Virtual Reality (VR) is not a new technology, but technology has made remarkable strides in the last few years. Oculus became a household name when Facebook acquired it for $2.3 billion in 2014, and HTC launched its Vive headset in 2016 for gaming. Unlike other VR systems, the Vive and Oculus headsets are tethered to computers, limiting their appeal to specific applications. The technology is also expensive, and for most users, a headset is only as good as its software. Nevertheless, with advancements coming out all the time, the future is bright for VR and even brighter for the gaming industry.
What Makes VR So Great For Gaming?
VR and gaming are almost a match made in heaven. While there have been attempts to pair these two industries together, the technology isn’t advanced enough, nor is the gaming industry mature enough. As VR headsets become more affordable and gaming becomes more accessible to the masses, there is much to be excited about. Furthermore, the experts at vrbeginnersguide.com suggest that the future is already here, and they outline several games that you can play that take advantage of VR. Perhaps the most famous to date is a game called Beat Saber, which took the world by storm when it became a viral sensation on TikTok. Nevertheless, if you want to get into VR gaming, there are a few things that you need to consider before diving in headfirst.
You Need To Buy A Headset
It is impossible to play VR games without the use of a specialized headset. These can range from using your phone paired with a unique feature that Google came up with to full-blown headsets from Facebook and HTC. Some of the best options include:
1. Google Cardboard:
Users can utilize Google Cardboard to dive into and explore virtual reality using their smartphones. Getting started is as simple as using a viewer (made out of cardboard unsurprisingly and available from Google directly) and smartphones. You can then download VR-compatible apps and even games, such as one that takes you on a rollercoaster ride around the solar system! However, this is the cheapest option but also the most limited.
2. Oculus:
Purchased by Facebook back in 2014, Facebook has been relentlessly improving its function and reducing its price. These days, their Oculus Rift version is relatively affordable at around $599. This is still expensive, but the price keeps going down as the tech develops, and compared to when it first came out, this is a bargain.
3. HTC Vive:
The HTC Vive is, in many ways, a very ambitious product: it allows you to experience 3D games and virtual reality applications through a headset that is wireless, compact, and completely wireless, using only sensors and a pair of small, handheld controllers.
4. Sony PlayStation VR:
This offering from Sony is perhaps the best suited for gaming as it takes advantage of Sony’s existing Playstation consoles. Sony is also pushing hard to develop games that are fun and engaging.
5. Valve Index VR Kit:
Another VR headset was developed by a company with a gaming pedigree. This Steam offering has perhaps the most advanced finger tracking of all consumer-grade VR headsets, opening up some exciting possibilities.
Check If There Are Extra Accessories
Some VR sets will come as a kit and include all of the extra add-ons. However, others will come with only the headset. While the headset alone is often enough to get the whole experience, you might want to invest in some of the extras. These can include hand controllers which allow you to manipulate virtual objects.
Ensure You Have Enough Space
VR gaming takes up a lot of space and can be quite disorienting when you first start. This is due to its immersive nature. Therefore, you must ensure that the room you will be playing in has enough space to move around freely and is also free of anything you might hit and break. Different manufacturers will have other specifications on space because they will often use special sensors to track your location in space. Nevertheless, it is recommended to have at least 2 x 2 m (6.5 x 6.5 ft)of unobstructed space to play satisfactorily.
Find VR Content
Although VR gaming is hitting the mainstream, there still aren’t as many being developed compared to conventional games. To look for games, you should go to the Google Play Store, Playstations game store, and especially Steam. Steam is most likely to have the largest selection of VR-compatible games than others because they encourage Indie game development to thrive on their platform.
If you can afford the gear and have enough space, VR gaming is an experience like no other. From smashing neon lights to a funky beat with a lightsaber to traveling around the cosmos, you will be immersed like never before.