As Sony reveals that it will release the PlayStation VR virtual reality headset this October, the question must be asked: is this the unavoidable future of gaming? Sony will be the first major games console maker to bring out a VR headset, however, the Japanese Tech giant is not the first company to develop them.
This article first appeared on FutureTechMagazine.net
For a while it seemed as though Virtual Reality headsets were something we could only dream of. More recently, a lot of changes have taken place with Sony set to release its PlayStation Vr headset. PS Vr began in 2014 as Sony named the idea ‘Project Morpheus.’ So as Sony reveals that it will release the PlayStation VR virtual reality headset this October, the question must be asked: is this the unavoidable future of gaming? PlayStation is the first major console to bring out a VR headset, however, Sony is not the first company to develop them. . .
PlayStation leads the way for gaming
Oculus Rift has been playing around with virtual reality for a few years now and probably offer the most advanced and powerful system. However, the obvious restrictions are there, to use the VR you need a high spec PC and an Oculus Rift touch controller.
The issue: these aren’t even out yet. But in Terms of visualization the Rift has wonderful spec with two 1080×1200 pixel OLED displays (one for each eye) which makes up a fantastic 3D experience.
The HTC Vive is very similar and like the Rift it requires a high powered PC to be able to perform at its maximum potential. However, the Vive is unique in the sense that it gives users the ability to roam around. It has motion detect lasers which sense your movement around the room.
The only problem can be finding a room which is big enough to stroll around in, you won’t get the full experience in a small living room. HTC are also teaming up with Steam as they will undoubtedly look to bring more content to the system. Currently users have had the privilege of climbing up Mount Everest in virtual reality mode.
Sony PlayStation VR as it is now called, is an accessory to the PlayStation 4, it undoubtedly lacks some of the power and experience that the other top systems do, but it is specifically designed for gaming and by that far more accessible and affordable for us, mortals.
The PS VR uses the same technology as the other systems, but uses a motion detector on the PlayStation to track your movement. The cheapest option available and a way of experiencing gaming in a unique format.
There will be over 50 PlayStation titles released in VR. Including, Driveclub, SuperHyperCube, Job Simulator, Music VR and Playroom VR. Several of the big boys such as Ubisoft and 2K games are also rumored to be developing their own titles.
There is scheduled to be a massive amount of VR games released, considering the release date of the headset itself is only a few months before Christmas, it will be a fantastic few months of gaming presents!
Virtual Reality gaming seems unavoidable
After testing the VR headset is complete and ready for use in October, like many consoles add ons, it will need a period of bedding in.
It seemed as though Virtual Reality headsets were something that would take another few years and was way too futuristic for the general gamer. But the wait is over and it looks like this is going to be the norm.
In an era when we can immerse ourselves in RPG games, fantasy, online avatars and create a virtual world for ourselves, VR headsets have come at the perfect time and now seem unavoidable.
So what does VR mean for the world of gaming? I would say, only good things. There has been no reply from Xbox to try and compete, but as the first headset comes out and will be a major success, the industry will have to catch up and make gaming a complete virtual experience.
Source: Virtual Reality Gaming: The Inevitable Future of Video Games?
