Game of Thrones “Ascend the Wall” VR
Virtual Reality (VR), Installation
2014
About
Launching in 2014 as the world’s first commercial VR experience, “Ascend the Wall” is an immersive VR experience that places audiences within the world’s biggest TV show in a way never before seen.
Hot off the Kickstarter presses, the experience utilized the original Oculus Rift DK1 headsets, allowing fans the ability to ascend the famous 700-foot ice wall at Castle Black. A physical elevator and 4D effects like wind and rumbling were designed and implemented to complement the timing of the virtual experience, creating an unparalleled, sensory experience that perfectly blended the virtual and physical.
After the initial launch at SXSW, “Ascend the Wall” went on to tour across the globe to the masses of GOT fans for several years.
The experience was a first-of-its-kind, pushing the boundaries of both marketing and themed entertainment experiences. The result exemplified a new method of storytelling, and demonstrated to the industry how a narrative experience could be delivered in a new and unprecedented way.
The world’s first
commercial VR experience.
Background
Working in partnership with marketing agency Relevent, Framestore pitched a prototype of the experience to the visionary marketing team at HBO. As seasoned risk-takers, HBO signed on board to develop the experience.
The success of this experience springboarded the formation of Framestore’s VR Studio, the world’s first virtual reality studio, as a dedicated offering and division within the company poised to grow with the emerging XR space.
Project Credit: Senior Producer
Client: HBO
Agency: Relevent
Content developed and produced by Framestore