Bandai Namco’s new VR project lets players confront their fears

Project I Can, a suite of virtual reality experiences in development at Bandai Namco, allows players to conquer their fears in the safety of VR.

The non-gaming applications of VR have been the subject of heated discussion since the medium’s inception. VR tourism is an especially popular field, but the therapeutic applications of VR’s immersive qualities also hold considerable potential. Project I Can demonstrates how VR can be used to simulate otherwise dangerous or terrifying experiences as a form of exposure therapy.

The current frontrunner for Bandai Namco’s experience is Fear of Heights, an aptly titled piece of acrophobia therapy. The simulation tasks HTC Vive-adorned players to walk the plank at dizzying heights, and for a good cause: to rescue a virtual kitten.

Project I Can also includes Ski Rode, Real Drive, Escape Ward Omega, Train Meister and Argyle Shift. At a glance, the experiences seem to cover the fear of small spaces and the fear of driving, among others. Additional details are available on the project's official site.

Source: YouTube

Via: Eurogamer