Theaters of Illusion: The Continuing Evolution of Entertainment Simulation Allen Yamashita, InterActive Simulation, Inc. Since Morton Heilig's patent for a Sensorama Simulator in the '60s, entertainment simulation has evolved from a mere curiosity into a legitimate medium in its own right. Some of us who once only hypothesized about melding moving images and soundscapes with physical motion cues now find ourselves mainstream producers of simulation experiences working for both established Hollywood entertainment engines, and newly minted venture capital-fueled independents with visions of creating a global network of simulation theaters. What was once the obscure cutting edge is now a mainstream buzzword called simulator rides. Contributors to this infant empire include an unlikely smattering of demilitarized hardware suppliers who, struggling to diversify their destructive expertise, have rolled their engineering might into building motion platforms in a variety of configurations intended for leisure applications. Also answering the seductive call of new money are an ever-expanding number of the established film community's infrastructure: cinematographers, designers, stylists, model makers, digital artists, set builders and postproduction facilities who have positioned themselves as software suppliers and overnight experts in this new medium. Close scrutiny, howeve,', of the profit margins of this supposed big business
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