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Is Virtual Reality In Gaming Really Dying Out?

Virtual reality has been at the centre of the gaming hype for quite some time now, but debates are starting to rise as to whether this hype will ever become more than just that. Despite talk of some incredible games in the works, headsets to suit all budgets and unique gameplay styles that were supposed to pull in mass audiences, the reality of the matter may not be quite as clear cut! Here, we’re taking a look at whether VR gaming is really dying out.

Why Do People Think It’s Dying?

For those who already own a VR headset, this question is one that’s probably been on your mind for a while now. Virtual reality is an incredible, immersive experience - what’s not to love? Well, a lot, apparently. Despite the unique nature of the games, everyone from console game developers wanting to immerse gamers in fantastical adventures, to online casino UK producers trying to bring their tables to life, success has been a matter of potluck in some cases.

VR has always been a science fiction-esque addition to the industry, but the mystery around what this could mean was certainly one drive for the industry. Now that it’s out and accessible, however, could all of that mystery is long gone? We’ve all dreamed of a day where we can literally escape everyday life and immerse ourselves in a virtual world, so could it simply be that a screen in front of our eyes isn’t enough?

Is It Just A Plateau?

Of course, one answer to this debate could be that this is just a plateau. All new technologies can reach a point where their success and popularity seem to start crashing, but not every one of these actually crashes. In fact, more often than not, these technologies can reach a plateau; the rush of sales and hype skyrockets the industry and then once those interested have had their fill, this can start to level out with no new additions.
The answer here could be stepping up the game. Virtual reality is an amazing thing, but once you’ve seen it once, you’ve arguably seen every other game available. The industry could need to bring out something unique in the near future to reignite the hype, and it needs to be good. Finding that one ‘killer app’ isn’t easy, but with the number of companies looking to invest in VR, it’s not impossible either. Perhaps time will tell as to whether this becomes the solution.

High-End VR

Like we mentioned before, VR technology tends to have something for every budget and it’s the high-end virtual reality market that could be suffering the most from this market failure. These headsets tended to be bulky, expensive and awkward to use and wear, which could deter some users from the experience. Perhaps more potential audiences are waiting for a more streamlined alternative – whatever the case, these high-end devices certainly haven’t been benefitting.

Instead, it’s the lower-cost alternatives that people are dipping into out of curiosity. Very few people are willing to spend upwards of £200/$200 in order to pick up a virtual reality headset to try, so cheaper alternatives tend to be the ‘way in’ for these audiences. The dilemma, of course, is that these cheaper headsets don’t tend to have the games available to play. The bigger and more fantastical developments are typically available on the more expensive headsets, essentially creating a vicious circle.

Virtual reality was certainly a technology worth following, but whether this continues to be worth the hype is up for debate. What do you think?