User:Conn Man/wip
Sarna News
- Creating a future VWE extensive edit
Contents
Company Description[edit]
Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan Virtual World Entertainment, LLC (VWE) was a supplier of attractions to the location-based entertainment industry. Virtual World Entertainment, INC founded and owned by Tim Disney had produced and distributed the original gaming cockpits since 1990.
BattleTech Cockpit Simulator Pods[edit]
VWE's gaming cockpits provide gamers the opportunity to play the part of a MechWarrior piloting a virtual BattleMech in networked combat with other players.
System 1[edit]
System 2[edit]
System 2.5[edit]
System 3[edit]
Tesla[edit]
Tesla II[edit]
The cockpits, featuring the BattleTech: Firestorm software, are fully-enclosed, arcade-style simulators featuring a main view screen that was projected through an optical beam splitter and mirror array for depth, 5.1 surround sound, two foot pedals, a throttle bar with reverse button, and a right-handed flight stick with four-way hat switch, three assignable triggers, and a multi-function button. All controls used optical encoders for durability. In addition to the main display are five multi-function displays (MFD's) that show info related to Targeting, Communications, Navigation, Armor, and Weapons. Each MFD has eight buttons for related controls. A secondary display below the main shows radar and map screens, speed and heat scales, and has twelve buttons for various controls. Each pod was powered by an Alienware Area 51 gaming rig with a Pentium 4 processor and multiple Nvidia graphics cards. The system includes a separate PC for staging missions (The Console), and one each for the Live Cameraship, and the Mission Review station.
Game Software[edit]
System 1 BattleTech[edit]
System 2 BattleTech[edit]
System 3 BattleTech[edit]
Tesla BattleTech[edit]
BattleTech: Firestorm (Tesla II)[edit]
Battletech: Firestorm (BT:FS) is the software run on Virtual World Entertainment's (VWE) location based Tesla II simulator pods. The software was developed by VWE, FASA Studio, Cyberlore Studios, and Gameleap Inc. [1] The initial rollout was principally to various Dave & Busters (D&B) locations around the United States, with the first being D&B Chicago Gold Coast. [2]
BattleTech Centers[edit]
The BattleTech Pods were available as various retail centers across the United States. (See map for locations.) NOTICE: list of centers was updated May 2020.
BattleTech Pods at Conventions[edit]
BattleTech Pods travel throughout the year to various conventions across the United States. This convention tour listing provides upcoming venues. Further information for planning and scheduling of pods should be done through event organizers, with specific details found at the Con Organizers site.
Example Pod Media[edit]
- Pilot Training Video - Version 4 (Tesla II)
- Pilot Training Video - Version 5 (BattleTech:Firestorm)
- Virtual World's YouTube Channel
- MechCorps' YouTube Channel
- Videos
Related Youtube videos[edit]
- Discovery Channel Beyond 2000 episode about the Chicago BattleTech Center (1992)
- BattleTech Center Jim Belushi barker video #1 (ca. 1991)
- BattleTech Center Jim Belushi barker video #2
- Virtual World Entertainment Battletech 3.0 Dooley Trainer
- Virtual World Entertainment BattleTech: Firestorm barker (Tesla II pods)
- Virtual Worlds Tesla II BattleTech: Firestorm Training Video