Elevating Convention Engagement with Virtual Reality

Rackspace, a global leader in cloud computing solutions, sought to redefine its convention experience at Amazon AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas. Having successfully collaborated on two recent VR projects with Geomedia, Rackspace was eager to push the boundaries further, focusing on a new and engaging hands-on, interactive generative AI demonstration that showcases how serverless computing, AI and machine learning, and VR technologies combine to create an A(I)dventurous experience. The resulting experience was called F.A.I.R. Adventure Quest.

Project Objectives:

1. Develop a completely new VR experience for the Rackspace Convention at Amazon AWS re:Invent.
2. Shift the focus towards entertainment and gamification, providing convention attendees with a memorable and interactive experience.
3. Create a memory game featuring 50 Amazon icons from AWS, ensuring it is quick, easy to learn, and fast to play.
4. Adhere to the provided brand guide and convention environment specifications.
5. Incorporate Amazon AI technology for avatar creation at the booth, offering endless customization options.

Challenges:

• Crafting an immersive VR experience that aligns with Rackspace’s brand and meets the entertainment expectations of convention attendees.
• Designing a memory game that incorporates all AWS icons while maintaining simplicity and speed.
• Integrating Amazon AI technology seamlessly into the convention booth for avatar creation.

The Solution:

Geomedia addressed Rackspace’s objectives by conceptualizing and implementing an innovative and intergalactic generative AI and VR memory game. The process began with creating a personalized generative AI avatar at the convention booth using Amazon AI technology. Attendees received a unique code to access their avatars in the VR experience. By identifying the missing AWS services to light up the city’s power source in 45 seconds, attendees would win a prize.

Key Features of the VR Experience:

1. Futuristic World Interaction: Once wearing the headset and entering the unique code, attendees were transported to a futuristic world where they could interact with their surroundings.
2. Memory Game Challenge: The game involved a timed challenge where participants had to grab and drop  AWS icons into a portal in front of them. The goal was to collect the designated 10 icons, within the time allotted.
3. Hint Button: To add an element of strategy, a hint button was introduced, allowing participants to view the 10 designated icons. However, using the hint resulted in point deductions, adding a layer of competitiveness.
4. Leaderboard Integration: The VR experience utilized API calls across the convention to build a real-time leaderboard, showcasing the performance of each participant.
5. Prize Recognition: At the end of the convention, the top 5 participants on the leaderboard were recognized and awarded prizes, creating a sense of competition and accomplishment.