710671The PretenderClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKUnit9 are developing ‘Pretender’, a body control suit that provides a player in virtual reality (VR) with haptic (tactile) feedback. It has the potential to significantly improve the quality of the virtual experience in a wide range of applications in virtual learning and gaming. In addition to entertainment applications Pretender can be used to enable realistic, virtual training and educational environments in which people can practice hazardous tasks and learn safely before advancing to the real life example. In such applications Pretender will save money as it does not require materials to be used up in repeat practice attempts. It also allows the user to customize the learning experience making it more relevant to the needs of the specific individual and use scenario. Work carried out to date by Unit9 has demonstrated that the concept is feasible and that there is a strong interest within the developer community. However, work is needed to develop a ‘Proof-of-concept’ (POC) Pretender demonstrator and development kit that will allow game developers to assess its use in creating cost effective virtual environments with haptic feedback for learning. The participation in the project of a number of key stakeholders from the game development community will enable the POC development kit to be assessed in the context of real applications. It will also allow us to establish the next steps for development of a commercial system suitable for use in mass markets, and the partnerships needed to take the product to market.