We are truly living in the age of technology. Look at the advancements in technology, it sure amazes me how far we’ve come. But this isn’t the end, we have a long way ahead of us and Virtual Reality is one of the technological advancements we will be witnessing more often.
Have you ever wondered if the games you play on your PC will come alive for you? Virtual reality gives you the pass to a real-time gaming experience.
Virtual reality (VR) creates a computer-generated world in which the user is free to roam and interact with digitally rendered environments and objects.
There is no doubt that Virtual Reality has been flourishing and expanding its dimension. People have been showing a lot of interest in VR and AI, and although it’s not normalized still the time is not far from when it’ll be a potential gaming sector.
In this article, I’ll be discussing the concept of Virtual Reality (VR) gaming system and its potential in the upcoming future. Stay till the end to know about VR gaming hardware, games, and many more interesting facts.
What is Virtual Reality?
The term “virtual reality” (VR) refers to state-of-the-art technology that completely immerses users in a simulated, 3D, computer-generated world. Players can engage in what feels like real, physical interaction with the virtual world by donning a headset and utilizing handheld controllers.
The limits of Virtual reality can go beyond your expectations because there’s no end to its innovations. To access the world of VR you’ll need a medium i.e. headsets and controllers. Jaron Lanier coined Virtual Reality in his book “The Dawn of the New Everything”. His vision was to create an interactive medium between the real world and the virtual world.
Virtual Reality in today’s world is completely computer-operated, a simulated atmosphere in which one can immerse oneself with the right technical tools.
You can see different uses of VR, from educational and training to medical and artistic. It has seen rapid growth in the gaming community, with more and more people trying out the technology to experience games that are more interactive and immersive than ever before.
VR Gaming Content
Through VR gaming a 3D artificial environment is added to your PC or console games. To convince the user that the virtual reality environment is real, developers of VR software create worlds that transcend the user’s accurate position.
If you want to explore more there are different genres of VR games.
Let’s look at some VR game genres, they are:
1. Action
It’s no surprise that action VR games are as action-packed as their popular forebears in the video game industry. However, virtual reality (VR) elevates the excitement to an entirely different level by stimulating all of the senses.
Players can put their whole bodies into action as they take on the role of the characters of the game in an exciting story. Shooting games are the most popular VR game in the world. EX: Moss, Blade, and Sorcery.
2. Exploration
These games are unparalleled in their ability to encourage players to think critically about the world in which they find themselves. Virtual reality (VR) exploration experiences are unparalleled whenever it comes to adrenaline rushes and daring feats.
Do you want to have virtual sea adventures or speed adventures without being physically on the ground? With exploratory VR games, you can feel the thrills of adventure just like it’s real.
3. Storytelling
Storytelling games engage their players in a fascinating story in which they are free to connect with their virtual surroundings in whatever way they see fit.
This kind of game lets users virtually experience another life in a very realistic manner. Even better, in the VR reality, all those bothersome real-world consequences of our decisions don’t apply, so you can grab whatever you like and be okay with it.
4. Sports
Not everyone gets the opportunity to play the game they like. VR sports games come in and fill the gap with sports that everyone loves but doesn’t always get the opportunity to play.
With VR sports you can play any game be it traditional or something totally out of the box. Not everyone can be a winner in real life but you can feel like a winner when you play a game on the VR screen.
5. Artistic
Gamers can unleash their inner creativity in a new and exciting way in these games that are designed to stimulate all of the senses.
The end of a long day can be made more bearable by playing one of these games. In the age of virtual reality, there is now a brand-new medium for creative expression and interactive media production because of artistic VR games.
How does VR Gaming Work?
To fully emerge into VR games, gamers need to use both VR software and hardware. The headgear typically covers the eyes and frequently incorporates headphones for sound, which is the most crucial piece of VR technology.
The headgear is linked to a computer or another hardware that runs the virtual reality software and information.
There are numerous VR headsets available, ranging from high-end models with complex capabilities to more economical models for people on a tight budget. Later in the article, I will be reviewing the 3 best headsets for VR games in the market for gamers.
To engage with the simulated environment, VR users require handheld controllers combined with the headset. These controllers can range from simple joystick or controller-type devices to more advanced consoles with motion detection and tactile feedback.
The controls enable the user to engage with the virtual environment in a variety of ways, including scooping up and manipulating things and navigating the area.
The virtual environment is brought to life through VR software and content. VR software can be used to build and run virtual reality apps, games, and interactions.
Virtual reality content can range from 3d graphics and landscapes to videos and audio files. There are numerous Virtual Reality software and media platforms accessible, like Oculus, SteamVR, and Viveport, which provide a wide range of VR experiences.
Images are made at 60 frames a second to improve the user experience better. Manufacturers have also made cameras with a 180° field of view, which is thought to be the best. There are also cameras with a 100 ° field of view. By controlling different things, the human mind can be duped.
The user’s actions always get a response in less than 20ms, so the brain doesn’t notice the delay. So that the images don’t get messed up, the Frames per second and display refresh rate of the GPU work closely together. Vertical sync is a big part of making sure that the fps and the refresh rate of the screen are the same.
VR Gaming Hardware
To play virtual reality games you’ll need some hardware as I’ve mentioned before. VR gaming hardware can be a headset or a controller. Apart from that you will need a CPU, video processor (GPU), memory, and storage. I’ll be talking about VR gaming headgear and controllers in this segment.
VR Gaming Headsets
A VR headset is a device that goes on your head and shows you virtual reality images. For the same reason, a VR headset has a screen or display, lenses, stereo sound, and sensors or cameras that track head or eye movement. It can also have built-in or attached controllers that let you move around the VR content.
For detecting eye or head motion and tracking, GPS modules, structured light arrays, magnetometers, and motion sensors may be incorporated as sensors. In addition to advertisement delivery, sensors may be deployed to lessen the rendering strain for advertising.
In addition to display resolution, camera quality, refresh rate, optic quality, and field of view influence image clarity. The camera is also used to track motion for room-scale VR experiences, in which the gamers explore virtual reality while moving about a room.
Nevertheless, detectors are much more efficient in this regard than cameras, which often have a longer lag.
The VR gaming headgear is built very differently than normal headphones. They don’t have any comparison and VR headsets often come with handheld devices to guide locomotion as well. Some headgear can capture and convey eye and head movements to the VR game.
Many use stereo sound systems for projecting the audio content of the game. Some are simply eyewear that displays the user’s immersive virtual world. Virtual reality (VR) headsets do not allow players to see the true external world. Some headphones include built-in microphones.
VR Controller
VR controllers are handheld gears that allow users to engage with a virtual environment. Using a VR controller, players may pick different objects, move and carry objects, point, sketch boundaries, and zoom in and out. Some gaming controllers contain motion sensors that can detect user hand movements, such as throwing. These actions are replicated by the controller within the game.
VR gloves enhance VR controllers by detecting the user’s hand and finger micro-movements and conveying the information to the game.
This adds tiny motor abilities to virtual reality video games, allowing users to hold, collect, and carry small objects within the game. Some gloves feature haptic technology that allows players to interact with the virtual gaming world.
The vibrations produced by the gloves on the fingertips mimic the presence of the object. Some additionally feature little actuators that shift the player’s skin and exert a significant amount of resistance.
Best VR Gaming Headsets 2024
VR gaming headsets create an environment and make it so realistic that you are bound to get immersed in the world of VR. If you are looking for the best VR gaming headset then you should be careful while choosing it.
Since the release of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive some years back headset technology has advanced significantly.
Since it has been available for two years, the Meta Quest 2 has established itself as a highly competent portable VR experience. High-end PC headsets are also becoming more affordable if you want a more immersive experience.
Let’s look at the-
Top 3 VR gaming headsets you can consider buying in 2024
We’ll have a quick overview of the specs of the VR gaming headsets,
| VR Headset | Processor | Storage | RAM | Display Resolution | Refresh Rate | Battery Life | Field of View | Price |
| Meta Quest 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 | 128GB / 256 GB | 6 GB | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye | 120 Hz | 2 – 3 hours (rated) | 90 – 100 Degrees | Check Price |
| Sony PlayStation VR | – | – | – | 960 x 1,080 (1.0MP) pixels per-eye, RGB OLED | 90 Hz / 120 Hz | – | 100 Degrees | Check Price |
| HTC Vive Pro 2 | Intel® Core™ i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 1500 equivalent or greater | – | 8 GB | 2448 × 2448 pixels per eye (4896 x 2448 pixels combined) | 90Hz /120 Hz | – | 120 Degrees | Check Price |
Meta Quest 2
The Meta Quest 2 is the best VR headset money can buy, with excellent performance thanks to improved wireless performance and screen resolution.
The Meta Quest 2 is a fully-featured VR system, similar to the original Quest, that eliminates the need for additional sensors or cameras because everything you’ll require is already built into the headset.
Put on the headset, activate your account using the Oculus mobile app, choose your play location, and you’re ready to go.
My suggestion would be to opt for the headset-only set of Meta Quest 2 for a budget-friendly VR gaming experience. With the included controllers, you’ll have everything you need to play.
There’s no need to splurge on the pricier model with additional accessories, as they aren’t necessary for gameplay It has also gotten several significant changes via software updates since its launch. With the addition of hand tracking and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, it is now capable of navigating menus without the use of controllers. These features should reduce motion sickness.
For those who didn’t know, Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 are the exact devices. Facebook wanted to include the Oculus Quest 2 in the Meta that’s why it changed its name to Meta Quest 2.
The only differences you’ll find between the devices are the logos and nothing else. Hence, Meta Quest 2 has used the Oculus Guardian feature, which enables you to draw a gamespace with your Oculus Touch controllers to prevent running into walls and furniture.
Pros
- You’ll get a full package of VR headset
- Smart and Comfortable design and controls
- The game library is very good
- Improved and powerful processor
- Precise motion tracking
Cons
- Non-rechargeable controllers and short battery lifespan.
Best Meta Quest 2 VR games and apps to give a try
- Polyarc Moss (Overall Best Game)
- Superhot VR (Best Shooting Game)
- Puzzling Places (Best Travelling Game)
- Down The Rabbit Hole (Best Storytelling Game)
- Blaston (If you are a party animal)
Sony PlayStation VR
If you are looking for a PSVR headset then you’ll need to look out for a Sony PSVR headset. The Sony PSVR 2 is about to be released this February, and I’m looking forward to the release.
PlayStation VR will satisfy your desire for a high-quality virtual reality gaming experience. With a large selection of engaging titles that are readily available, this headgear provides a flawless and enjoyable VR gaming experience.
Although many of the sensations aren’t as vivid as those offered by the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, I can’t complain about a system that uses a PS4 rather than a pricey PC gaming setup. Plus it’s inexpensive and comfortable, making it a great option for any gamer on a tight budget.
Sony PlayStation VR is plug-and-play like its companion console, unlike other VR headsets with their mazes of connections. Sony PS VR’s emphasis on comfort makes it impossible to mistake it for any other headset on the market.
This headset is an experiment in moving parts rather than copying the conventional design, which is typically a sizable chunk of plastic with a couple of cotton headbands connected. The best part is that you won’t feel the slightest pain wearing it over your spectacles.
The PS4 was the PSVR’s visual design inspiration. Once the LED sensor is lit up, the headset’s visual appeal is truly stunning. When the PSVR is in use, the LEDs on the Move Controller and the headset put on a cool light show, especially if people are watching while someone is gaming in the dark.
For producing some of the biggest AAA first-party blockbusters accessible on consoles, Sony has earned a solid reputation. I’ll include a few titles that I believe work well with the Sony Playstation VR headset.
Pros
- Captivating VR environment
- Made especially keeping PS4 in mind
- Sells at a good price point compared to PC-based VR headsets
Cons
- A PlayStation camera is needed and it’s not included in the box. So, you’ll have to buy it separately
- PSVR2 is going to come up with more upgrades than this version.
Best Sony PlayStation VR games and apps to give a try
- Rez Infinite
- EVE Valkyrie
- PlayStation VR Worlds
- Headmaster
- Tumble VR
HTC Vive Pro 2 VR Headset
I can guarantee you that you are not going to find a VR headset that delivers 5K resolution and matches the price it comes with.
Yes, I am talking about the HTC Vive Pro 2 which is going to give you the experience of futuristic VR gaming. Valve and HTC collaborated to create the very first Vive VR headset compatible with the SteamVR technology.
If you are switching from Oculus Quest 2, this aficionado hardware would provide a noticeable visual improvement with its quick refresh rate, high-resolution screen, and potent built-in audio.
Because of its very identical form and functionality to the first Vive Pro, you might mistake the Vive Pro 2. That’s not necessarily a negative thing, either, because the original fits a variety of head shapes.
Once you power up the HTC Vive Pro 2, the distinction between Vive Pro 2 and Vive Pro is apparent: Compared to the Pro’s 1,440/1,600 pixels, Pro 2’s 5K display delivers 2,448/2,448 pixels per eye, a major boost.
Additionally, the LCDs on the Pro 2 contain RGB sub-pixels, which further enhances the appearance of clarity. I liked the broader 120 ° field of view, which makes simulations feel even more immersive. The screen can refresh at up to 120Hz, which is notably better than the previous 90Hz display.
HTC has a fine-tunable IPD slider, a dial-lock head strap, and a wide facial interface for glasses users. This bulky headset is evenly weighted to reduce neck discomfort. After flipping over its over-ear headphones, you’ll feel enclosed in its design.
The 3d spatial headset hovers over the gamer’s ears, letting them experience their surroundings. The audio delivery is another praiseworthy feature, with rich and deep bass tones that don’t require earphones. To experience the sounds more profoundly you can also add in any audiophile-grade headphones.
Pros
- One of the best resolution delivery in VR gaming
- Excellent sound production
- Comfort is also top-notch, specially designed for people who wear glasses
- Sleek motion tracking
Cons
- Controllers are old and clunky
Best HTC Vive Pro 2 VR games and apps to give a try
- EVE
- Audioshield
- Arizona Sunshine
- The Mage’s Tale
- Creed: Rise to Glory
Is VR the Future of Gaming?
VR has a huge potential to play a striking change in the gaming world. Although PC and console games will never lose their charm, VR games will gain increasing popularity in the future.
I think the age of VR has already started and there is a huge area for it to expand and mark its territory like PC and console games. With constantly new technology every moment and VR gaming equipment being sold at an affordable price point is making it accessible for everyone.
Although I won’t say that the prices are that affordable but being a revolutionary technology the price is quite reasonable.
We can see how Facebook has started expanding into its VR ecosystem, the Metaverse. These small steps are taking up a greater picture of VR gaming. Despite VR game development’s niche status, games are in high demand.
Virtual reality creations are scarce, unlike PC and console games. This gap is an indication of a big market that is going to form in the future and flourish in the VR industry.
So, I’m sure you’ll agree with me on this one that the VR gaming industry has a great future. You better get acquainted with the new trends of VR games before it’s too late.
Final Words
This in-depth Exploring the Future of Gaming: A Beginners Guide to Virtual Reality article introduces the idea of Virtual Reality gaming, commonly known in short as VR gaming. I researched it more thoroughly, learning about how it functions as well as some of the best VR headsets that are now available. We learned more about the gaming equipment required to play VR games.
If you are a tech-savvy person who has a knack for new technologies you must explore the VR gaming industry. You can live the game you are playing and get a fun and interesting experience. Thank you for staying with me till the end of the article, I hope it was informative for you.
FAQ
Q. What challenges are in the way of VR gaming?
A. Firstly, there’s a huge gap in the industry that is yet to be explored. Once it is explored the VR gaming industry will skyrocket. Secondly, there’s a major setback as VR sickness can be triggered by disparities between the virtual world that the mind sees and the actual reality that the body experiences.
Q. Is VR worth buying in 2024?
A. VR can’t be worth it for everyone however as the gaming range is expanding and prices are becoming accessible people should give it a try.
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