*By Bridgette Webb*
Marvel is launching its first-ever VR video game next weekー'Marvel Powers United' makes its debut on July 26.
Bill Rosemann, Executive Creative Director at Marvel Games, said the title is really about wish fulfillment.
"It unleashes that fantasy, that ultimate fantasy of being the Marvel character," he told Cheddar in an interview Friday. "You look down, and you don't just look like Captain Marvel or Captain America. You have their powers."
But VR systems and games have failed to meet the expectations of manufacturers, and sales of VR headsets are slumping, according to data company [Thinknum](https://media.thinknum.com/articles/sales-data-shows-that-consumer-interest-in-vr-is-waning/).
Rosemann thinks this game could change that.
"You have a record number of people around the world seeing our films, watching our TV shows and playing our games. In the VR space, to actually be your favorite hero along with your friendsー I think that's what it's going to take."
'Marvel Powers United' will be available through Oculus, the virtual reality company Facebook bought in 2014 for $2 billion, bundled with its Rift VR headset for $399.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/marvel-jumps-into-vr-games).
Lower Manhattan's iconic Stone Street is getting a bubbly makeover. Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte will be 'unleashing the bubbles' throughout the month of June in New York City, with themed events, bubble ball pits, and special menu and drink experiences. Anne-Laure Domenichini, director of communications for Champagne Nicholas Feuillatte, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The courtroom drama "All Rise" is returning for a brand new season and has a new home on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. The stars of the series, Wilson Bethel and executive producer Simone Missick, discuss what to expect.
API platform RapidAPI recently became a unicorn with a $1 billion valuation after raising $150 million in a Series D funding round led by Softbank Vision Two Fund. Microsoft's Venture Fund, M12, and Andreessen Horowitz also participated. RapidAPI says it provides the world's largest API hub which enables millions of developers and companies to build software faster. Iddo Gino, founder and CEO of RapidAPI, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Sports merchandising company Fanatics announced it will be making trading cards featuring college athletes, a deal made possible by the NCAA's change to NIL rules for its players. Anchors Kristen Scholer and Ken Buffa break down the deal for Cheddar.
In a recent Bumble survey, more than a third of respondents revealed that they would be willing to date people in other cities. Shan Boodram, a sex and relationships expert for the app, joined Cheddar News to talk about the long-distance dating trend and tips on how to go about taking part. "I think this is the magic of what we experienced over the past couple of years, is that we have already learned the tools necessary to stay connected with people despite not being able to be close to them," she noted. Boodram also pointed to Bumble's travel mode and using video conferencing in order to ease into such relationships.
Amanda Victoria, co-founder and CEO of Siponey, joins Cheddar News to talk about the company's canned cocktails. The spritz is made with only four ingredients — wildflower honey, aged rye whiskey, sparkling water, and fresh lemon juice.
Rick Pauls, President & CEO OF DiaMedica Therapeutics, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss a new ischemic stroke treatment option that expands the window for effective therapy for stroke patients.
John Bencich, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss a new plant-based compound that's being used to fight nicotine addiction.
