My preferred Quest travel application features an outstanding foliage rendering system.
Brink Traveler has released an exciting update that transports users to Lake Tahoe while featuring a new foliage rendering system.
The update introduces a brand-new location with breathtaking views of the north shore of Lake Tahoe, nestled within California’s Sierra Nevada. Dubbed Carnelian Overlook, this spot provides a sweeping vista of one of America’s deepest lakes, framed by jagged mountain ranges and the vibrant colors of Carnelian Bay.
“We often receive requests for forest settings, so to fulfill this demand, we devised a new foliage rendering system capable of efficiently incorporating hundreds of thousands of trees and plants into standalone VR,” explains Brink XR founder Akin Bilgic to MIXED. According to reports, the scene boasts 8,000 trees and 700,000 plants. A making-of video reveals the techniques used by the studio.
To provide an initial glimpse, I explored the new destination using Meta Quest 3 and captured a video.
The rendered landscape is striking; however, like many VR environments offered by Brink Traveler, movement is limited to just a few steps in any direction. It isn’t possible to wander through the forest or view it from an entirely new angle. Nevertheless, the new foliage rendering system shows great potential, and I look forward to how upcoming locations will incorporate it.
Brink Traveler is available for purchase at the Horizon Store and on Steam.
What is Brink Traveler?
Brink Traveler employs photogrammetry to construct hyperrealistic digital replicas of actual locations.
The VR app currently features approximately 50 3D environments, allowing for movement within a limited radius. While hiking or similar activities aren’t feasible, the VR app serves as an excellent tool for relaxation or meditation, which is the reason it is now being utilized in therapeutic settings.
Since its debut in 2021, a variety of new locations, multiplayer capabilities, and an AI travel guide have been introduced. The last three updates featured environments in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and the island of La Réunion and brought dynamic skies alongside star constellations.
What’s your impression of Brink Traveler? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
