https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FF1rUWTCQs

As we previously reported, IBM Japan is working on a curious new VR prototype based on the popular Sword Art Online franchise.

While many fans had their hopes and dreams crushed upon learning the prototype is simply a 20 minute tech demo to showcase their cloud-computing prowess, the first gameplay for the prototype has surface.

Featured above, the first gameplay was uploaded, giving us an early look at the prototype. It has all the hallmarks of the Sword Art Online visuals, however it seems like the player is unable to move – thus you’re only standing in place while flailing your sword around (this may be deliberate).

Over on IBM’s official website, they give some more clear information on the project, compared to the over-hyped announcement we saw before:

The VRMMO sponsored by IBM, replaced the NerveGear helmets with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR headsets. The event showcases IBM’s SoftLayer cloud technology with the high performing, cognitive computing big data power of Watson to take the video gaming industry into completely new worlds of game play. After a 3D body scan, gamers are transformed into avatars of themselves that live inside the game. No controllers are required as players use their body to make moves.

So this confirms the other avatars seen in the gameplay footage are in fact 3D scans of actual human beings – this is certainly an interesting feat. This also confirms the developers are using Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR headsets, and not some new “NerveGear” prototype.

Sword Art Online: The Beginning is being currently tested in Tokyo.