VR gaming has been an exciting technology ever since headsets were first released in the 1990s. What exactly is virtual reality? It is simply a simulated experience that can mirror the real world or be completely different from it. This technology can apply in various ways, from education to military training to business, but of course, we’ll be talking about virtual reality gaming in this article. Where did VR gaming start? And most importantly, what is the future of VR gaming?
The History of VR Gaming
There were many iterations of virtual reality gaming before we came to the immersive headsets that we see today. For example, in 1989, Nintendo released the Power Glove, which sensed a user’s finger movement and translated it onto the screen. Later, in 1995, Nintendo created the Virtual Boy, which had players place their faces against the eyepiece to experience 3D graphics. Also, during the early 1990s, Sega developed the Sega VR, which was a low-cost VR device that had head-tracking technology in its cabinets.
However, it wasn’t until the 2010’s that consumer-grade VR technology became commonly available. In 2016, Palmer Luckey developed the Oculus Rift, considered the first consumer-ready VR headset. After the Oculus Rift’s release came the Playstation VR system, the HTC Vive, and even Google Cardboard for android phones. Now, as more and more games are released for VR, the future of virtual reality games looks bright.
The Future of VR
The future of VR is all-encompassing. What does this mean? It means a couple of different things. In one way, it applies to how we experience the virtual world itself. Right now, we only experience virtual reality through sight and hearing. However, this is not how we experience the world. With true virtual reality, we would be able to use our other senses, such as touch and smell. This would allow us to fully immerse ourselves in the virtual experience and enjoy our games on a level never before imagined. With all of our senses engaged, we will enter new worlds entirely.
Another way that virtual reality will be all-encompassing is that all people will be able to access it. It will become more affordable with cheaper and lighter hardware. If the hardware is easier to use and more affordable, more people will enjoy these virtual worlds, and developers will produce more games for them. Soon, virtual reality won’t just be for hardcore gamers but for anyone who wants a new experience.
Experience VR at Main Event
Main Event’s virtual reality arcade has some of the top games in VR available today! From our rhythm game Beat Saber to our fun and exciting Star Wars game, Vader Immortal: Lightsaber Dojo, see what virtual reality can do at your local Main Event. Find your nearest location with the click of a button on our website and get started today!