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VR’s Future is Virtually Endless

VR’s Future is Virtually Endless

I suppose it’s fitting that my first experience with the Oculus Rift was playing a rip-off of Super Mario Bros. , because while shut off from the outside world I felt almost exactly the same as I did when my older brothers introduced me to the NES. What impresses me most about VR is not necessarily the combination of the inner works of a visor and a noise-canceling pair of headphones, but rather how I can simply turn my head to the left or right and see more of the world. Since then, I’ve been keeping my eye on VR technology, which is not bad for a Mario rip-off whose name I no longer remember.

I’m optimistic, but I understand why others remain skeptical. For one thing, it’s pricey. If gamers scoffed at the $600 price tag of the PS3, then it’s no wonder that they feel the same about the Oculus Rift. That’s not to mention that for most VR headsets, you need to upgrade your PC significantly or purchase the latest Samsung smart phone to use them; and if you don’t have those, then hopefully you’re a Sony fan. In time, the price for VR headsets will decrease as the cost of developing for them decreases and more and more innovators get into the fray. This is par for the course for adopting any new technology: innovators will get to it first, and then we’ll truly be able to see if it succeeds depending on how the early majority takes to VR.

Then there’s convincing the gaming population to shut themselves off in their own world, damaging their eyes in the process because they forgot to snap back into reality after an hour. Some are physically unable to use a VR headset, and we’ll see if VR developers will ever be able to address these consumers’ concerns. VR might even seem as gimmicky as the 3D toggle for the 3DS—the technology is admittedly cool, but you probably won’t miss much if you purchase the 2DS. It’s a luxury item that’s resurfaced after years of stewing, much like 3D technology before it that still has to prove itself, lest it be left by the wayside like 3D televisions. The idea that VR might eventually become an integral part of our lives – apart from our increasing struggle to recreate the holodeck from Star Trek – is that VR’s reemergence is made possible thanks to smartphones, or specifically the components used to build smartphones has become cheaper. Not to mention that this time, VR aims to overtake the living room.

VR’s Future is Virtually Endless

Despite the expensive price and seemingly gimmicky premise, I remain optimistic about the potential of VR technology, but mostly because of the applications outside of gaming (although for some applications, gaming still plays a part). Recently, developers have created an app called BigScreen that allows users to access their desktops in its entirety, and share it with their friends. More important to me, however, is the technology’s role in improving mental health. Researchers at Dartmouth think the technology could help improve the lives of homesick astronauts , and even games like Nevermind hope to teach her players to manage stress and possibly PTSD. That’s exciting for me! I can only imagine how VR might be able to play a role in exposure response prevention (ERP) exercises for people who suffer from OCD! Also, VR porn; there’s no escaping that.

Anyway, this isn’t the first time VR has been on the scene, and given Facebook’s interest in the Oculus Rift, hopefully the technology will reach maximum market penetration. From my short experience playing the Mario rip-off and the excellent Superhot , I already know that the technology is capable for making your gaming experience that much more immersive; but in virtual reality, the possibilities are, well, virtually endless!

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