It seems inline with the BBC charter (it's a non-service activity which supports learning for people of all ages [one of the BBC's stated purposes], and helps fulfil the requirement that the BBC must promote technological innovation), so it would seem to be a reasonable use of license fee income. It could be seen in a similar vein as the BBC Micro, which was designed and built by Acorn.

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/about/h...

IIRC BBC has long had some pretty great in-house developers as a rule. It sounds like it was more of a joint project. IE, BBC wanted to do the project and recruited a partner to help see it through quickly enough. That's how it appears to me, anyway.

But if you get a chance to try it, do! I will warn you though—the first time through is a bit intense. I was new to the platform and had to take the headset off for a few minutes mid-game. After trying it again I found my legs.

Also, it might seem counter-intuitive, but I've found alcohol helps desensitize oneself to the experience.

But when it comes to kids/education, etc. Just be careful. I've invited others to try out some of the more intense experiences and I've even had people get mad at me for it.