So here's the thing, virtual reality headsets have been out for some time now so why haven't they blown up? These things are literally technology from the future and yet they aren't really selling like such. Fair warning, I will not be reviewing headsets but instead I will try to figure out why all the VR buzz has stalled.
Problem 1
The number one problem by far is selection of games to play. There are actually quiet a few to my surprise but none are really that popular. You don't see big name games like Call of Duty, Battlefield, ESO... the list goes on. I do believe however that eventually all games will come with VR compatibility. Currently though, the overall trend of VR games are mostly platform games with simple objectives. The few exceptions are games based purely on their ability to show off an environment. Yes, it is very cool to be standing in the Jurassic period watching dinosaurs but when will we see the more popular games adopt VR? Hopefully soon, I would love to be running around the trenches of WWI in Battlefield but no.
Problem 2
The second problem and this is why I haven't purchased any VR headset to date is because of the price. I have and prefer PS4 game play so I'd probably buy Sony's headset for $400. That actually isn't that bad compared to the Oculus Rift - $700 and the HTC Vive - $800. So yeah they're expensive and as mentioned before, the most popular games aren't available so you're gonna be paying all this money to potentially play games you don't want to play. Seems pretty pointless if you ask me. They either need to lower the price or at least make some games compatible so its worth buying.
Where is VR Headed?
I think VR paired with any space game or any game with a good cinematic appeal will do great. I just saw the VR trailer for ace combat 7 and it looks amazing. It will actually feel like you're in the sky flying a jet, shooting down enemies and that to me is amazing. Graphics are always getting better so I have a feeling all of us will soon be able to experience life like activities and environments while sitting at home. The possibilities will be endless on what you can do and where you can go with VR. I don't play Sports games as much as others but I think VR will appeal to this demographic of gamer's too. Instead of simply watching the quarter back you will be the quarterback and have to scan the field like a pro to find open receivers. Now that is cool, that will get me to buy the headset and game. We have only talked about video games thus far and well duh, it's a gaming blog but VR has potential in other places too. This might be a little far in the future but putting on the headset to watch a basketball game live court side would be pretty awesome. I'm not quiet sure how the tech would work but i have this idea of putting a camera near the court and then people could stream it from there. Yeah, that idea might be flawed but its definitely something to think about in the future. So will I buy a VR headset soon? Maybe, as soon as enough games are available and I deem it actually worth it I will grab one ASAP.
