Once a brag of deep-pocketed gamers, VR headsets are becoming more accessible today. Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta are investing heavily in more modern and affordable gear for both games and non-gamers. Such competition is naturally driving the prices lower. Because more people now have it and will likely buy one, the demand for VR-based games also increases. What does it mean for the gaming industry?
Eyes On The Horizon
The first VR headset ever built, called Sword of Damocles, was developed in the labs of the University of Utah, by Ivan Sutherland and his students, in 1968. The device was so heavy that it had to hang from the ceiling. The first commercially viable headset would only come over a decade later.
The first game to use VR technology was launched in the 80s, called Space Harrier 3D, and used VR-Powered Shades, a device developed by Sega. Nintendo took its chances with the technology in 1995 when it launched the Virtual Boy, along with VR-based games like Mario Tennis, Teleroboxer, and Red Alert.
A New Generation
In recent years, more VR and AR headsets reached the shelves, with options for all pockets. There’s even a cardboard glass, created by Google, which users can mount at home.
There’s a real versatility to VR handsets, in terms of what games will be viable for the medium. For instance, the iGaming industry is very quick and eager to embrace new technologies which allow them to offer unique gaming experiences. While each have competitive no deposit bonus promotions which enable them to push themselves to fore, operators’ gaming catalogues also represent a key factor in which online casino a customer will play at. While it’s iGaming developers which produce the games for operators to licence, having access to their games, once they’re ready for the general public, will separate competitors for each other.
Diving Deep
Meta Quest 2, HP Reverb G2, and Valve Index are among the best options; these headsets also come with two controllers. So, although the new headsets can also be used for non-gaming purposes, they come geared up for the task. Some kinds of games are already feeling the winds of change. Check them below.
Simulations
Simulators will become even more realistic with VR headsets. Some simulations are indeed so realistic that they are used for training purposes. It’s already possible to take virtual driving lessons, for instance, in highly realistic simulations. Popular titles of the genre include Driveclub VR and Live for Speed.
FPS Games
First-person shooter (FPS) titles are very popular among gamers. VR-based games can offer even better sound effects, physics and ambience. Visual effects like flying bullets or exploding bombs get more realistic than ever with the right gear. Some VR-based games exist for FPS lovers, like Gunheard, Robo Recall, and Onward.
Adventure
Adventure games also benefit significantly from this technology. Now, it’s possible to depict much more vivid environments, rich in details like texture and colour. Most titles of this kind are based on open-world exploration and puzzles. You can use a headset for games like Batman, Astro Bot, and Arizona Sunshine.
Casinos
Some virtual online casinos already exist where players can explore different rooms and tables and even have a drink in the lounge. Some titles offer an entire venue for players to explore and are also based on specific games, like blackjack, roulette, and poker.
Press Play
VR-based games are much more immersive than any other gaming technology so far. It guides users through 3D sensorial experiences that play with touch, hearing and sight. Once it becomes more widely available, most games will be developed with this technology in mind.
