VR Adventure Rhythm of the Universe: IONIA™ Trailer Heralds Q3 2021 Launch
Epic Mega Grant, Proceeds for Non-Profit Wildlife Warriors
BOSTON — 12 June 2021 — As revealed today during the UploadVR Summer Showcase, 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, has received a new trailer ahead of its Q3 2021 launch for Oculus Quest, PlayStation VR, and PC VR headsets. An Epic Mega Grant will allow IONIA and following games in the series to optimize use of Unreal Engine.
Five percent of proceeds from sales of IONIA will benefit environmental non-profit Wildlife Warriors. Established in 2002 by Steve and Terri Irwin, Wildlife Warriors continues Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin‘s legacy of protecting injured, threatened or endangered wildlife. Today’s new trailer features the Irwin family in support of ROTU Entertainment’s goal of raising awareness of environmental issues.
Explore a beautiful forest populated with instrument-inspired flora and fauna in IONIA, the first of seven games making up Rhythm of the Universe. Tap plants and pet animals with VR controllers or hand tracking to create pulsing drum beats, gentle bell tones, and other melodic sounds and set the air humming with good vibrations. Climb trees or sweep aside curtains of vines in search of a way to save the Harpa, a mystic creature in grave danger.
Solve puzzles using music-based magic and reveal secret areas. Zipline across trenches in search of supplies. Delve deep into ancient ruins to unlock the power of tonal tablets and uncover the path forward. Follow a hopeful narrative through a lively ecosystem thrumming with the Rhythm of the Universe and heal the forest with the power of song.
“Entertainment without a motivation to elevate is, in my opinion, close to pointless. It is a privilege to be able to reach an audience and share your vision. To squander it on something that does not empower, educate, bolster or provoke a greater meaning feels irresponsible,” says Neville Page of Avatar, Prometheus, Star Trek: Discovery, and Picard fame. “Rhythm of the Universe embodies so much of what I believe in as a designer and a contributor on this planet. It IS entertaining. It IS captivating. It IS fun. But it is also smart, educational, and thought-provoking. Dare I say, it has the potential to open one’s mind to possibilities, both fantastic and relevant to the world we are in. A beautiful allegory packaged in stunning visuals and compelling gameplay.”
Rhythm of the Universe: IONIA will come to 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 Discord community.
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. ROTU Entertainment currently works on IP development as well as pre visualization and virtual production using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine.
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.
About Wildlife Warriors Worldwide – USA
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide – USA was established in 2002 by Steve and Terri Irwin as a way to include and involve other caring people in the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is one of the many global conservation projects supported by Wildlife Warriors. Visit https://www.wildlifewarriors.org for more information.
