When a “Star Wars†film comes out, aside from exotic planetary locations, sweet space vehicles and pitched battles and action sequences that are to be expected, another element of the franchise to watch out for is the latest alien creatures. From humanoids to little winged or four-legged critters, seeing non-human entities in “Star Wars†best sells what it’s like in a galaxy far, far away.
Even in the polarizing Sequel Trilogy entry “Episode VIII – The Last Jedi,†unsettled franchise fans may have had a decent enough reception for Porgs, the constantly-screeching flightless birds from Luke Skywalker’s hideaway planet of Acht-to.
These annoying yet adorable things are the focus of a new virtual-reality experience to be made available on the Magic Leap One VR headset. Developed by the ILMxLAB branch of Lucasfilm, this VR experience applies the “virtual pet-raising†genre onto the “Star Wars†universe, with a Porg as the pet.
Titled “Project Porg,†the experience puts the VR player in the role of impromptu caretaker, having been entrusted by Chewbacca with a Porg and a care device, along with a C-3PO message serving as instruction guide. Good care for the Porg will allow it to grow and eventually hatch offspring.
According to ILMxLAB chief executive Vicki Dobbs Beck, the virtual actions required to care for the Porg has similarities to procedures in caring for any household pet. In addition, the “Project Porg†experience is connected online, allowing players to “take†their Porg to public locations with Magic Leap access. One possible venue might be the “Star Wars†area Galaxy’s Edge, close to opening in both Disneyland Park and Disney World.
“Project Porg†on Magic Leap is not the only VR project that the “Star Wars†creative company is working on. They also have the episodic VR series “Vader Immortal†which runs on the Oculus Rift.