Visitors experience immersive VR games at Galaxy Macao.
Kevin Kelley (2nd L), chief operating officer of Galaxy Entertainment Group, Yu Shuxin (4th L), the female lead in "Love Between Fairy and Devil" and other guests pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of a VR experience center.
Visitors walk at the "Love Between Fairy and Devil" VR experience center.
"Eggspression — An Immersive Art Experience" features large installations by Dutch artist Henk Hofstra at the Galaxy Promenade. Photos by Chen Siqi
Fans of the 2022 hit series "Love Between Fairy and Devil" now have a new destination to explore, as a newly-opened state-of-the-art VR experience center will allow them to relive the show's thrills at Galaxy Macao.
The show's lead actress Yu Shuxin attended the inauguration ceremony alongside other guests Friday.
The show follows a low-ranking fairy who accidentally resurrects a powerful demon, leading to a cosmic entanglement of their fates as the world spirals into turmoil. Upon its release, the series quickly gained popularity, with relevant topics trending on Sina Weibo and receiving 4.5 million views. The show soon ranked top on iQiyi's overseas platform. Netflix acquired its copyright, and the series nudged into the top five most viewed shows list in South Korea, India, and Thailand.
Adapted from the phenomenal series, this new entertainment project — the largest immersive experience center in Macao — is co-created by iQiyi's Dream Verse Studio and Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG).
Upon entering the VR hall, visitors are transported to a visually stunning ancient world, where they will spend the next hour trying to solve intriguing puzzles, following cues from the original show's storyline. Then, they will move on to the VR experience area, where, with VR headgear on, they become characters from the show and embark on breathtaking adventures.
Sensor devices such as servo motors, dynamic platforms, and audio vibrations, add to the thrills of the VR experience. The blowing wind, freezing cold, scorching heat, and dizziness from weightlessness feel all but real so that even the boldest may break into a nervous sweat. With the help of state-of-the-art VR technology, realistic 3D modeling, artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC), and mechanical devices, the project delivers an immersive experience that blurs the boundary of virtuality and reality.
The center, covering more than 1,480 square meters, is divided into five sections. In addition to the VR hall, visitors can try on stunning hanfu (ancient Chinese costumes) and take photos, savor delicious snacks, and buy themed souvenirs.
GEG's chief operating officer Kevin Kelley explained that the VR experience center is more than just another tech-infused fun destination, because it "introduces global visitors to traditional Chinese culture."
Every detail at the experience center is deliberately approached to embody the rich traditional Chinese culture, from architectural design to interactive content, he said.
For those who have planned a longer stay, there are other interesting places to explore at Galaxy Macao. "Eggspression — An Immersive Art Experience," featuring large installations by Dutch artist Henk Hofstra, is on display until Oct. 7 at the Galaxy Promenade.
Visitors can also enjoy the diamond show featuring dazzling lights, sound, water, and visuals in the Diamond Lobby. It runs from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends and public holidays, at 30-minute intervals.
"Love Between Fairy and Devil" VR experience
Venue: 1/F, Pearl Lobby, Galaxy Macao
Opening Hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Tickets: US$26.9 (Monday to Friday), US$37.1 (Saturday, Sunday)