The Ultimate Star Trek: The Next Generation VR Fan Experience that Could Have Been!
Are you a Star Trek Fan who has ever dreamed of fully immersing themselves in the Star Trek TNG universe? If so, you’re not alone and many people have no idea just how close we were to actually being able to live out that fantasy! Several years ago a dedicated team of Star Trek and VR enthusiasts embarked on a groundbreaking project called Stage 9 which was an ambitious endeavor that aimed to recreate the entire USS Enterprise-D in Unreal Engine 4. Unfortunately, CBS shut down the project in 2018, leaving fans mourning the loss of what could have been a groundbreaking virtual reality fan experience.
The Star Trek: The Next Generation universe is vast and full of potential but unfortunately, it seems that CBS/Paramount wasn’t quite ready to let fans be fans so in this article I’ll delve into the possibilities of what might have been if the powers that be would have allowed the creativity and passion of a team made up of talented VR developers and Star Trek fans to flourish.
A World of Unexplored Possibilities
Imagine, for a moment, what it would be like to fully immerse yourself in the Star Trek TNG universe. Let’s take a closer look at some of the incredible experiences that could have been made possible with a simulation like this running on VR technology:
- Walking the corridors of the USS Enterprise while interacting with crew members, and participating in missions as a member of Starfleet.
- Experiencing epic space battles, taking control of the helm, and engaging in tactical combat against enemy ships.
- Exploring new worlds, encountering alien species, and unraveling the mysteries of the galaxy.
- Honing your skills at the Starfleet Academy, learning from the best instructors, and forging friendships with fellow cadets.
- Have your own ship and crew encountering others players in the vastness of space in a multiplayer simulation where players could have conversations across viewscreens or even play as Klingons, Romulans, Vulcans and maybe even add in a trading module and let people play as the Ferengi.
These are just a few examples of the limitless potential that a Star Trek: TNG VR experience could offer. With the power of modern virtual reality technology, players could feel as though they were truly living in this iconic universe, taking part in a brand-new chapter of the Star Trek story.
Stage 9: A Glimpse of What Might Have Been
At one point, there was a glimmer of hope for fans yearning for an immersive Star Trek experience. Stage 9 aimed to recreate the entire USS Enterprise-D in Unreal Engine 4. The project began in 2016 led by a small team of dedicated Star Trek and VR enthusiasts. It quickly gained traction within the VR and Star Trek fan communities and each new release was met with widespread praise.
Stage 9 showed incredible promise, offering players the chance to explore the Enterprise D in stunning detail. From the iconic bridge to the lesser-known nooks and crannies, the level of dedication and care put into the project was truly remarkable. It was clear that the team behind Stage 9 had a deep love for Star Trek: TNG, and their passion showed in every aspect of the project.
Tragically, however, the dream was short-lived. In September 2018, the Stage 9 team received a cease and desist letter from CBS, effectively putting an end to the project. Despite the heartbreak of this outcome, the team complied with CBS’s demands and ceased development, leaving fans to mourn the loss of what could have been a truly groundbreaking experience.
A Missed Opportunity for CBS/Paramount
The cancellation of Stage 9 represents a missed opportunity not just for the fans, but for CBS/Paramount as well. We’ve seen time and time again that the passion of the fan community can lead to incredible innovations and creative achievements. By embracing these efforts rather than shutting them down, CBS/Paramount could have fostered a thriving ecosystem of Star Trek-inspired projects that would have only served to strengthen the brand and deepen fans’ connection to the franchise.
Furthermore, the popularity of Stage 9 demonstrated that there is a clear market for a high-quality Star Trek VR experience. Had CBS/Paramount chosen to support the project, they could have potentially capitalized on this enthusiasm, generating both revenue and goodwill within the fan community.
Instead, the decision to shut down Stage 9 left many fans feeling frustrated and disheartened, wondering what might have been had CBS/Paramount allowed the project to continue.
Keeping the Dream Alive
Despite the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of Stage 9, the dream of a Star Trek: TNG VR experience is not dead. Fans continue to hope that CBS/Paramount will recognize the potential of such a project and choose to invest in its development. In the meantime, there are a few officially licensed Star Trek VR experiences available, such as Star Trek: Bridge Crew, which, while enjoyable, still falls short of the full-scale immersion that a project like Stage 9 could have offered.
As fans, we must continue to support the official and upcoming Star Trek projects all while also advocating for a more open and collaborative relationship between CBS/Paramount and the fan community. By working together, we can ensure that the legacy of Star Trek: The Next Generation lives on, not just on our screens, but in the hearts and minds of fans across the globe for many years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cancellation of Stage 9 represents a significant loss for the Star Trek fan community. This ambitious project offered a tantalizing glimpse into the incredible potential of a truly immersive Star Trek: TNG VR experience, allowing fans to live out their dreams of exploring the USS Enterprise-D.
While we may never get to enjoy the fruits of the Stage 9 team’s labor, their passion and dedication serve as a testament to the power of the Star Trek fan community. As we continue to dream of the ultimate Star Trek: TNG experience, let us hope that CBS/Paramount will one day recognize the value of embracing fan creativity and allow projects like Stage 9 to flourish, for the benefit of Trekkies everywhere.
Until that day comes, we’ll have to keep our hopes and dreams alive, celebrating the rich and diverse world of Star Trek: The Next Generation in whatever ways we can. Here’s to the future, and to the ultimate Star Trek experience that might still be waiting just beyond the horizon. Live long and prosper, my friends! 🖖
Although the files were removed a good friend recently obtained a copy of the final VR release. Because of this I am considering a new video series on my Youtube channel where we explore every deck and location that the Stage 9 VR project had already been finished. Enjoy this first episode and let me know in the comments if this series is something you would like to see me continue?
