Virtual Reality in Online Gaming Could Revolutionize the Industry

Virtual reality enters our everyday lives. We discuss the industries and markets where it is applied

11:40 13 April 2020

The developers were trying to infiltrate the virtual reality technology into the real world for quite some time. However, they eventually managed to get the breakthrough as we are currently living in times when such technological advancements are available to everyday users. So many industries are currently witnessing the changes implemented by the introduction of virtual reality, while the new concept is yet to affect more in years to come.

Among others, the online casino gambling allowed sophisticated technologies to make a breakthrough in their industry. Virgin Casino online thus allows players to get the unique experience of playing slots, poker, or table games in an environment identical to the live play in brick-and-mortar casinos. Other markets and industries are also looking at the changes caused by the latest VR trends. As the title suggests, we will keep the main focus on online gaming since it is largely connected to the appearance of this modern technology.

Virtual reality brings an immersive experience to players

Looking to move their experience to the new level, the gamers are among those who are particularly interested in cutting-edge technologies. They no longer need a joystick. Instead, a simple move of the body is enough for the avatar to answer. Having a sense of being in the game rather than playing it is incomparable.

We are thus not surprised to know the range of virtual reality games in 2020 is massive. Superhot was among the first games that featured an advanced VR version two years after its first-person shooter debuted in 2016. Star Trek: Bridge Crew is yet another title we have to mention while describing the virtual reality experience. Thanks to the VR headset, you get the feeling of being a genuine member of the USSS Enterprise while navigating the galaxies. Battlezone, Minecraft, and The Climb also provide fantastic examples of the immersive experience you get while playing these titles in virtual reality.

The huge growth of the VR market

As we mentioned above, VR is rapidly expanding across numerous industries going from gambling and entertainment to military or healthcare. According to analysts, the virtual reality market will jump to $110 billion in five years. This time next year, one-quarter of households will possess a VR headset. The current prices are varying from $400 to $1,000 (the more sophisticated models). Virtual reality gaming applications will continue to grow without doubts, especially if we know the giants such as Google or Microsoft are investing in this specific technology.

eSports are the next big thing

Since virtual reality was initially embraced by the gaming industry, it is no wonder the VR developers are still constantly trying to find ways to increase the market’s potential and revenue. They thus came on an idea to mix up virtual reality with eSports. The top-tier companies such as Oculus and HTC were among the pioneers of such an incredible blend.

Oculus introduced VR games to the Connect 5 e-sports tournament, while HTC included them to their leagues like reality arcade in Salt Lake City. HTC’s Virtual Athletics League reported a rise in the number of players attending VR events. The number was significantly greater than the one reported for regular gaming. As technology keeps developing, we are clearly yet to see VR gaming reaching its peak.

VR in other industries

Several distinct industries are seriously interested in adopting virtual reality technology. Medical and retail sectors, e-commerce, and numerous tech companies are all looking at a bigger demand for augmented reality and virtual reality software apps. The new technologies have reshaped the workforce education.

The workers’ training is regularly conducted in top-notch companies such as Verizon and Walmart. Furthermore, VR is used in the military as a very helpful tool for preparing pilots for flights and warriors for the battlefield. High-class universities like UNC, MIT, and Chapel Hill have established VR educational programs. Finally, these industries are just the tip of the iceberg as more and more businesses are regularly adopting this platform with each new month.

Strong impact on empathy

You can never highlight the complexity of a certain issue to someone unless you allow them to experience it themselves. There is thus an app named "Tree" which basically transforms you into a tree. You start the journey as a seedling, grow, and live a life of a tree. By looking at the world from the perspective of a tree, you may want people to have more empathy for forests. VR technology helps people learn much more about the world they live in. Humanity's impact on nature is horrific, and HTC's "Tree" is just one of the ways to help you become aware of it.

Additionally, you can become homeless via Stanford's virtual reality platform. You travel on a bus and need to look after a bag in front of you and keep an eye on a dangerous man behind you at the same time. Only after this experience, you can get a closer insight into what homeless people are dealing with in their everyday lives.

There are so many examples, and there will be more in times to come. Virtual reality has slowly entered our lives and it is just getting started.