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Ready Player One virtual reality and retro gaming experience opened in Vancouver

Vancouverites can try their hand at virtual reality, retro arcade games and take in live music in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Vancouverites can try their hand at virtual reality, retro arcade games and take in live music in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

“We’ve already seen a shift in movies and experiences having that virtual reality element,” said Juno host committee spokesperson Neesha Hothi. “it’s a really immersive piece.”

It is part of a three-room exhibit to promote Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi action-adventure movie Ready Player One, which will be released on March 29 and is based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Cline.

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The gaming rooms are inside “the stacks,” which is the name of the futuristic apartment housing complexes in the film.

Another room is modelled after the main character’s bedroom in the film complete with old film posters.

The exhibit was created by Rooftop Agency and is sponsored by IMAX. The event is being held in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures and the Juno Awards.

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Right beside the Ready Player One exhibit is the Let’s Hear it Live! festival stage featuring live music from artists from across the province.

“It’s the best amalgamation of the creative industries here in B.C. Film, music, the arts, culture. It really does speak to the essence of our scene,” said Hothi.

Both events are running from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.