Training Grounds (VR)



The Training Grounds (VR) is an Experience at Halo: Outpost Discovery.

Summary
Through the lens of virtual reality, teams of three will simulate what it takes to be a Spartan, in an immersive, Halo themed combat training environment.

Instructor video
When attendees are waiting near the experience, a video plays going over the experience itself. Below is a transcript of the video.

''The instructor video starts off by showing Sergeant Latourette introducing herself and giving a basic overview of the experience. Throughout the video the video several clips of the experience are shown.''


 * Sergeant Latourette: "Listen up, Recruits we have a lot to cover, so let's get to it! I am your drill instructor, Sergeant Latourette and today is a big day for all of you. The UNSC needs heroes and I believe you might be up to the task. This is where you get to prove me right. It's my pleasure to welcome you to the Training Grounds here at Outpost Discovery. Today, our training simulation will feature military strategy protocols inspired by real campaigns from history. In teams of three, you and your squad will work together as a unit against an opposing team to achieve the mission objective. In the simulation, you will notice you and your fellow recruits projected as Spartan super-soldiers. It's a good look, but don't let it go to your head. These are only combat drones designed to look like Spartans. Your only weapon throughout this simulation will be a Covenant Plasma Pistol. It's one of the more common armaments in the Covenant's arsenal, but with the right riming and a bit of patience, it can pack a heckuva punch. Part of this simulation is to get you familiar with common alien weaponry. You never know what tools you'll find out there. In battle, you keep what you steal. Gabriela has more info."


 * Gabriela: "Thanks, Sergeant. Recruits, let's cover the basics. The T-25 Directed Energy Pistol, also known as the Plasma Pistol, is a fascinating weapon of choice for this exercise. In addition to simply pulling the trigger to fire a short single burst, this weapon offers you the capability to hold and charge your shot so that you can eventually release a far more damaging blast at your opponent. If you are defeated, you will need to carefully walk back to your team's base in order to respawn your avatar."


 * Sergeant Latourette: "Thank you, Gabriela. Now, before we go any further, I need to review UNSC safety regulations, so listen up! As this is an active training operation, you should not participate if you are pregnant or if you suffer from any head, neck, or back injuries. The same also goes for anyone who may experience seizures, may suffer from dizziness, or may suffer from cardiac issues, including high blood pressure. The nature of our equipment also requires that all personnel be at least 42 inches tall to participate in this experience. We also recommend that no recruits under the age of twelve should participate, as well. Please see one of our instructors if you have any questions. For the rest of you, stay focused. We have a bit more to cover. Gabriela, what's next?"


 * Gabriela: "Recruits, I want you to get the most out of this experience so there are a few things I want you to watch out for in this simulation. While in the Arena, never walk past the boundaries of the battlefield unless you wish to take a significant amount of damage. These are indestructible simulation walls and they will retaliate should you attempt to cross them. Alway maintain awareness of your surroundings, watch your step, and avoid collision with other recruits. If you start to feel sick or for any reason you must quit the simulation, assume the safety position by raising your hand and one of the instructors will come to assist you. Finally, there is no running, jumping, climbing, or laying on the floor while in the simulation."


 * Sergeant Latourette: "Excellent. Recruits, it's about time to suit up! Before entering the Arena you are receiving prototype equipment for this simulation experience. When putting on the headset, make sure your eyes are in the middle of the lens for maximum clarity. Adjust the top strap and the dial on the back to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. There is also an IPD adjustment dial on the front of the headset. There are two straps which can be used to secure the torso hardware in place; and the waist strap. Ensure that both straps are fastened together and are tight after putting on the hardware. You will also be using a state-of-the-art projection controller which, during the simulation, will look and feel like your very own Plasma Pistol. Remember, there's more to this weapon than just point and fire. Use it wisely. Finally, after you have completed your mission, remove the headset by gripping the sides and resting it on your forehead. Return your controller to the instructors. Unbuckle the straps and then wait for our team to remove your gear for you."


 * Gabriela: "I know it's a lot, Recruits, but don't worry. The Sergeant's instructors will be on hand in the next room to issue you your gear and review these safety instructions, once again. Sergeant? Anything else you want to say about the equipment before that?"


 * Sergeant Latourette: "Only that the gear is expensive and if you break it, you buy it."


 * Gabriela: "All the more reason to have these safety briefings. Thanks, Recruits."


 * Sergeant Latourette: "You have my thanks, as well, Recruits. We're about ready to move on. You've got potential, no question. But not you're gonna need to prove it. Get ready. And good luck! Dismissed!"

Set up
Training Grounds (VR) gets the players set up in HTC Vive headsets. The players are then grouped into teams of three to simulate what its like to be a Spartan.

Experience theme
Set on a combat platform above Valhalla from Halo 3, the map itself having a few M12 Warthogs, Type-32 Ghost, and some Type-26B Banshee. In the experience players are represented by Mark VI armor, the Vive controllers are represented by Type-25 plasma pistols with a energy bar on them. One team is Red, and the other is Blue.

Gameplay
Players are armed with a Plasma Pistol and energy shields.

Production notes
343 Industries partnered with VRstudios in Seattle, Washington to develop this experience.