The future of gaming: VR and AR

The gaming industry is undergoing a transformational phase due to the development of new technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies are pushing the boundaries of gaming, offering players a more realistic and interactive experience than ever before.

One of the primary benefits of VR is that it enables players to enter a virtual world and fully immerse themselves in it. Players can use VR devices like Oculus Rift to explore these worlds and experience a heightened sense of presence and reality. For instance, in the game Beat Saber, players can use their VR headset and controllers to simulate wielding lightsabers and slashing at virtual blocks with them. This creates an incredibly engaging and interactive experience, unlike anything that was possible before.

Beat Saber (2018)

On the other hand, AR technology enhances the gaming experience by superimposing virtual elements on the real world, thereby blurring the lines between reality and the virtual world. AR-based games like Pokemon Go allow players to see virtual Pokemon in the real world, promoting greater interactivity and engagement.

Pokémon Go (2016)

As with any developing technology, VR gaming systems are not without their limitations. One such limitation is the challenge of creating a seamless virtual world that correctly aligns with the gamer's movements and accurately depicts the gamer's interactions within that world. The potential for discrepancies between the virtual and real world can lead to VR sickness, with up to 40% of users reporting nausea while immersed in a virtual environment.

Another limitation of VR gaming is the restricted field of vision experienced by the player. In contrast to the wide-ranging vision capabilities of the human eye, VR gaming restricts the player to a 90-degree field of vision. To expand the field of vision, VR headsets must be large and bulky, which can cause fatigue and headaches. However, as the technology advances, it is likely that more compact and user-friendly VR headsets will become available.

Finally, there are safety concerns associated with VR technology. While a user may be focused on the virtual world, their physical movements in the real world can put them at risk of injury, as they may collide with objects or trip and fall. As such, it is crucial for VR users to have a safe, open space in which to play, as distractions from real-world hazards can impede their enjoyment of the virtual environment.

But what about new inventions in AR/VR?

Haptic feedback suits are designed to take the virtual reality experience to the next level by providing users with a realistic sense of touch and physical interaction within the virtual environment. These suits use a series of sensors and actuators that respond to the user's movements and input, allowing them to feel sensations like pressure, texture, and vibrations as they navigate the virtual world.

The potential applications of haptic feedback suits in gaming are vast. For example, in a first-person shooter game, users could feel the impact of bullets hitting their body, making the gameplay experience even more intense and realistic. Similarly, in a racing game, users could feel the rumble of the car engine and the sensation of wind as they speed down the track.

The suits can also incorporate other features like heating and cooling elements to simulate temperature changes and even scent-emitting devices to add another layer of immersion to the gaming experience. Imagine playing a game set in a lush forest, and smelling the pine trees as you walk through the virtual landscape.

While haptic feedback suits are still in the early stages of development, they hold enormous potential for revolutionizing the way we play and interact with VR and AR games. As the technology continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more realistic and immersive gaming experiences in the future.

So, whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to explore the world of VR and AR gaming, haptic feedback suits are definitely something to keep on your radar. Get ready to step into a whole new level of virtual reality gaming!

Both VR and AR offer a unique opportunity to transform the social component of gaming by allowing players to share and experience virtual worlds with others. This can promote social interaction and teamwork, enhancing the gaming experience further. VR and AR technology are also improving game development by providing new ways to design and create games. Developers can use VR to test and refine game mechanics, making the process of game creation more efficient and cost-effective.

Conclusion

VR and AR are shaping the gaming industry by creating immersive and interactive experiences, transforming the social component of gaming, and revolutionizing game development. As the technology continues to evolve, it will create new and exciting opportunities for game developers to create more engaging and interactive experiences, and for gamers to enjoy them.

Virtual and augmented reality are not just about gaming, but about unlocking human potential by enabling us to experience new realities and explore new worlds.

- Sol Rogers, Founder and CEO of REWIND (now Magnopos), a virtual and augmented reality production studio.