Toronto, Ontario (March 11, 2015) -The I m mersive Technology Alliance (ITA), the official trade organization for immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and stereoscopic 3D, is celebrating its second year under its new name and mandate. The alliance was founded in 2009 and features dozens of member companies and organizations.

"With VR and AR products coming to market, the alliance and ITA VR Council are here to facilitate industry-wide viability, advancement and adoption of immersive technology. We've been getting the top names in the same room for years, and there is much to be achieved together," said Neil Schneider, Executive Director of The Immersive Technology Alliance

"We are excited to join the ITA to work together as an industry to move forward immersive experiences", said Robert Sterzing, President of Optoma and ITA's newest member. "As an electronics company focused on engaging consumers with audio-visual products and technologies, we see virtual reality as the next frontier, and it's important that we get the software, hardware and content aligned and optimized to bring the best experience to consumers."

"At Starbreeze we strongly believe VR will transform the entertainment industry and the key will be to deliver the best and most immersive VR experiences. With Project StarVR, we are focused on developing both the software and the hardware in an integrated way. Being an independent publisher, we feel deeply aligned with ITA's mission to advance the commercialization of VR to consumers by promoting the entire VR industry with our peers. We want to contribute to this industry effort, and that's why we joined the Immersive Technology Alliance and its VR Council," said Emmanuel Marquez, CTO, Starbreeze Studios

"The ITA's focus on facilitating collaboration between leading technology and content makers fits perfectly with our own ambitions for virtual reality. We're not only working hard to make CRYENGINE the best possible resource for virtual reality development, but also striving to offer consumers truly immersive experiences in our upcoming VR game for the Oculus Rift and PSVR, The Climb and Robinson: The Journey. We look forward to being part of the ITA and continuing to drive innovation alongside like-minded partners around the world," said Frank Vitz, Creative Director, Crytek

The membership regularly collaborates through meetings, international Immersed conference events and the private Immersed Access online community. Recent members include Starbreeze Studios, Advanced Micro Devices, Crytek, Futuremark, Basemark, Frima Studio, Skybound Entertainment (IP holder of The Walking Dead), and more.

"I'm excited about an open, ubiquitous social metaverse. Getting there means solving a whole lot of interesting problems through long-term cooperative efforts. I'm delighted to help an organization like the ITA that's focused not on a single company's success, but on the success of the entire industry and ecosystem," said Dr. Michael Capps, ITA Advisory Board Member and Former President of Epic Games.

Strategically partnered with the Open Gaming Alliance (OGA), The ITA is participating with and co-hosting a panel and networking reception on March 14 at from 4:00PM to 6:00PM to celebrate its birthday. Everyone should RSVP for March 14-15, 2016 OGA events and sessions. Location and scheduling details are listed on the RSVP site:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/oga-networking-lounge-during-gdc-tickets-22146185838

The ITA's annual meeting takes place March 15, 2016 from 8:00AM to 10:30AM PST during GDC. It is limited to formal members of the ITA. Basic level membership is free for qualified content makers. Join in advance to participate with meeting.

About The Immersive Technology Alliance (The ITA)
Non-profit and non-proprietary, The ITA is the official voice and industry body for technologies like augmented and virtual reality, stereoscopic 3D, gesture technology, and more. To learn more visit the ITA at https://ita3d.com/ and follow on Twitter.

Media Contacts:
Immersive Technology Alliance
Carol Warren
Crew Communications
Tel. 714-890-4500
Email: Email Contact

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