BBC Earth has announced plans to launch three virtual reality experiences in a new partnership with Oculus, marking the first VR venture for BBC Worldwide.
The VR experience will allow users to become fully immersed into the daily lives of a Caracal Cat, an Oogpister Beetle and Black Bears.
The three virtual reality experiences will be available this January on Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR platforms and free to download for the first three months.
Cat Flight
The first VR experience will feature the astonishing leap of the Caracal Cat in Cat Flight using an integration of CGI and 360 degree video.
The user’s ability to freeze and zoom in at any point during cat’s incredible leap creates a unique visual experience and enables the user to learn more about the workings of the animal.
Oogie
The second installment will be an interactive game Oogie, based on real life footage from BBC Earth.
The CGI game will allow the player to take the place of the Oogpister Beetle, encountering the daily challenges and its fight for survival in the African Savannah.
Players will need to be stealthy and quickly guide the beetle to safety, avoiding hazards, obstacles, and predators.
Bear Island
Bear Island, the third experience, takes users on a journey to the banks of an Alaskan river to join Black Bears in an interactive 360 degree video.
The user will be able to change between different perspectives and storylines, making full use of the VR capabilities.
BBC Earth’s step into the VR storytelling experience will allow the user to take a closer look at the animals and experience what it is like to inhabit their world.
Julia Kenyon, Global Brands Director for BBC Worldwide said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Oculus to give audiences a completely different insight into the natural world. By allowing users to immerse themselves in the environments of these three animals, we are hoping to bring people rich and unforgettable adventures different from any traditional natural history series.’’