Gundam Franchise Gets Interactive VR Anime Movie
Mobile Suit Gundam is a franchise still doing well for itself, and constantly growing if the new release is anything to go by. The franchise is hoping to break new ground with the anime movie Gundam: Silver Phantom. This film won’t only be a new story, but it’s also the first of its kind as an interactive VR (Virtual Reality) film to be released on Meta Quest.
Gundam: Silver Phantom is set in the Universal Century 0096, roughly three years after the battle between the Earth Federation and Neo Zeon. A mercenary group known as Argen Keil has been hired by the Earth Federation to track down and assassinate a former member of the Federation who ended up joining the surviving Neo Zeon members.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom is scheduled to hit Meta Quest on October 3.
As the name suggests, Gundam: Silver Phantom is a part of the Mobile Suit Gundam universe. The franchise is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2024, and the release of Gundam: Silver Phantom shows how far technology has advanced since the franchise first started in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam.
Based on the imagery and trailers for Gundam: Silver Phantom released so far, the movie will feature a mix of 2D and 3D animation styles.
Though Gundam: Silver Phantom is promoted as a VR anime, it’s not just a movie to sit back and watch. The film will include immersive and interactive experiences throughout the story.
It’s unclear exactly how the movie will be interactive, but it’s expected that the VR will let players fight alongside their favorite characters.
It’s not just the fact that it’s interactive that’s exciting. Gundam: Silver Phantom is the first full-length movie designed specifically for VR headsets. So not only is a famous franchise getting a brand new game, but it could pave the way for an entirely new version of media with VR interactive films.
If Gundam: Silver Phantom does well, or even if it doesn’t, the film could pave the way for more interactive anime, and VR films. It’s an exciting possibility and could change the way people watch movies.
Bandai Namco Filmworks (Wistoria: Wand and Sword) and Atlas V, a studio skilled in immersive storytelling, are pairing together to release Gundam: Silver Phantom. The movie will be distributed by Astrea exclusively on Meta Quest’s store page.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom will include immersive and interactive experiences throughout the story.
This is a bit of a disappointment for some. Because only Meta is getting the film, those who own other types of VR systems, or no system at all, are a bit out of luck when it comes to watching it. At best, because of the interactive properties, there’s a chance they can watch someone else ‘play’ the film on a platform like Twitch or YouTube. It remains to be seen if the anime will stay exclusive, or if it will be a timed exclusive and released to other platforms at a later date.
For a long time, the release date was unknown, though it was first announced officially on November 19, 2023. However, as of August 23, fans finally have a date for the newest mecha film. The movie is set to hit Meta Quest on October 3, 2024.
Gundam: Silver Phantom is set in the Universal Century 0096, roughly three years after the battle between the Earth Federation and Neo Zeon.
If you’re excited by the film, and you own a Meta Quest VR headset, it’s a good idea to go ahead and pre-order on the Meta Quest store page. Those who do before Gundam: Silver Phantom goes live can save an 11 percent discount on the game, bringing the price down from $17.99 to $15.99.
