The Emmy Awards has long recognized VR projects and 2019 will be no different. Both Star Wars: Vader Immortal Episode 1 and Wolves in the Walls are nominated this year.
The Twitter accounts for both respective apps confirm as much. Both experiences are up for the Outstanding Innovation in Interactive Media award. There is also the Outstanding Original Interactive Program category which includes nominations for Traveling While Black from Oculus and Felix & Paul Studios as well as First Man VR from Universal Pictures, Create Advertising and RYOT.
Developed by ILMxLAB, Vader Immortal is a long-anticipated story-driven VR experience. In it you play the role of a captive in Darth Vader’s secret base, coming face-to-face with the Sith Lord himself. We’re really fond of the app’s interactive elements, which toes the line between accessible experience and full videogame. Vader Immortal first released on Oculus Quest back in May and we’re still waiting on news of its other two episodes.
Wolves in the Walls: It’s All Over, meanwhile, is a new experience from Fable Studio. It features two episodes in a series created by former members of the now-defunct Oculus Story Studio. Again, we’ve been really impressed with how the experience grows a connection between player and virtual character. It’s currently not available to download but we’re hoping for a full release soon.
Unlike a lot of other VR awards, the Emmy’s categories are more focused on VR storytelling than gaming experiences. Past winners include Oculus’ own Henry and compelling VR documentary, Zero Days.
Updated July 18 with additional VR-related nominations.
