This week, Kindred Futures, the innovation arm of Kindred Group (previously Unibet Group), and Lucky VR held a pilot session with world class eSports stars to explore cutting-edge developments in online poker.
Kindred Futures partnered with startup software developer, Lucky VR, to develop a pioneering virtual reality poker game using the Oculus Rift. The game, which introduces a more engaging and immersive experience, was trialled at the Unibet Copenhagen Open and live streamed on Twitch as nine world famous eSports stars took part.
The new VR experience provides an exciting glimpse into the future possibilities of online gambling and received positive feedback from the eSports players.
“This a very engaging, playful game so anyone who plays it will have fun. I love the fact that you can hear and interact with other people around the table. I would definitely play this game, especially to collaborate with other streamers as social games of this nature are difficult to find.” Said World of Warcraft streamer, John “Swifty” Pyle.
“It was great playing with friends, fooling around and having fun. VR is an extremely new technology but it has great potential and it’s exciting to see what’s already possible.” Says professional gamer, Alan “Hotted89” Widmann.
“It’s a really cool concept and I can see that it could take off for sure. Especially for me as a streamer - it’s something people would love to watch” Says CS:GO player and full-time streamer Craig "onscreen" Shannon.
Kindred Futures will provide Lucky VR with essential customer insight, industry expertise and regulatory advice, aiming to help move the proposition closer to fruition.
“Collaborations with startups like Lucky VR give Kindred access to creativity and technological specialisms enabling us to engage with new platforms and remain at the forefront of innovation.” Says Will Mace, Head of Kindred Futures.
“Partnering with Kindred to trial our software at the Unibet Open was a fantastic opportunity to engage with players. There is huge potential for VR developments within poker and trailing the game first-hand is the best way to demonstrate this. The feedback we received will help us develop the software further and we are excited for what’s around the corner.” Says Jeffrey Lande CEO and Founder of Lucky VR.
With an approach which provides lasting value to partners, Kindred Futures collaborates with exciting new companies and entrepreneurs to co-create the future of gambling. Offering startups the opportunity to disrupt the industry with the backing of internal expertise, data and insight, Kindred Futures facilitates the development and testing of new propositions and concepts.