OTAKON to be First Convention Held in New “Full Dive” VRMMORPG

Washington, DC (April 1, 2022) - Otakorp, Inc. is working with game developer Argus to move its OTAKON Convention to Virtual Reality. OTAKON 2022 will be the first convention held using Argus’ new “Full Dive” technology, allowing for a completely immersive con-going experience.

Through use of a proprietary game console the player wears over their head called the “NerveGear”, this system uses an array of high-density microwave transceivers that are capable of directly accessing the player’s brain. It is able to intercept and send signals directly to all five senses, allowing users a VR immersive experience unlike anything that could be provided by previous platforms like Oculus or the HTC Vive.

Argus will soon begin shipping NerveGear units to 1,000 players who have been invited to a special closed-beta test of their new VRMMORPG titled “Sword Art Online”. That beta test is expected to begin in May 2022. Over 200,000 pre-orders have already been placed for the game which has an announced official release date of November 6, 2022. The special OTAKON Convention event is scheduled to take place in-game on July 29-31, 2022.

“We’re really excited as this will allow people from all over the world to join in and experience what OTAKON has to offer.”, says OTAKON Convention Chair Brian Cutler. “Our team has been working really hard to recreate the full experience of OTAKON in the virtual world. No detail will be too small as we recreate not only the sights and sounds of OTAKON in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, but also the smells!”

Otakorp, Inc. expects to bring all elements of its convention into the VR world. Cosplay is a big part of OTAKON and the player's only limits to customize their avatar will be their own imagination. Though all players will still have to go through weapons check as they enter the virtual building as the convention’s weapons policy is still in effect, banning all signs along with metal weapons, projectiles, explosives and dual-wielding Yaoi/Yuri paddles.

Every panel and workshop will be presented, but a big part of OTAKON is also its large Dealer’s Room and Artists’ Alley. While the dealer’s room may be virtual, players will be able to purchase any item they would like to have in the real world by way of NFT technology, which, according to Michael Porter, Otakon’s Exhibitions Director and Lord Commander Shopkeep, "is really the best way to prove that you are the owner of that limited edition Pikachu plushy you’ve always dreamed of."

"This is really the fulfillment of a dream that started way back in 2013 when OTAKON hosted Animation Director Tetsuya Kawakami and Character Designer Shingo Adachi", says Otakorp President Brooke Zerrlaut. "They introduced us to Kayaba Akihiko who was a Development Director at Argus and were really instrumental in pushing this vision of bringing OTAKON to Virtual Reality. We’re really excited how realistic the experience they’ve been able to create. They’ve also gone above and beyond addressing all safety concerns we had to make sure everyone has a fun and safe experience."

Kayaba Akihiko and more specifically the NerveGear Full Dive helmet he developed have not been without controversy, with some Redditors in the VR community openly critical of some of the design decisions. "Why do they need to use high-density microwaves as the interface to the brain? Is that even safe? I don’t want my brain cooked!" posts EliteOtaku28 on the /r/vrmmo community.

Argus has put out their own statement assuring players of the safety of the Full Dive interface and Director Akihiko has said "Yes, it’s safe. You can trust me."

Access to the NerveGear equipment is expected to be limited for some time. For those who are not able to attend the event in VR, Otakorp encourages members to make a donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

ABOUT OTAKON AND OTAKORP, INC.: Now entering its twenty-eighth year, Otakon is an annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture, and also one of the largest gatherings of fans in the United States. Otakon celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture, and has grown along with the enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and music from the Far East. Historically, Otakon has drawn up to 34,000 people for three days each year (for a paid attendance of over 100,000 turnstile attendees). Otakon is a membership based convention sponsored by Otakorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based, 501(c)3 educational non-profit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an all-volunteer, unpaid staff – we are run by fans, for fans. Happy April 1st.