BOSTON — Dec. 2, 2020 — IONIA, the first title in the Rhythm of the Universe adventure series about preserving the environment with the power of music theory from ROTU Entertainment, will create a magnificent symphony as a native Oculus Quest app and for PSVR alongside previously announced PC VR headsets in Q2 2021. Two percent of proceeds from the Cannes XR Development Showcase 2020 award-winner and Raindance film festival nominee will benefit environmental non-profit Wildlife Warriors.
Established in 2002 by Steve and Terri Irwin, Wildlife Warriors continues Steve Irwin's legacy of protecting injured, threatened, or endangered wildlife, be it an individual animal or an entire species. Its mission is closely aligned with that of ROTU Entertainment, and the Irwin family supports Rhythm of the Universe: IONIA’s goal of raising awareness for environmental protection issues through immersive entertainment.
As the first of seven games, each with a distinct look and feel, IONIA will introduce an otherworldly forest filled with instrument-inspired flora and fauna. The world is alive with the sounds of music as hands-on interactions between VR controllers and denizens of the woods send sharp drum beats, soft bell tones, and other good vibrations humming through the air. Carve a path into a jungle teeming with life to save the Harpa, a mythical being facing peril.
Rescuing the Harpa while exploring the mysterious forest and its looming ruins is no small task. Climb trees, zipline across trenches, collect supplies, and solve puzzles using music-based magic to push back the vines hiding a mystical narrative and lively ecosystem all designed around the Rhythm of the Universe. Reveal hidden areas, unlock the power of tonal tablets, and most importantly, heal the forest through the power of song.
"We’ve made the decision to delay our musical theory puzzle adventure so we can bring it to Quest and PSVR players at the same time," says Jason Parks, ROTU CEO. "We want everyone with a VR headset to be able to explore the gorgeous world we’ve created from our experiences working extensively with international musicians and documenting the deforestation of the Amazon.”
Rhythm of the Universe: IONIA will be available for Oculus Quest natively as well as through Oculus Link, PSVR, Valve Index, Oculus Rift S, HTC Vive, Vive Pro, and HP Reverb G2 with English, Spanish, French, and German language support. IONIA is rated E for Everyone and equivalent in regions around the world.
For more information about Rhythm of the Universe: IONIA, please visit the official website, follow the game on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and join the official community on Discord.
About ROTU Entertainment
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, ROTU Entertainment is an immersive entertainment studio striving to define the future of storytelling. A fully-remote, ever-evolving network of artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders provides ROTU Entertainment with unparalleled access to talent, creativity, and innovation. The team comprises developers with experience working at Valve and Capcom, as well as on renowned games such as Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, and République.
Learn more about ROTU Entertainment and its upcoming title Rhythm of the Universe: IONIA by visiting the company website or reading an interview on UnrealEngine.com.
Article by: Susan N.
