The era of virtual reality is finally upon us, and yet it doesn’t seem like it is quite here. Sony, Oculus, Samsung, HTC, and now Microsoft are making headsets, but truly engaging VR games and content are still missing.
Industry leaders are focused on making headsets cheaper and less cumbersome in hopes that will attract more consumers. Microsoft has vowed to kickstart this initiative with sub-$350 devices shipping later this year in partnership with tech giants.
Developers, on the other hand, want to make anything they can in virtual environments, but their lack of focus could end up hurting the technology’s potential in the long run. A shift in perspective must occur for VR to become a thing.
Cheap headsets won’t save VR
In essential terms, two components make up virtual reality: hardware and software. If we see it from this point of view, many will turn their heads at the physical part, i.e. the headsets.
Manufacturers see head gears as pretty much every other gadget or device looking to succeed in the market. In their vision, they need to make hardware both simple and affordable, and that’s exactly where their efforts are going nowadays.
Indeed, some VR systems are a little too complex to set up, and there is room for much, much more improvement regarding headset design. Players want fewer wires, calibration, and less weight on their heads.
Needless to say, costs are also a major factor for players looking to embrace the technology. But even with the upcoming affordable price tags, the issue of not having any quality content to play on the system remains.
Quality VR games and experiences will seal the deal
Why buy a system in which there are no real games available? We all remember the “PS4 has no games” meme when it launches, and the ongoing criticism of the Nintendo Switch for being just a “Zelda machine.”
The same is true for virtual reality. Sure, there are hundreds of ‘games’ and demos available, but the ones that exploit the potential of the technology are few and far between.
Game developers and content creators need to truly commit to VR experiences, not just add it on top as a feature like many ‘3D’ films. Content must be conceived from the bottom up to be played on a virtual reality system, and it needs to be just as engaging as blockbuster titles on consoles and PCs.
A perceived fast track towards achieving this is just narrowing down the current focus. Creators are trying to do everything from first-person shooters and graphic adventures to meditation programs. Focusing on getting right just one thing, like static games, could pave the way for better titles in the future.
“I CAN’T POINT TO A SINGLE PIECE OF CONTENT THAT WOULD CAUSE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE TO JUSTIFY CHANGING THEIR HOME COMPUTING. THERE’S STILL NO INCREDIBLY COMPELLING REASON FOR PEOPLE TO SPEND 20 HOURS A DAY IN VR,” Gabe Newell said.
Source: Tech News World