We’re still not entirely sure where VR sits with young children, but that isn’t stopping some companies making experiences that are perfect for them, like this new Shaun the Sheep app from Aardman Animations.
The famed animation studio, known for series like Wallace and Gromit as well as films like Chicken Run, this month released this free new experience on both iOS and Android. It goes above and beyond the standard tie-in 360 degree videos we’re used to seeing. This is a full VR app in which players can explore the barn that features in the beloved series, meeting your favorite fluffy characters.
https://youtu.be/sMs6py_Bphw
It’s a little strange to see the cast, who traditionally appear as clay models painstakingly animated by the studio, as virtual characters but this is still a pretty cool VR experience.
The app also features a selection of clips from the series, which you can watch alongside its stars. More videos will be added over time. Sadly it’s only available on Cardboard right now, and requires a QR code scan so there’s no getting around it if you have a Daydream headset or something similar. That said there’s a rather brilliant Shaun the Sheep Google Cardboard unit available at the studio’s official store right now. They’ll start shipping early next month.
We reached out to Aardman to ask after plans for other headsets. They said there’s potential for that to happen one day.
And, on the child safety note, Aardman recommends the app for ages 7 and up, and suggests you take breaks every 10 minutes. Most other headset makers set a minimum age limit at around 12 or 13.
