CLAZER VR Gun Controller Attachment for Real Guns in the News !
Many developers are trying their hand at replicating different experiences in the virtual space, from flight to weapon simulations and more. The controllers for the major VR headsets do a solid job of immersing us in games centered on the latter, but it looks like there are even better options on the horizon. CLAZER, developed by Lead Tech, is a shooting sim and the company has a patent that allows VR players to use their own real guns for the simulation. We contacted Chip Northrup, founding manager of Lead Tech, to find out more about the program and patent.
CLAZER provides players with a virtual space to practice shooting skeet, trap, and sporting clays. It is said to feature elements that train shooters to correctly track the trajectory of the clay, but the big idea from the company is the trigger actuator that can be attached to your own guns and, in theory, be paired with a service like Steam for VR gameplay.
“Two patents have already been granted for a total of 54 claims, that cover the Phantom Clay – the ghost clay that shows where the lead is – the ballistic intercept point of the shot and the clay pigeon,” says Northrup. “A third patent is pending that covers the VR gun controller mounted on a real gun.”
The portion mounted on a real gun is said to be a light addition that is still being developed, so the way it attaches could change. The team is attempting to find a solution that works for many different guns.
Experiences like CLAZER blur the lines between virtual spaces and real life. When it comes to video games, skills gained through gameplay only translate to a certain point when you switch to real life. But a form of input in VR that allows you to actually use weapons from the real world? That could have lasting implications.
“Until now, no video games taught how to lead a moving target and all moving targets require lead,” Northrup said. “Clazer could literally save lives in the military.”
CLAZER can be played on HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Samsung Gear in various locations around the world and you can find links to maps and more information on where to play here. Those wanting to beta test the gun controller can find more information here.
Tagged with: Clay Shooter, controller, Real Weapons, Shooting Sim, VR
Can you hook this to your real skeet gun ? I am a competition skeet shooter former NSSA executive committee member. I am very interested in how close you can get this to the real thing.
That is exactly what we are going to do ! Contact me via PM and we will set you up to demo the prototype
Where can I buy a trap shooting program?
The best rig is the HTC Vive – with a good PC or laptop to run it. Then you can buy CLAZER on Steam VR – which includes trap, skeet and clays
We are going to add a gun controller – then you can practice with your own gun
If you buy on Steam please leave a review – we have gotten flamed by some gamers that thought they were going to shoot zombies with lasers . . .
Stay in touch and we will take your suggestions in the builds
Thanks
do you ever anticipate incorporating a “pull” command into Clazer such that the target is only released when the shooter calls for it?
Working on that now.
Will be through the hand controller. And in Competition Mode.
Can you clarify if an eventual “pull” command would be available with the gun-mounted controller you are planning to introduce and the HTC Vive platform?
Yes – that is in the works. The “pull” command will be actuated on both the Vive controller and the gun mounted VR controller. Will update the site when we are in beta. If you want to test it, send me a PM
Thanks Chip. Before jumping in head first, I will want to see if you can mount your gun to your face (using the gun controller on your actual gun) without knocking the VR goggles off. So I am going to let the early adopters see how this goes.
I am really excited about this and the ISSF shooters I shoot with in Itally and here in Germany are really curious. Everybody wants something that they can use as a practice aid in the off season and when they cannot get to the range. For my purposes, the ability to keep my timing sharp and to practice my mount is really interesting.
Googles – We have tested the goggles with “head on” stock – works fine. If you shoot “head up” should be no problem. We may add an adjustable rib so that high rib shooters can see that in VR. The goggles are going to decrease in size and weight.
ISSF – Will film that. Will check at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio in a week.
VR gun controller – will start testing next week.
Excellent use of VR