NASA is inviting programmers to participate in creating a Martian metaverse, with a $70,000 prize up for grabs. The MarsXR challenge, in collaboration with Buendea and Epic Games, aims to develop immersive experiences around the Martian metaverse using virtual reality (XR) technology. Game developers are challenged to create new environments and resources for the MarsXR Operations Support System (XOSS) ecosystem, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 by Epic Games.
NASA has provided detailed information about Mars, including weather conditions, color, shades, and visually appealing terrain spanning 400 square kilometers. Epic Games, known for its Unreal Engine 5 used in popular games like Kingdom Hearts IV and Fortnite, is a key partner in the MarsXR challenge. The collaboration between NASA and Epic Games brings together expertise in game development and cutting-edge programming technology.
The MarsXR challenge offers a $70,000 prize pool, divided into five categories and 20 distinctions for creators to design individual scenarios or environments. The winners of each category will receive $6,000, with a total of four winners. The deadline for applications is July 26, with the winner announcement scheduled for September 27, 2022. Currently, 266 innovators and 25 teams have joined the challenge, showcasing the interest and enthusiasm in creating the Martian metaverse.
The challenge presents an exciting opportunity for programmers to showcase their skills and creativity in developing immersive experiences for the Martian metaverse. With the support of NASA and Epic Games, participants can contribute to the advancement of virtual reality technology and explore new possibilities in the realm of space exploration. The MarsXR challenge represents a unique opportunity for developers to push the boundaries of innovation and create groundbreaking experiences in the world of gaming and technology.
