Universal Parks and Resorts has been looking at technology for an interactive video-game ride.
A subsidiary of NBCUniversal has a patent application filed for such a ride. Not all inventions detailed in patents become a reality. A Universal spokesman wouldn’t comment.
Last year, Universal’s parent company inked a deal with Nintendo to use that company’s video-game concepts in its theme parks. The patent also lists as an example a wizard-themed game with wands. That’s particularly interesting because of Harry Potter’s presence at Universal theme parks.
One of the inventors associated with the patent, Ross Osterman, has worked on other concepts for the company. They include a patent filed several years ago for multi-colored or illuminated water-park beach surfaces. Universal wouldn’t say whether such a feature might appear in Volcano Bay, the water park it will open next year.
The application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office details the use of “containment structures” holding sand-like particles that create rainbow hues or are lit up from below.
The more recent video-game ride patent application discusses player interaction with various game effects. Possibilities include variable routes or outcomes each time the ride is taken.
“The interactive game ride is in contrast to passive rides providing a static experience for each rider,” paperwork says.
Features discussed in the patent application include vehicles associated with game characters, and game controllers determining players’ skill levels. Game environments could also be modified based on the scores.
Theme parks have relied more on interactive features recently. For example, visitors to Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter can use special wands to cast their own spells, such as making water rain down from an overhead umbrella.
DreamWorks acquisition done
Universal Orlando owner NBCUniversal last week completed its $3.8 billion acquisition of DreamWorks Animation.
The deal gives NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, access to intellectual property it can easily use in its theme parks. DreamWorks’ film series include “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Madagascar.” DreamWorks also owns “Shrek,” which Universal Orlando already features through a licensing agreement. NBCUniversal also gets DreamWorks Classics, a collection that includes “Where’s Waldo,” and “Casper the Friendly Ghost.”
The DreamWorks feature animation group will be added to Universal’s portfolio of film labels and production partners. It will be run by co-presidents of feature animation, Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria, under the leadership of Universal Pictures Chairman, Donna Langley.
Former DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg will become Chairman of DreamWorks new media, which will oversee ownership stakes in Awesomeness TV and NOVA. DreamWorks Animation President Ann Daly will step down from her post and will serve as an advisory during the transition.
Orca-breeding ban moves ahead
The California Legislature is moving toward codifying SeaWorld’s plan to end killer whale breeding into state law, according to the Associated Press.
The Senate approved a budget bill Friday that makes it a crime to breed orcas in captivity, sending the measure to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown. A violation in California could result in a fine of up to $100,000.
SeaWorld announced in March that it would stop breeding orcas and would move away from theatrical-style orca shows in favor of those providing more natural entertainment.
UO passholders get ‘Wild’ deals
Universal Orlando last week announced that its annual passholders can get into its Wet ‘n Wild water park for free for a few hours next month. Passholders get complimentary admission Sept. 6 from noon to 5 p.m. It’s part of the “Last Splash” campaign for Wet ‘n Wild, which closes later this year as Universal prepares to open Volcano Bay in 2017.
Passholders can also buy $19.99 Wet ‘n Wild tickets weekdays from Sept. 7 to Sept. 30.
spedicini@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5240
