‘Breaking Bad’ Gets Virtual Reality Experience As Vince Gilligan Teams Up With Sony

Fans of the hit cult show Breaking Bad might be pleased to know that notorious duo Walter White and Jesse Pinkman might make a comeback to dominate once again, this time in the world of virtual reality.

In a recent report by Time, it was revealed that Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan is teaming up with Sony’s PlayStation division. The two are reportedly collaborating to make a non-game virtual reality project based on the iconic TV show.

Unfortunately, details about the project are yet to be disclosed, but Sony reportedly confirmed that it won’t be releasing it this year. According to reports, the Breaking Bad producer is eager to expand its storytelling in virtual reality despite being in the early stages.

Andrew House, global chief executive of Sony Interactive Entertainment, revealed that Gilligan was so intrigued about their virtual reality technology that he instantly expressed his intent to be part of the project.

“We set up a day at our campus where we brought seven of the best show runners [Sony Pictures Television] work with, like David Shore of The Blacklist and Ron Moore, who did Battlestar Galactica, Vince and some other folks. And they just played around with VR. Several of them were intrigued, but Vince was the one who said, ‘I really want to do something with this. I want to experiment with this.'”

Meanwhile, Sony Global game development boss Shawn Layden pointed out that the proposed project is intended to make a larger connection between virtual reality and mainstream pop culture.

“We have Hollywood luminaries and TV show runners, places like the Smithsonian and [NASA’s] Jet Propulsion Laboratory looking into what the technology can do for them. And recently you may have seen Vince Gilligan, the show runner for Breaking Bad, has leaked some information that we’re working together, which we are, in bringing a Breaking Bad experience to virtual reality.”

With Vince Gilligan’s positivity about Sony’s virtual reality, House is hoping that their collaboration could have a good level of public appeal.

“I think [this] could be another interesting way to see how VR can drive towards the mainstream.”

Sony’s PlayStation VR has been doing quite well in the market. Reports revealed that it has sold more than 1 million units worldwide, a big leap from 900,000 in February. The Japan-based giant also reiterated the fact that it’s sold out on day one of its release.

“We don’t see it as a fad, it’s a brand new medium, not only for gaming entertainment but non-gaming entertainment.”

Aside from Breaking Bad, Sony is also reportedly teaming up with Grammy Award-winning artists the Chainsmokers. According to reports, the collaboration will involve the creation and distribution of a VR-exclusive music video.

In Japan, other companies have already acquired virtual reality technology. KDDI, a Japanese telecom and mobile company, is reportedly working on a disaster response simulation for train drivers. On the other hand, Tokyo-based HoloEyes has created a system that lets doctors use medical imaging data to virtually inspect the area of the patient prior to surgery.

Additionally, Bandai Namco Entertainment is reportedly looking into opening a large virtual reality entertainment center in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. Apparently, the company wants to provide easy access for people to try the technology, especially those who lack the chance to use them personally.

As for Sony’s flagship games platform, reports revealed that it is now close to hitting 60 million units sold worldwide since its release in November of 2013. The PlayStation 4 now holds the record as the fastest pace set by any PlayStation console, including the all-time record holder, PlayStation 2.

Make sure to check back for more news and updates on Breaking Bad’s virtual reality experience.

[Featured Image by Mark Davis/Getty Images]