Waves are not content with producing a headset tracker and plugin for their Nx system, they are now starting to create virtual reality games content and have released a demo for a racket based game called Racket: Nx with real-time 3D spatial audio.

Waves have developed Racket: Nx with game design studio One Hamsa, and created it from the ground up for Vive, the virtual reality system from HTC. In Racket: Nx Waves would seem to be aiming to showcase how realistic game play can be when Waves Nx 3D Audio Technology is implemented in a VR setting creating a 'realistic' sense of auditory presence, to complete the VR illusion. The idea is that players feel like the ball is right next to them in the dome as they can hear it whooshing past their faces and hitting the dome's walls. The sound is so realistic that players often duck instinctively to avoid getting hit by the ball. 

About Racket: Nx

Racket: Nx is designed as a fast-paced, challenging virtual reality experience that will test your aim and question your instincts. You can try your hand at this futuristic fusion between single player racket sports like squash and classic, brick-breaking arcade games. 

Our Initial Thoughts

It is interesting that this announcement has been made in the games world and not in the audio world and instead of saying 'Waves', they are saying 'Waves Audio', which could be interpreted as Waves looking to expand out of the professional audio world into other industry sectors. 

It also shows that having developed the Nx technology, with software and hardware, Waves are not scared of investing money in developing platforms and products that use this technology. So is this the tip of the iceberg, or a kickstart one off as a proof of concept?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.