Resorts World Genting – Malaysia’s only legal casino resort – launched on Thursday a virtual reality (VR) entertainment centre in collaboration with The Void LLC. Resorts World Genting is operated by Genting Malaysia Bhd. The company said in a press release that the “hyper reality experience features cutting-edge technology and world-class content” at a “new fully immersive experience centre” spanning nearly 7,000 square feet (650 sq metres), dubbed The Void. “It is the first and biggest [virtual entertainment centre] in Asia,” said Genting Malaysia.
Resorts World Genting’s VR centre features two titles developed by The Void LLC in collaboration with Lucasfilm’s Immersive Entertainment division, ILMxLAB. They are: “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire”, described as a marquee title for The Void; and “Ralph Breaks VR”, inspired by the animation film “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and created in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation. “Genting strives to partner with global leaders in their fields and when it comes to virtual reality, The Void [LLC] represents the success of technology in extending the frontiers of hyper reality. We are indeed honoured to be The Void’s first location in their expansion plan in Asia,” said Edward Holloway, Genting Malaysia’s executive vice president of leisure and hospitality, in a prepared statement.
He added: “As for Resorts World Genting, this is a great leap forward in entertainment for us and we have invested an initial MYR10 million [US$2.4 million] to present this unparalleled level of immersion and interactivity to our visitors in Asia.” Craig Watson, chairman and chief executive of The Void LLC, was also quoted in the release as saying that opening the firm’s first centre in Asia at Resorts World Genting “is a great start to our introduction to the region”.
The Void LLC builds and operates virtual entertainment centres that primarily focus on exploring immersive virtual worlds and dimensions. Genting Malaysia is currently involved in a legal tussle a regarding what was supposed to be a Fox-branded theme park at Resorts World Genting. In November, the casino operator sued Fox Entertainment Group LLC and some related companies, as well as The Walt Disney Co – currently suitor to many of the Fox brand’s entertainment assets. The lawsuit is regarding a termination notice on a 2013 deal for use of Fox branding in the theme park.
