Welcome to the future! Virtual reality is here and now, which means that virtual reality gaming is exploding. There is a ton of choice when it comes to virtual reality headsets and games, so if you want to know how to get started, you’ve come to the right place.
Making the virtual a reality
Virtual reality has been dreamt of for decades, but it is only recently that technology has become both advanced enough and cost-effective enough to make virtual reality, well, a reality!
The 1950s saw mankind take their first steps into the world of virtual reality, with Morton Hellig’s Sensorama; this sense-encompassing device was extremely advanced for the time. The 1970s, 1980s and 1990s saw strides towards today’s technology as video games became more advanced and popular.
Today, virtual reality headsets are becoming more and more commonplace amongst video game enthusiasts, with several major gaming companies producing virtual reality headsets and devices for an unmatched computer gaming experience.
About virtual reality gaming
As video gaming technology has improved over the years, and virtual reality technology has improved over the years, it is only natural that the two should marry.
Now, there are many games that you can play within a virtual reality world. Using a headset, sensors and perhaps haptic feedback devices, you can now fully immerse yourself in the world of video games rather than just watching the action passively on a screen.
The best of the best: which headset should you get?
We live in a fantastic time for gaming, and our 2005-era gaming selves would be insanely jealous that not only do we have virtual reality gaming, but that we have a choice of virtual reality gaming purchases to make!
Here are the best bets for those who want to take their first steps into the virtual world.
HTC Vive
Generally regarded as the pinnacle of virtual reality gaming thus far, the HTC Vive is a joint effort between HTC and Valve to produce the ultimate in virtual reality gaming. The headset and sensors use “room-scale” technology, designed to give freedom of movement within a designated space. It has a 2160×1200 resolution per eye and retails for $799.
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Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset developed by the Facebook-owned Oculus VR, boasting a 1080×1200 resolution per eye and a 110-degree field of view. The Rift has been very well-received by critics and users, with the only major criticisms of the device being the price tag ($599) and the computer specifications and hardware required to run the virtual reality games.
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For a piece of kit that is nothing more than some cardboard and a pair of lenses, this is still a pretty great virtual reality experience! If you’re still somehow on the fence about whether or not virtual reality gaming is for you, we strongly recommend you try this out with your Android phone and see how amazing even the most basic virtual reality device can be!
Other uses of virtual reality
Of course, gaming isn’t everything – though some may disagree! Virtual reality is a great technology that seems here to stay, and it could well find its way into all walks of life.
Virtual reality in the social sphere
Oculus VR, owned by Facebook, have said that they believe that social uses of virtual reality will be the most popular in the future. Currently, a number of social applications for the Oculus Rift are in development.
The desire for human interaction over the digital space is evident in social media but also outside of it. For instance, online casinos frequently offer “Live” experiences, during which online casino players will bet with and interact with a real dealer who controls the game in real time, broadcast to the casino application via a webcam. The implications of virtual reality in such a situation are fantastic!
Infinite worlds with full movement
The restriction of virtual reality at present is that the virtual world can only be so large – the space you have in your home restricts the size of the gaming world. Devices like Virtuix Omni, utilising a treadmill-like device, are designed to allow users to move freely in their gaming world without actually moving in the real world.
Non-recreational uses of virtual reality
The practical applications of virtual reality are staggering. People who undertake dangerous jobs could perform on-the-job training with no actual risk; doctors and surgeons could treat virtual patients and become proficient before ever touching another person.
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