Techno-futurists have discussed virtual reality for decades. But with the rapid rise of the Oculus Rift and its acquisition by Facebook, suddenly it is starting to seem real, a new creative medium that is just now coming into its own.
Along with a thriving network of tech startups, Austin is famous as a haven for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and gamers. The collaboration among these groups is helping grow the city's VR presence. We've rounded up seven startups that are leaving their mark on Austin's virtual reality scene.
VR Companies in Austin You Should Know
- Unity
- Virtuix
- Owlchemy Labs
- Phaser Lock Interactive
What they do: Companies and gamers worldwide rely on Unity’s technology for amazing 2D, 3D, VR and AR gaming experiences. More games are created with Unity than any other software including 34% of top rated games in the market.
VR calling card: Multiple studios have used Unity to create innovative VR games and experiences including Owlchemy Labs, Baobab Studios and Estudio.
Founded: 2003
What they do: Duelboot is a one-man shop run by Soren Silkenson. Since he started playing games 25 years ago, Silkenson has taken a designer's perspective into reactive storytelling and interactive exploration.
VR calling card: VR — and gaming in general — are becoming more culturally influential thanks in large part to a growing emphasis on layered storytelling. Verde Station, Silkenson's current project, is a sterling example. The game is ostensibly about life in a space station, but much of the drama is existential. It's the sort of VR experience that can inspire revealing personal reflection.
Founded: 2014
What they do: Ghost Machine was founded by veteran game developers and operates on the backlot of Austin Film Studio. It creates action-driven virtual reality adventures, utilizing strenuous research and a mysterious "code-based secret sauce."
VR calling card: The startup's creations are the perfect introduction to VR for those who grew up on old-school arcade and console games. Experiences such as the kart-racer Gumball Drift update Atari-era tropes for the age of immersion.
Founded: 2014
What they do: Owlchemy Labs is one of Austin's most entrenched VR studios, emphasizing design, delight, and absurdist humor. It is at the center of the local gaming scene as an organizer for VR Austin.
VR calling card: Owlchemy's best known game is probably Job Simulator, an irreverent treatment of cubicle busywork. The game showcases the studio's counterintuitive wit and has received a strong wave of press.
Founded: 2010
What they do: Like Ghost Machine, Phaser Lock was founded by seasoned gamers with a penchant for cinematic adventures. It builds experiences for the Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, the Zspace system, and beyond.
VR calling card: Phaser Lock's flagship game is Final Approach, a simulator wherein players can maneuver naval ships, fly airplanes, and even manage an airport. It opens new worlds previously reserved for only the most brazen daredevils.
Founded: 2015
What they do: Founded and led by local developer and musicial Aaron Lemke, Unello Design infuses its VR projects with a diverse array of influences, including Eastern spirituality, Stanley Kubrick, and Fantasia.
VR calling card: Lemke created some of the first Oculus Rift experiences in the relaxation/guided meditation niche, which is becoming tremendously influential as VR's evolution intersects with the mindfulness movement.
Founded: Unknown
What they do: Virtuix is the studio behind the Omni, an active virtual reality motion platform. Along with the usual goggles and gun, Omni includes a pair of shoes that allow players to physically run as they explore VR experiences. It's one of the more fascinating workouts around.
VR calling card: In 2013, Virtuix raised $1.1M through Kickstarter to produce the Omni, and it is among our 2016 lineup of Austin startups to watch. That's true in more ways than one — the Omni isn't just fun to play, it's fun to watch other people play it.
Founded: 2013
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