporting motion sickness. Seeing as the experience is a relaxing one, we need to get that right.
On to your great suggestions:
1. You can get close to the animals currently, there are many wandering around. In terms of interaction, what would you suggest? Its VR so most people will probably just throw stones or sticks at them :)
2. There are plans to give the player the option to add their own music, that would be interesting as elements within the environments with behave differently depending on the audio. Currently there are 6 audio tracks per level so it shouldn't get repetitive.
3. Those locations would be amazing, so the answer to that is really, yes we would like to add as many as possible and all those you suggest would work.
The scope and ambition really depends on how much support we get during EA
Firstly WOW. Love ALL the feedback. 250 locations.. Now Im REALLY looking forward to it.
And yes. I too would guess that full motion will be at the top of people lists. Especially in this- (lets be honest) -"Virtual REALITY", in every sense.
AS far as full motion, agreed "the arms swinging system" is the most comfortable I have tried in all my VR titles.
I would make a couple suggestions for helping those who get MS, even with the "arm swinging."
You probably already know of the most common, and most effective ways of combating MS, when full motion is happening.
They being..
🌟 1, a Vignette that comes onto the borders of the screen, only while in motion, restricting the players FOV, and so reducing the "ALL around awareness."
And..
🌟 2, Some sort of 3D static element, be it dots, a "box grid" or some such surrounding the player, again only when in motion.
I would suggest you having a look at a couple of games that both incorporate these methods, as well as.... And this is really important IMHO...
Having the ability to tailor the Vignette / Grid to the players specific taste, and level of MS.
Or have it all off, if that in the preferred way of playing.
I suggest these 2 games, both on steam.. (that are nothing like this title.) I can recommend more if needed.
Both offer the MS reducing facilities.
🌟 Trickster VR.
🌟Vertigo. (Vertigo also has a free demo.)
I hope these suggestions help.
----------------
Onto the requests.
Point 1.
Fauna.
As soon as you said about the animals, I agree there are some idiots about.
But I also had an idea that could help with animal interaction... Taken from another game I have played.
I'm not sure what you think. But personally I think it would fit this title beautifully.
Look up a game called "Yore VR." (Again its nothing like Nature Treks VR)
As in...
In that game you build and craft, go on adventures, and can hunt (if that's your thing) in a fantasy type surrounding.
However...
I spoke to the excellent dev on a number of occasions, and expressed my dislike of the hunting side. To which he explained that you don't have to, and ....
We get to my point. 😊
The animals react to how the player treats them. (much like you just described the environment reacting to to the music.)
So if the player (in Yore) goes after the animals, to harm them, they will learn this, and run away once he/she gets within a certain distance to them. (quite far in that game as weapons are available.)
But to all the people who play, who are animal lovers, and just want to enjoy the beautiful stags etc. To look at, and approach, and see them LIFE SIZE, in awesome VR, they (again) learn that there is no threat.
I honestly believe that if you were able to incorporate this mechanic into Nature Treks VR, it would suit the game-play not only as well, but possibly better. Because the whole vibe is about relaxing, and enjoying nature, and not harming it, or the tranquillity.
🌌 It could be (in single player) that the fauna learns the patterns of that player. And the potential harm, from that personr is held indefinitely, and the player has to win back the equilibrium of the virtual nirvana, before they can approach the wildlife.
🌌 Or the faunas trepidation could be reset each time the player starts the game / program.
But if they harm the fauna, they will be shunned, and the Bears, Boars, Rabbits, Stags etc with just run, and scatter.
As well as a (in my opinion) very cool way of deterring this type of behaviour. It would also bring "Yet Another" depth, and level of reality to the amazing scene. with real life reactions.
---------
As far as animal interaction.
I personally wouldLOVE the ability to be able to reach out, and stroke, and pet the beautiful wildlife. I can only imagine petting a full size bear. or boar, (as well as al the other creatures) that would be TRULY spectacular. And I know I would not be lone in that thinking.
And the tine animals and insects reacting to the motion controllers (THEBLU, style) 'again,' would be magical.
And as for the aquatic creatures.. lol. simply awesome.
Quick request...
Please show the controlers as hands in the VR world, and not just leave the graphic as the controllers.
Last point on this subject for now.
Anyone who bought an utterly beautiful title like this, and wanted to in anyway disrupt the serenity of nature. Or, and especially the wildlife.. well....
Point two.
Music.
I love the sound- (pun intended 😉 ) -of the elements in the environments changing with the music.
I was thinking of likes of...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gExqggkU4Yw&list=PL-LIf6JIlIfftiDSm6JMRQpmJ9ADW43K0
And this type of thing.
And so, if the environment reacted to different tunes, beats, etc.. and we could play our own through the game engine... lol. I'm shaking my head, and grinning as I type with sheer respect.
Point 3.
Fantasy type scenes with awesome set-pieces.
Quick point...
I'm not sure why that Deviant art link I pasted. treats the picture as an "adult picture."
I'm not sure if you saw it, but its fantastic.
Two hikers in a massive field in Ireland, with a gargantuan statue (looks about a mile long) in the background. Of a decaying stone, reclining woman, on an immense round pedestal.
I really hope you are able to bring some fantastical scenes, and with... humongous statues, or giants. peaceful, serene, but totally breathtaking.
Last point.
And I hope you dont mind my thoughts, advice, and input here. Forgive if you already know ALL this.
"How much support we get during EA."
Firstly, I am sure with this type of amazing project, and obviously how passionate you are about it. I would imagine a LOT of support, and feedback from the community.
However.
Please don't do what so many other devs have done, when introducing their labours of love onto steam, and usher it in with a tiny whisper. So unless a perseon looks and looks, they dont know it exists.
So so many times iv looked through (especially) the VR titles and been surprised, because "I didn't know this, or that title even existed."
Its all about sales, which is all about "exposure." People wont, or even cant, get excited, talk about, show friends, give feedback, and ultimately, and OFC "purchase it"
... if they don't know it exists.
Take it from an old hand in sales and marketing.
1, I'm not sure (on Steam) what the procedure is to get a title on the store page, showing it is available for EA, or release. But if its possible... get it on there.
2, Be proactive in the forums, give feedback, and talk to the fans. It gores a long way.
I know you certainly look like you are already, I'm just putting it out there. 😁
3, Give updates on the Store page. Speaks for itself. Be honest with updates, if its going to take longer, just say it.
Players, and purchasers understand, and although as a community we push the devs, we also would much rather it took a little longer, and was right, rather than released and "not ready."
4, perception of value.
We all know overpricing any product will have folks saying "Ill just wait for a sale."
But just as important, don't sell it for $1.50... Its the old story, of people looking and assuming, "well its cheap because its not that good."Or in Steams case, the assume wrongly because its too cheap "there cant much content."
Hitting that "sweet spot" that brings in the ££ readies you need, while catering to everyone's perception of value, and wallet.
5, Use EA as a good time to buy. "To support you guys." But also to get it lower priced. But make sure people know the price will rise, once fully released. (its worth it.)
I hope you didn't mind me going on. And forgive me if I have just taught you to suck eggs.
Just trying to help. 😊
Thanks for spending the time writing that, it really is all great and valuable input.
It all seems logical and would most certainly improve the experience considerably.
I'm a bit concerned your going to be disappointed with the currently version of Nature Treks VR, while I think it does its job to give the user a relaxing experience in diverse, beautiful environments I think the details and features may be lacking.
Already the expectation of the VR gaming community is very high and we have a VERY small budget.
Of course that's the nature of the industry and I'm not complaining, it all evens itself out and if developers are able to create amazing experiences and put food on the table then all power to them.
I appreciate your suggestions are within scope 'your not asking for hunting or crafting for example'. I just hope we can inch towards your ideal experience given time and Nature treks can reach its potential.
Fears are it will get shut down immediately with negative reviews.
Anyway thanks again for the interest and giving your incite.
I must apologise. I tend to get enthusiastic about ... well everything. lol.
I have no doubt that I and most, if not all others who expiernece it will love it.
My "ramblings" are what I would love to see in it.
But they really boil down to a few things. Most are (by the sound of it already in NTVR)
🌌 1, serenity. Donning the HMD and being transported to a beautiful, beach, wooded clearing, lakeside... etc etc..
🌌 2, Wildlife. That most of us do not have the opportunity to watch, foraging close by. Remember that because everything in VR is life size, this alone will be a magical experience in itself.
I have to put this here, when I first watched the trailer for Nature Treks VR, on the steam page the other day. I was thinking.. "I like this" but what sealed it was when I saw the stag, I found myself saying, "Oh that's cool."
Because I knew it would be life size.. And to me that was always one of the top things I wanted to experience in VR, and oh brother it didn't, and never disappoints.
🌌 3, The sounds. Be they music, or the natural sounds of the scenes.
And that is it... That is all it needs to be. Other stuff like Fantasy scenes flora and fauna, (*cough and huge statures, gentle giants etc...) Will / would be awesome.
However the core of this experience is those 3 points IMHO.
Oh and by the way. Please know that crafting, and building oh no.. No this was not in anyway what I meant. I was only referring to Yore as an example of the wildlife knowing and reacting to a threat.
And as for hunting.. Please forgive my reply here, but "HELL NO"... (and... breath...) Lol... Just thinking about that....I think I need a spell in Nature Treks VR right about now.)
I (think) I fully understand what"Nature Treks VS" is all about.
Its a sensory experience.
The whole point is not NOT to "play" but to immerse ones self into a virtual shangri la.
And that's it. And that's all it should be.
Let me suggest that you......
(Here we go again with the references.. chuckle.) But I would recommend that you take a look at a Steam title (its totally free) called "Gnomes and Goblin."
It is simply charming. Magical, and relaxing.
Now I do not mean that Nature Treks VR should have cute little goblins etc... But in reality.. "why not, or something along those lines." As the "fantasy fauna" (in one of the fantasy scenes, if you make one.)
The reason I am suggesting that you have a look at this title is just for the ambiance that title brings. (its a magical woodland clearing, and ... ( well, I wont spoil it... Have a look I don't think you will be disappointed.)
And that.. I am assuming is what Nature Treks VR is ALL about. Ambience, and beauty, and relaxation... "refreshing ones inner chi."
One thing / suggestion, I would add, if its not already in NTVR.
Is the ability to sit.... Just sit on our floors, in our homes while playing, and consequently be sitting on the virtual beach, loam, grass, lakeside, etc, in NTVR.
I have done this many times in "Gnomes and Goblins, and just gazed around at the trees, and lantern, and the scampering of the delightful tiny Goblins.... And it ... it... so... relaxing.
But honestly, no I don't think I or anyone will be disappointed.
In fact the only thing. (Not having experienced it yet) that I can imagine peoples (if any) negativity, would be about would be the likes of anti aliasing, and optimisation. (which is a stock complaint in 90% of games.)
And also seeing as when the graphical fidelity in VR, becomes more than a few flat polys with some basic texture on them. It can need a little fine tuning. But you would know WAY MORE than I on this.
I honestly think, as long as its marketed right, so the people who buy, and "play" Nature Treks VR will know, and want exactly what it is, it will receive all the accolades it deserves.. (but again this is speculation based on the beautiful footage I have seen on the trailer.)
Its all about buyers expectations.
In the store page, you needed to include the fact that "it is just for relaxation." and "Its all about chilling, and beauty."
And Iv just looked again, and IMHO you already have represented this fact totally.
Gnomes and Goblins looks brilliant. I've download it and will give it a go tonight when my son goes to bed. Will Get back with some additional thoughts after that.
There are no tricks in the trailer, its taken directly from the game. I hope its represented honestly. However it does have its fair share of antialiasing. It does support dynamic super sampling so I've done what I could. One of the issue with natural environments in VR, especially in an open world experience like Nature Treks is all the leaves and grass in the distance.
Gnomes and Goblins looks to beautifully craft a very localised world (or appears to without playing it yet|), they can throw a stack of detail at that. Background objects can be radially reduced in detail (or just be flat) to avoid antialiasing issues.
In Nature Treks the player can explore, so the entire environment has to be detailed.
Need to run out now but I will get back on later or tomorrow after I have player Gnomes and Goblins.
Hey.
I am really pleased you will try it, and look forward to your thoughts.
And I see what you mean, as G&G is set in one place, aallowing techniques to be used to represent distant scenery, and objects.
☺
Not able to get past the menu screen, not able to light the candle. Guessing I need to setup room space so I will have another go later on.
First thoughts on the menu screen where pretty much what I thought. Beautifully sculpted and atmospheric. Very localised environment so they can throw a load of detail in those grass models.
Here are the games / Well "VR experiences" we spoke about that I would link..
ALL are worth Totally trying, and all Free.
My recommendation.. Dont look at any of them on the store page before VR. That way each will be a complete surprise.
They are all family friendly.
Number 1.
Its like a mini opera, lol but don't be put off, its awesome, and its not dark or scary... Well apart from the "head"... lol. But rem I have Megalophobia so that freaked me out a bit.
Seated or standing.
One of my brothers wouldn't sit through an opera if it owed him money. He LOVED this. kept telling his wife to "Have a go Jo."
http://store.steampowered.com/app/496190/
Number 2 is a Star Wars experience. Again its amazing. If you like Star Wars at all, it will blow you away.
Standing room-scale.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/381940/
Number 3, is Google Earth VR. Absolutely fascinating.
Only thing it needs it higher resolution street view. But apart form that is a complete blast. With life sized Manhattan, London, Paris... etc etc... In fact the whole world.
Standing / room-scale.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/348250/
There are quite a few more, let moi know if you want more suggestions..
Also some None Steam ones, I have tried.
If youre you a Star Trek fan. There is a simply awesome one..
Let me know what you think of these..
Interesting, its not something I'd considered before.
Players could be equipped with an in game camera and maybe a booklet with a list of animals / plants / or places to photograph. This would add a non-intrusive impetus for new players to explore and for old players to keep returning. Some animals could even be excessively rare / evasive, and photos could be saved as .jpegs, so that the players could save / share their experience!
Animals (or rare variants of existing animals) could even be introduced seasonally, temporarily, or unexpectedly! I imagine some players who've grown bored of the experience might be lured back in by the challenge / opportunity to see some rare bird or lizard!