'The Martian VR Experience' release date, features news: VR app goes live for PSVR and HTC Vive

The new virtual reality tie-in, "The Martian VR Experience," is already live for the PlayStation VR and the HTC Vive. Meanwhile, it was revealed that the new VR title is also set for launch for the Oculus Rift.

The app is already listed on Steam. As a VR title, the app places players into the perspective of astronaut Mark Watney, "performing tasks to facilitate his chances for survival. Viewers can fly onto the surface of Mars, steer at zero gravity through space, drive a rover navigating over craters, and experience key scenes from the hit film in a 360-degree virtual reality environment," the description said. Players will need to do something to make sure that Watney survives being left to fend for himself on the red planet.

The VR app adaptation has been collaborated by Fox Innovation Lab in partnership with RSA Films and The Virtual Reality Company. This is the second VR app made by Fox Innovation Lab based on a movie adaptation. The studio also made a VR app available for the Reese Witherspoon-starred "Wild."

Meanwhile, the entire "The Martian VR Experience" app is based on the movie adaptation of "The Martian" by Ridley Scott starring Matt Damon. However, for the VR app, Scott has given the helm to Robert Stromberg, though he has remained in the project as its executive producer. Speaking about the VR content and what it means for future IPs, the studio executive said, "I've always tried to approach filmmaking from the standpoint of creating an immersive experience. Now, with the tools that are available to us in virtual reality, we can raise the bar even higher. The audience can experience storytelling in ways we previously could only imagine," he added.

The app is available for $19.99 on the PSVR and HTC Vive. As the title has been demoed for the Oculus Rift back in 2016 CES, it is also expected that "The Martian VR Experience" will launch for the VR system soon.

News
UN officials demand explanation for Iranian church seizure
UN officials demand explanation for Iranian church seizure

Iran has not responded to questions fromUN officials.

AI could become a ‘very dangerous master’, warns John Lennox
AI could become a ‘very dangerous master’, warns John Lennox

Apologist and Oxford mathematician John Lennox warned Christians that artificial intelligence could contribute to a generation becoming increasingly disconnected from Scripture and cautioned that technology meant to serve humanity can become a “very dangerous master.”

Catholic baptisms fall sharply across Ireland as births decline and secularisation grows
Catholic baptisms fall sharply across Ireland as births decline and secularisation grows

The number of Catholic baptisms taking place across the whole island of Ireland has fallen by almost 30% over the past decade, with declining birth rates and the growth of religious non-affiliation identified as the main reasons.

Against backdrop of conflict and tough working conditions, seafarer happiness falls
Against backdrop of conflict and tough working conditions, seafarer happiness falls

Seafarer wellbeing has declined for the second consecutive quarter as heavy workloads, restricted shore leave and concerns over pay increasingly weigh on crews, according to new research from The Mission to Seafarers.