March 3, 2016 – Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (Six Flags) and Samsung Electronics America, Inc., today announced a broad marketing partnership which appoints Samsung as the ‘Official Technology Partner’ of Six Flags. The partnership includes the debut of new Virtual Reality (VR) Roller Coaster experiences, using Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus, coming to nine Six Flags parks.
Some of Six Flags’ coasters will be equipped to allow riders wearing Samsung Gear VR headsets to enjoy a 360-degree virtual reality experience, as gyros, accelerometers and proximity sensors synchronize all of the real life rollercoaster action to a virtual reality world.
“This remarkable technology is a definite game-changer for theme park rides and represents everything our brand stands for—delivering the most thrilling and innovative rides and attractions in the world,” said John Duffey, Six Flags President and CEO. “With the addition of these virtual reality coasters, Six Flags will be introducing more than double the number of new coasters and rides than we did in 2015, and more than any year in the last decade.”
Marc Mathieu, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Electronics America, said: “Now, people can be immersed into a totally new universe while riding a roller coaster, powered by Samsung Gear VR virtual reality devices. This transforms the modern roller coaster into a totally new, one of a kind sensorial experience – powered by technology. We are excited to work with the premiere brand in theme parks to bring Samsung’s VR technology to nine Six Flags locations across the U.S.”
Samsung Gear VR provides an untethered, fully-immersive experience 360-degree mobile VR experience and is built to work with Samsung’s Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and Note5.
Six Flags and Samsung will launch the new VR Roller Coasters beginning this month and into the summer, totaling nine coasters across the U.S. On the six New Revolution Virtual Reality Coasters, riders are the co-pilots in their own fighter jets, transported to a futuristic battle to save planet earth from an alien invasion. The experience also incorporates interactive gameplay technology where riders can fire their virtual weapons whilst on the ride. The experience will make its debut on the following six roller coasters:
- Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, opening March 10;
- Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags Over Georgia outside of Atlanta, opening March 12;
- The New Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain near Los Angeles, opening March 26;
- Ninja at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka;
- Steamin’ Demon at The Great Escape in Lake George, New York and;
- Goliath at La Ronde in Montreal.
On Six Flags’ three new SUPERMAN Virtual Reality Coasters, once riders take their seats and fasten the headsets, they will be fully immersed in the 360-degree comic-book world of Metropolis. The adventure will debut on the following Superman-branded coasters:
- SUPERMAN Krypton Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio;
- SUPERMAN The Ride at Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts; and
- SUPERMAN Ride of Steel at Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Visit the Auganix HUD for more information on Samsung.
Image credit: Samsung
About the author
Sam Sprigg
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.
