Are Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality the Future of Gaming?

The gaming industry has always thrived due to its attention to detail, with an emphasis on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), which drive the success of any great game.

When the concept of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) was first mentioned back in the 70s, it seemed like a long shot. If you think about it, even the online casino gaming that players currently enjoy seemed like an impossibility in the 70s when land-based casinos reigned.

Today, simulated environments are revolutionizing how things are done in several fields, including healthcare, the automotive industry, real estate, architecture, learning environments, and many more. The gaming industry is no different in embracing Virtual and/or Augmented Reality in some form. Moreover, as other technological advancements grace different sectors around the globe, including gaming, adapting to changing market trends is paramount.

Gaming is one of the most dynamic and forward industries, which explains why it just keeps growing. By early 2022, the video game industry had grown much bigger than the movie and music industries combined. This indicates a tremendous shift in the mindset of target audiences in the entertainment industry, and there’s still much to be discovered in the gaming world.

One question that has piqued several people’s interest is whether future playing technologies will fully or partially rely on virtual and augmented reality to keep users engaged. Join us as we dive deeper into the subject to answer the question.

 

Benefits of VR and AR in Gaming

In case you are wondering what all the AR and VR fuss is all about, a close look at why game providers are quickly adopting it will clear any doubts. Of course, by now, you may have already heard about the advantages of incorporating these revolutionary technologies in games. So, here’s a breakdown of the pros that will help shed more light on whether the two stand a chance in the future of gaming:

Immersion

This is one of the main features of VR and AR and is probably the main selling point of the technology. Players love to feel seen, and what better way than to make them part of the game? The unique environment in which players find themselves provides an interactive space where all their senses come to life.

Interactivity

This is closely connected to the previous point as it prompts the player to interact physically with the game by controlling aspects of the game and what characters can or cannot do. With a greater sense of control in the game, the player feels much more elevated. Therefore, through VR and AR, developers can create entirely new playing experiences that were previously impossible with traditional gameplay.

Realism

The current generation of players is all about authentic experiences and authenticity. As a result, games with AR and VR technology give off a more realistic vibe than their traditional two-dimensional counterparts. Everything is usually well-thought-out and is as lifelike as possible, from the graphics to the seamless interaction between the games’ digital components.

Socialization

Including some social aspects in games has improved the user experience, and game providers have been taking note of these developments. Players are able to share and interact in virtual environments, fostering a sense of community. This also almost blends the virtual and real world as the socialization is with real users. Virtual items can also be exchanged on such platforms.

 

Top AR and VR Games You Can Enjoy

As we speak, there are already a couple of exceptional games that have incorporated Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies into different elements of their gameplay. Some of the most popular include:

  • Half Life: Alyx
  • Horizon: Call of the Mountain
  • Resident Evil Village
  • Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge
  • Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners
  • The Room VR: A Dark Matter
  • I Expect You to Die 2

 

The Future of Gaming Is Here!

The VR and AR fields are undoubtedly revolutionary, but as with any relatively new technology, they are not without challenges. These include hardware limitations, cost, user experience, fewer games to select from, privacy concerns, and comfort, among other issues. Fortunately, developer teams are constantly working to improve things, and some of the challenges are already being addressed.

With such initiatives in play and gaming companies striving to increase the number of games on the market, it appears that Augmented and Virtual Reality will play a significant role in the game industry for years to come. Although it is highly unlikely that a significant shift will occur any time soon, dynamic user behaviour and evolving trends all point to a future where VR and AR will be the cornerstone of the industry.