HBO and Google Play's Game of Thrones Exhibit has brought winter to Sydney, both figuratively and literally. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the exhibit's opening and despite the inherent and almost obligatory appeal of getting a photo sitting on the titular Iron Throne, the event's highlight was a virtual reality simulation powered by the Oculus Rift.
By Alex Choros
HBO and Google Play's Game of Thrones Exhibit has brought winter to Sydney, both figuratively and literally. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the exhibit's opening and despite the inherent and almost obligatory appeal of getting a photo sitting on the titular Iron Throne, the event's highlight was a virtual reality simulation powered by the Oculus Rift.
After stepping into a small booth, strapping on an Oculus Rift and a pair of head phones, I was transported to the world of Westeros, into an elevator making its way to the top of The Wall. For those not following the series, The Wall is a colossal fortification along the fictional land's northern border. It is made entirely of ice, and is over 200 meters tall. As you can imagine, the ride to the top was certainly exhilarating.
What began as a steady ascend got faster and faster. The billowing of fans inside the booth intensified, simulating the North's frosty winds. While the graphics were slightly pixelated, the experience still felt real. Scaling The Wall is definitely the best argument for virtual reality I've seen. I was awe-struck the entire time. And despite being acutely aware of the fact it was a simulation, I couldn't help but feel a little scared. Without spoiling anything, the ending was spectacular.
Aside from a chance to sit on the Iron Throne and ascend The Wall, the exhibit brings a large number of the show's costumes and props to Sydney. A fun fact mentioned last night was that the exhibit's total weight is the equivalent of 166 adult make kangaroos. Unsurprisingly, it is a must see for any Game of Thrones fan.
The Game of Thrones Exhibit runs from today to the 5th of July to at the Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art and is open from 10am to 8pm. Entry is free.
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