Motion Sphere, a Brazilian company specialising in motion-simulator entertainment, has unveiled the Star Wars Sphere, a large-scale flight experience scheduled to begin shipping in summer 2022.
The company’s preview video offered only brief glimpses of the simulator in action, so further details help explain how the attraction works and what operators can expect.
A motion simulator built for full-body immersion
Motion Sphere focuses exclusively on motion-simulation experiences for entertainment and professional applications. Its approach combines the visual impact of dome-style screen systems, such as Namco’s dome technology, with the imposing presence associated with Sega’s R360. The system does not appear to rotate through a complete 360 degrees, although its design could potentially support more extreme movement when a particular experience requires it. That level of motion would not necessarily suit every application, especially a title such as MotoGP.
The company was established before the pandemic and used that period to develop new simulation technologies and experiences. With the entertainment market returning to normal activity, Motion Sphere said it was preparing to deliver innovative, high-end systems for both entertainment venues and professional users.
Three software options
The Star Wars Sphere is based on Motion Sphere’s flight-simulator platform, which is also supplied with newer versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. In practical terms, it occupies a similar space to a premium take on Star Wars Battle Pod: both put the player in a starfighter, but the Sphere adds a substantially more involved motion platform than the Battle Pod’s moving seat.
Operators can configure the attraction with three different game formats:
- Star Wars: Battlefront: This version adapts the Beggar’s Canyon mission for the Motion Sphere. Players pilot an X-wing through the canyon, evade attacks and fire on opponents while the simulator reproduces acceleration and G-forces.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator with a Star Wars mod: This option allows visitors to fly Star Wars spacecraft, including TIE fighters, X-wings and TIE interceptors, through a selection of missions set around the world.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator with a generic spaceship mod: Because the Star Wars intellectual property belongs to Disney, direct Star Wars references in family entertainment centres require an agreement with Disney. A non-branded version featuring generic spacecraft battles could instead be used where appropriate.
Commercial considerations for operators
Star Wars software would involve an additional cost on top of the simulator system. A family entertainment centre that already owns a flight-simulator Motion Sphere could add the Star Wars configuration, although it was not confirmed whether the themed exterior could be retrofitted to an existing unit.
The system’s physical dimensions were also provided for venue planning:
For Australian operators assessing a large attraction, the footprint and servicing requirements deserve the same attention as the software. Our arcade machine buying guide offers a useful starting point for comparing venue needs, while the arcade repairs and maintenance service page is relevant when planning long-term support. Smaller venues can also compare the wider range of arcade machines and motion-focused racing arcade systems.
Shipping plans
Motion Sphere announced that the Star Wars Sphere would begin shipping in summer 2022. Its combination of licensed flight content, enclosed presentation and strong physical movement makes it a notable proposition for family entertainment centres, subject to software licensing and the available venue space.
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