Startup Idea: VR Fitness Software for Mobile

Startup idea to develop a VR fitness system designed specifically for head mounted mobile VR devices. It would involve a basic running course with engaging features such as jumping over objects and collecting coins for gamification. It also has potential for in-app purchases to add new running courses.

Recently I acquired a cardboard style VR headset mount for my iOS device. After playing the usual rollercoaster games for a few minutes I had the idea of using it as VR fitness device.

I hunted around the app store noticed there are very few apps that actually worked up a sweat and work as a stand alone fitness device with a phone + cardboard style setup.

However, I did find two apps that were awesome and worked up a sweat! The weird thing is neither are designed specifically for fitness.

• https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/running-bros-vr/id1151850318?mt=8
• https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maze-walk-vr-virtual-reality-game-puzzle-apps/id1138117315?mt=8

The reason they works is that, when you are in the VR world, in order to move forward you need to lightly jog in place, and then to get over objects (or gaps) you need to jump up.

I personally hate exercise. You will very rarely see me doing it. However when I was in the world of these games I did not even notice the fact that I was exercising so hard and literally working up a sweat.

I think there is a huge potential to create a VR fitness system for head mounted mobile VR devices. Unlike the games it could simply be a basic running course with the capability of jumping over things, collecting coins, running specific courses and boosting your score for gameification.

I don't even think it would be very hard to build. These games were respectively created using Unreal AND Unity which are platforms that make it easy to build VR games for mobile.

If the app was branded more like a medical platform than a game then I think it could bypass the low ball costs of the app store. I also think there is huge scope for in-app purchases to add new running courses etc.

Here's the thing, if a game can get me (and other people like me) to exercise... that's a game changer in my book. Think weight loss industry.

Honestly, I would work on this if I didn't already have so much on. Please let me know if you need beta testing as I really want this to exist.

Submitter: Justin Vincent, (view contact info)