Experiencing the Timeless Thrill of Pinball Transitioning into the Digital Age through Flipper VR
Hopping into the Pinball VR Realm: A Dream Turned Reality
Got a thing for virtual reality gaming? It's about to get spiced up! In the mid-oughts, a group of pals jammed on an idea to bring pinball into the VR age. Six years later, that far-out dream transformed into a genuine product. This innovative digital pinball machine, crafted by FlipperVR, hits the market, and we got a chat with Alexandre Regeffe, co-founder of FlipperVR, to learn more about his company and its vision. FlipperVR will be front and center at our digital event from April 9-11, 2025.
Diving into the Past: Alexandre Regeffe's Journey
Alexandre came from the television and audiovisual world, where he spent 25 years. The shift towards VR happened in 2015 when he was asked to record a 360 concert. This spark ignited a passion for VR, and he started a content production company to create content for 360 platforms. Eventually, the hype around 360 video fizzled out, causing a decline in requests, so he moved on to providing technical services.
The Multitalented ImGuivir: Alexandre Regeffe
Alexandre continues to wear many hats. He offers technical services through his company, Rshift, including shooting and post-production of immersive films. He also pens articles on VR for specialized magazines and does training in partnership with INA, the French National Audiovisual Institute. He produces immersive experiences and even won an award in 2024 with the experience "Le Haut Feu." Last but not least, there's FlipperVR.
The Tale of FlipperVR's Origin: The Friendship Fueled Adventure
FlipperVR was born out of camaraderie and a dash of nostalgia. In 2019, during a chat at the Paris Air Show with friends who own a Tarbes-based VR agency, Otidea, they shared their ideas and dreams for a VR game. They reminisced about iconic games from their teenage years, like pinball, and decided to breathe new life into the classic game of pinball with VR technology. After six months, they unveiled their prototype at a trade show in Paris. COVID-19 slowed progress but eventually paved the way for the completion of the game, which was released in 2023.
The Pinball Experience: How Does it Work in VR?
FlipperVR's digital pinball machine resembles a traditional pinball machine on the outside but houses a PC. The physical pinball board has been swapped out for a screen. Players don a VR headset and plunge into a virtual world, where they face the digital twin of the pinball machine. Both the physical and virtual versions are synchronized, allowing players to control the classic pinball machine's buttons while interacting in a virtual environment, opening up limitless gameplay possibilities!
Who's Ready to Play this Digital Pinball Machine?
Individuals are firing on all cylinders for FlipperVR's pinball machine! Believe it or not, this market is quite bustling! Most customers are private individuals, eager to place the machine in their homes. But the experience is accessible to everyone, and it doesn't require explanations to learn how to play. The VR pinball machine also has potential for arcades and even B2B clients.
Where Professionals See Opportunities: FlipperVR's Potential
Customization is one of FlipperVR's standout features. Clients can personalize both the physical machine and the virtual environment, transforming them to fit their companies or brands. As a result, businesses looking to make a splash at events are showing growing interest in FlipperVR's pinball machines.
French Craftsmanship: A Point of Pride
FlipperVR's pinball machines are 100% French-designed and manufactured. The machines bear the "Made in France" stamp, amplifying the local craftsmanship aspect. This approach enables them to respond quickly to French customers' demands, especially when it comes to customization.
The globally competitive VR landscape
Although France boasts the skills needed to thrive in the VR industry, its manufacturers struggle to secure funding. Many are forced to seek financial support from the U.S. or Asia to develop and grow their businesses. This situation is unfortunate, as France's intellectual capacity rivals that of industry leaders like the U.S. and Asia.
Gear up for the Game: Try FlipperVR at the Event!
The best way to appreciate the FlipperVR experience is to play it yourself! We're bringing two machines to our event for visitors to try and compete for the top scores. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised when you don the VR headset and jump into the digital pinball world!
Eyes on the Future: FlipperVR's Aspirations
FlipperVR's immediate goals involve crafting new tables and pushing the boundaries of innovation, like letting players connect two machines for multiplayer action. The team also aims to develop an ecosystem, the Flipper VR Family, to foster social connections between users. Additionally, the company intends to strengthen the social media aspect by engaging in e-sports leagues and collaborating with international pinball communities.
In the dynamic realm of technology, FlipperVR's digital pinball machine marries classic entertainment with modern VR, providing a unique gaming experience for individuals and businesses alike. Alexandre Regeffe, the multitalented creator of this innovative product, merges his experience in television, audiovisual production, and VR technology to deliver cutting-edge immersive experiences.
