Can the PlayStation VR ignite virtual reality gaming?

Despite the huge amount of hype that accompanied the launch of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive, these innovative devices have yet to capture the public’s imagination.

With plateauing sales and unwelcome reports of VR-related motion sickness, it’s hoped that this month’s release of Sony’s PlayStation VR headset can help virtual reality achieve its immense potential.

October release

The PlayStation VR was released worldwide on October 13 and will integrate with the PlayStation 4 console to allow gamers to fully immerse themselves in artificially generated 3D environments.

Whilst the PlayStation VR is not as technically advanced as its competitors, it’s thought that its low pricepoint and Sony’s great gaming reputation could help it get an edge on the competitors.

Gaming opportunities

Much has been of the 50 games that will be featured amongst the initial offerings for the PlayStation VR. Already there are high profile titles like Batman VR and Final Fantasy XV VR that seek to extend the shelf-life of these massive gaming franchises.

But it’s the more down-to-earth activities that could prove to be most visceral for the fledgling VR gamer. A quick preview of Gran Turismo Sport shows how the standard racing game could be revolutionised in the virtual reality context. And seeing as casino games haven’t been included amongst Sony’s 50 VR titles, it’s the likes of the Book of Dead slots game at the Mr Smith site that represents the most innovative kind of casino game that we can experience at the present. And although the reels and paylines offer plenty of excitement, one wonders at how the standard slots game could benefit from the virtual reality revolution?

Hardware innovation

In terms of the hardware, the headset manages to emulate a sleek and futuristic look that could see easily players fitting in the next Daft Punk video. And thankfully Sony have made the device’s implementation into the PS4 relatively stress-free compared to the often bewildering Oculus Rift.

Sony has also been quick to try and make the virtual reality experience a little more tactile through the introduction of some specially-designed Move controllers. And whilst a few commentators have stated that the controllers are uncomfortable and unreliable, they still represent an interesting way about how tech companies are trying to blend our physical and virtual worlds.

Although the PlayStation VR might not quite have the same high-end specs as the Oculus Rift device, its ease of use and impressive range of titles means that it could be 2016’s most important gadget. And once it’s managed to implement slots gaming action and better controllers, it could turn all of us into VR gamers.