MOTION SIMULATION FOR ALL

Motion Simulation Is Making A Comeback: Cheaper, More Reliable, Better-Supported Systems Can Compete Successfully With Theme Park Rides

By Kevin Williams

LONDON - Today's amusement simulation market represents a highly encouraging picture. Compared to the troubled days of the late 1990s -- when operators were plagued with too many costly, cranky machines; and when many simulator factories faced deep financial woes -- the 2002 simulation sector has achieved serious improvements on all fronts. Prices are lower. Reliability is higher. Factory support is better. And, operational options are broader.

As a result of these promising developments, the market niche itself is more stable. Individual factory competitors in this market may change; indeed it's almost certain that some of them will. But the future survival of the sector itself is no longer in question.

Today's simulation specialists are creating the much-needed "wow factor" that enables amusement operators and smaller venues to compete successfully against the latest theme park extreme rides. American and European simulator makers (including both wised-up veterans and sophisticated newcomers) have re-established themselves as an important, vital, and viable sector of the amusement and entertainment industry.

It's easy to see the volatility of the ever-changing manufacturer roster in the simulator niche. To begin with, check the track record of those video amusement brands that dabbled with this type of equipment. Over the past few years, many of these video factories had their fingers burned badly. They discovered that simulators were quite feasible to develop, as a special variant of existing amusement systems. But they also learned -- painfully -- that motion entertainment systems were prohibitive to maintain and support, especially at a price that the market would bear.

Recently, the closest that video amusement manufacturers have come to a cost-effective motion simulator -- at a believable price -- is a unit from Spanish developer Gaelco. This company's "ATV Track" is an off-road quad bike extravaganza, employing a very comprehensive and easy to service motion system. The piece is priced similarity to a conventional deluxe arcade machine, and has been licensed by Namco of America for North American distribution.

However in capturing the true "extreme" physics of the latest motion simulation technology, an operator has to revert to those manufacturers with a proven track record in this sector. What operators need is a factory that is able to offer reliable technical support for the more complicated motion dynamics. Motion entertainment (under the amusement simulation banner) comprises complete units that offer enclosed or partially enclosed motion systems with players able to interact within the virtual game environment.

There is a second component to the market that is available for consideration by wary operators. In evaluating the available "interactive" systems, there are also systems that offer a "passive" option. The riders now just sit back and enjoy the film show rather than controlling the action. Passive systems offer an opportunity to entertain a wider audience, via a roller coaster style attraction, rather than the complication of players having to master controls. The majority of passive systems are also able to seat large audiences, than just one or two people.

Any discussion of extreme entertainment motion systems must mention the highflying success of Maxflight Corporation. This company's electro-hydraulic, 360-degree rotationally two-axis motion capsule system seats two riders. Building on simulation expertise, Maxflight has created the closest thing to riding a coaster with their passive twin seat "VR2002: Roller Coaster" system and "Bobsled" simulator. The technology was revised into an interactive format to create both the "Maxzilla: Monster Truck Simulator," and the "FS2000: Flight Simulator" which offers high-speed jet fighter aerobatic simulation.

Where each sale in entertainment simulation once had to be fought tooth and nail, Maxflight has established an impressive track record in installing systems, including lucrative signings such as a 15 unit attraction of "FS2000s" at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, building on their "Top Gun" status. An aggressive sales package, and an ability to consider revenue sharing, has transformed the company's market appeal. The original prototypes of the initial simulator technology were phenomenally expensive; but production models have been honed down into a believable (and affordable) return on investment.

As a seeming new wave in motion simulator application filled the void left by faltering and erratic video amusement sector, new names have started to make their presence felt. Tsunami Visual Technologies have been involved in attempting to sell their distinctive "6 Degrees of Freedom" (DoF) motion system for some time (with the Bumper Ball game), but with the implementation of new software ride packages the company has found a soft spot with operators. The single seat "TsuMo: Multi-Game Motion System," in its Junior and Deluxe configuration, offers the amazingly popular "Beachhead 2000" software package which has leapfrogged the TsuMo into the "must have" category for most respectable facilities.

Interest in this machine has seen sales rocket (Dave & Buster's is planning to install at least two units in every one of their North American sites). Tsunami has now released additional software including Microsoft's air spectacular "Crimson Skies" and heavy metal robot action "MechWarrior 4." The company has attempted to sandwich interactive with passive ride films, able to be played in conjunction on the unit, offering as wider a demographic as possible.

The majority of development has been seen coming from American manufacturers in the motion simulation sector, but both Europe and Asia have made inroads. A newcomer that offers a new slant on the enclosed motion capsule sector is Korean based SimuLine Inc. The company has taken military simulator technology and created an inverted (hanging) 5 DoF motion system. Suspended from its motion base, the "VR-Racer" offers race car action with a unique motion envelope. In a tentative agreement with amusement developer Taito, the company has installed one of its driving titles within the system. The company has also developed a passive variant of the system to offer an option for certain sites.

Another Korean developer is Vision Technology System, who have developed their "XG250," that uses a innovative and compact 3 DoF motion base, and a open playing environment, the game graphics supplied on the latest flat screen technology incorporated into the combat styled cockpit. The system, like many in the interactive sector, uses amusement configured PC architecture, offering both flexibility and cost-effective availability.

Based in Canada, Jesler Enterprises have established a presence for their "ElectraRide" one-seat, partially enclosed, electric 2 DoF, motion cockpit. Using a specially developed PC race game, the striking system has offers a effective platform to encourage players towards repeat play. But the unit still operates like more conventional deluxe video amusement machines, using the same power requirements, and avoiding unfamiliar components in its manufacture.

The motion simulator industry has gone though a previous rough patch with a great shake-up during the end of the 1990s for major names in the sector. In has stepped more professional management to take over previously rudderless operations. One of the largest manufacturers of theme park and interactive systems had their assets acquired recently, and re-packaged for market adoption. British based AI Group Ltd., has re-launched its "S2" passive and "S2i" interactive system. Offering a semi-enclosed, 3 DoF electric motion package, into the European sector. The company is expected later in the year to place their units in American operators sites. The company's vast servicing and development entertainment simulation operation, are able to apply great influence on a sector still in flux.

Rough times see companies with similar ideas gathering together and simulation is no different. Illusion Inc. and AeroNumerics penned an agreement to jointly work together in 2001 and have taken their patented technology to the next step. Specializing in motion simulation in the application of NASCAR style network simulation, Illusion's "SpeedSports" system uses a 6 DoF hydraulic motion base and realistic computer graphics to represent the speed of racing. The hope is that this system will transport FEC and sports bar patrons into a new stratosphere of excitement.

Even the smallest operator can consider an explosive motion simulator package. Fun Flight, LLC has been a player in the smaller motion experience for many years (many may remember them under the Adventure Quest name). This company's "M-4 SX" system, with management company SimWorx, has offered a small two-seat passive cabin theatre with a 360-degree motion profile. Dave & Buster's installed a number of systems to great success in their early sites. Fun Flight is now developing a State Fair mobile variant of the original system.

British newcomer FX Simulation has started to build on the success of its "U2 Mirage," a fully enclosed passive two-seat, 3 DoF hydraulic system. A very derivative unit, with an enclosed motion environment, FX Simulation is a manufacturer highly active in finding profit sharing opportunities. This small British company has done more than many of its larger rivals to motivate European operators into taking another look at simulation.

Much of the rough market patches of the late 1990s were caused by an uncertainty in the validity and reliability of those initial interactive and passive amusement simulators. Many venues became saddled with expensive platforms that generated good revenue, when they worked - which was rare!

Ronbotics Corp., is one such company that has literally had a roller coaster ride in company fortunes. Their electric 2 DoF, two seat, "CoasteRider X-Press" became a mainstay of many operators, but the system became synonymous with technical difficulties. However the system is due to make a comeback with a new technical package and even consideration of an interactive variant of the system. The company has also developed a kiddie ride variant of the popular coaster simulator in order to try and address past criticism.

Doron Precision's passive "Transporter 6" offers a small footprint, mid-size capacity system; able to play popular ride films, in this 3 DoF hydraulic 6-seat motion cabin theatre. A other British company in this mid-size passive cabin theatre sector is Camber Entertainment, who has their Morphis ESP, electric 3 DoF, 8-seat system. The ability to have a fully enclosed movie theatre style simulator, but in medium size amusement facility package cannot be underestimated as attendance increase with the less transient nature of the current audience - clambering for new group enjoyment.

The last aspect to consider, when looking at the application of entertainment facility, especially with the need to handle expectant crowds, is to move away from motion cabins or individual cockpits, and consider complete theatres! Iwerks Entertainment, a mainstay in large motion ride attractions for theme parks and expos, has developed the "TurboRide" theatre, an installation that comprises 16 seats or more and can be configured to sit in a surprisingly small space. The self-contained theatre includes a special, near automatic, film presentation system. Guests sit in twin special hydraulic seats that explosively move to the action on screen. This Iwerks system has been installed in a number of D&B's sites (this leading chain can be seen to have invested deeply - and profited - from motion entertainment). The inclusion of this mini-motion-cinema to a facility opens up a totally new audience wanting to ride (and enjoy) motion simulators as a group.

(First published in the April 2002 issue of Vending Times Magazine)

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