Trinity Magnum: Precision Motion Controller for VR: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

The world of video games is reaching a new plateau with next-gen consoles and the rise of mobile/independent titles.

Along with these evolutionary changes in the world of interactive media comes the return of virtual reality. The Oculus Rift and several other devices are ready to take over the world of mainstream gaming and become just as big as motion gaming was when the Wii took over your living room. TrinityVR is preparing to give gamers a more intuitive way to play 1st-person experiences with the Trinity Magnum.

Here’s everything you need to know about this new VR/motion controller combo and the Kickstarter campaign behind this new piece of tech.

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1. The Trinity Magnum is a Motion Controller Designed for Virtual Reality Experiences

TrinityVR’s Magnum device is a precision motion controller designed with the intent to offer gamers an even better virtual reality experience. While holding the Magnum, you can use it to handle independent actions with your hands that also work in conjunction with virtual reality headset motions.

For example, you can tilt your head in another direction to change you viewpoint, then move the Magnum in another direction to shoot at other targets from a distance. The Trinity Magnum Development Kit is optimized for the Oculus Rift DK1 and DK2 devices, plus it will offer functionality with PC 1st-person shooters.

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2. Its Uses Change Depending on a One or Two Handed Control Scheme

The Trinity Magnum can be molded in different ways (gameplay-wise) in order to meet the qualification of varying game experiences. For instance, holding the controller with one hand (Mono Grip) could replicate the experience of wielding a sword, tennis racket or any other one-handed object. Or users could hold it with two hands (Dual Grip) and use it to control a fire hose or a control stick for an airplane or other vehicle.

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3. The Controller Setup is Simple and Instantly Understandable By Gamers and Non-Gamers Alike

The Trinity Magnum’s control layout was developed in order to offer accessible inputs for VR that would improve the muscle memory of those who wield it. It comes outfitted with 1 trigger, 2 analog joysticks and 4 tactile buttons that can set to custom settings for various activities.

The Trinity Magnum also comes outfitted with a rumble feedback mechanic that can replicate the actions of whatever’s occurring through a VR headset screen. The low-latency, 1:1 tracking implementation within the Trinity Magnum should provide the experience that most 1st-person shooter fans have wanted in their home for years.

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4. It’s Also Being Designed to Work in Conjunction with Other Gaming Peripherals and PC Webcams

The developer kits for the Trinity Magnum is also developed to work with the following motion controller devices and programs for game consoles and PC’s – the PlayStation Eye, Microsoft Kinect for Windows and most webcams for laptops and desktops.

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5. Two Separate Game Projects Have Been Created to Show of What the Trinity Magnum is Capable Of

Two supported developer projects have been made for the Trinity Magnum device thus far – the in-house developed Quail Hunt VR and the 3rd-party game called Z0NE (which has been produced by PixelRouter). Check out the video above to get a look at how Z0NE looks and controls from the viewpoint of someone wearing a VR device.

6. A Kickstarter Campaign for the Device Just Went Public

A Kickstarter campaign has now been implemented in order to raise money for the future development of the Trinity Magnum. If the money goal is reached, Trinity VR will have the funds needed to refine their product and get them into the hands of official backers by December 2014.

The Trinity Magnum will be sent out as developer kits to those looking to create their own projects that will utilize the controller itself. The price range for pledging money to this project ranges from $5 to $10,000 or more.

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7. TrinityVR is Working With Cinder Solutions to Handle the Device’s Manufacturing

TrinityVR is working alongside Cinder Solutions, who is looking to aid the manufacturing needs of the device. Cinder Solutions is also aiding the 2nd-generation prototype development of the Trinity Magnum as well.

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8. The Trinity Magnum Has a Few Substantial Differences That Put it Above Other Motion Controllers and VR Headsets

The Trinity Magnum controller is entering a market of devices that focus on several motion gaming controllers and other competing VR headset devices. Refer to the image above to see what sets the Trinity Magnum apart from its competitors.

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9. Two Important Parts of the Controller’s Overall Design are Still Being Worked On

The Trinity Magnum’s development is still coming along at a great rate, but two major parts of the controller are still being worked on before it can finally reach a state of completion. The Kickstarter campaign page mentioned what TrinityVR is still trying to iron out with their device:

General Ergonomics and Button Layout. We’re still refining our prototype design in order to make sure it’s the most functional, visually appealing, comfortable and highest quality assembly for a diverse user base (hands of all sizes, lefties & righties, etc.).

Positional Tracking. To give developers the best possible tracking experience and utilize the best and most comprehensive camera options, we may change our tracking methodology before launch. However, the general way to interface with the Magnum through our API will not change, and none of those decisions will affect the claimed positional performance.

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10. The Controller’s Development is Being Handled by Game Designers and Other Industry Professionals

TrinityVR was officially created as a company back in January 2014 by three gaming professionals who used to develop project for RedCandy Games. All three men took on the aid of another tech/gaming professional in April of the same year and began crafting the Trinity Magnum. Those 4 individuals are Julian Volyn, Zach Lynn, Jeff Danis and Rahat Ahmed.

Check out the full description below to read about these individuals past and current work in the gaming industry:

Prior to founding TrinityVR in January, Julian Volyn, Zach Lynn and Jeff Danis led RedCandy Games, a studio that developed cross-platform tools, technology and content for console and mobile devices. While at RedCandy Games, the founders led the development of Tic: Part 1, a Microsoft award-winning platform game for the Xbox 360. Based on the game’s success, RedCandy Games partnered with EA Chillingo, publishers of Angry Birds and Cut the Rope, for the release of Tin Man Can, a platform game for the iOS. Tin Man Can has had more than 350,000 downloads to date.

Joining the team in April, Rahat Ahmed has a background investing in technology and gaming at Prince Street Capital Management. This included traveling to parts of Asia to better understand the global tech supply chain. Most recently, he developed strategy for the long-term positioning of Delete Blood Cancer DKMS in the national and global bone marrow industry.

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