Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two of the most popular technological trends. They’re changing the way we experience gaming at an astounding rate. But each technology contributes to these gaming evolutions in their own way. The technologies are unique and varied in their applications. Therefore, the way they influence changes can be nuanced for each.
Let’s look at VR and AR and how each is evolving gaming experiences.
Let’s begin with the basics.
What is VR?
VR, or virtual reality, is technology that simulates a digital environment. Now, this part is important: VR is an entirely simulated environment. It’s entirely immersive via a virtual world.
A VR headset typically covers the eyes and ears as a way to isolate the user from the real world and immerse them into a digital world.
VR places users inside of a completely virtual environment that’s viewable at 360 degrees. As the user moves their head, the environment reflects this perspective in real-time.
VR often makes use of handheld controllers which allow the user to interact with the digital world.
In gaming, VR provides an immersive experience that allows players to feel as if they are actually inside the game’s world.
Take a ride, folks.
What is AR?
AR, or augmented reality, is technology that overlays digital images over the user’s actual environment. This is a deep contrast to VR as AR uses the user’s actual environment whereas VR eliminates it.
AR adds graphics, sounds, haptic feedback and other sensory enhancements to the user’s real environment. Like VR, AR does offer glasses, but it can also be used via a smartphone or tablet.
Learn more.
Key Differences
- Reality vs. Virtuality:
- AR overlays digital information on the real world.
- VR immerses the user in a fully virtual environment.
- Hardware Requirements:
- AR can often be used with smartphones or AR glasses.
- VR requires headsets and, sometimes, additional equipment like hand controllers.
- User Environment:
- AR users remain in contact with and aware of their real-world surroundings.
- VR users are isolated from the real world and fully immersed in a virtual space.
- Applications and Use Cases:
- AR is used for enhancing real-world experiences, like navigation, education, and interactive gaming.
- VR is used for complete immersion in gaming, simulations, training, and virtual tours.
- Interactivity:
- AR allows for interaction with both real and virtual elements.
- VR interactions are entirely within a virtual space, with no direct interaction with the physical world.
VR in Gaming
The state of VR in gaming is more promising than ever. Technological advancements have promoted a slew of new high-quality VR games to hit the market.
Modern VR headsets offer higher resolution, wider field of view, and better motion tracking, resulting in a more immersive experience.
VR is changing the gaming experience as the immersive level. There’s almost no way to compete with VR in terms of immersion. No matter how big your screen, robust your audio system, or massive your computer processor, you can’t get 360 immersion without a popular headset.
VR Devices
From Facebook to Google to Sony, top technology brands are diving into the world of VR headsets.
- Oculus Quest 2 (Meta Quest 2)
- Valve Index
- PlayStation VR
- HTC Vive Pro / Vive Cosmos
- HP Reverb G2
Popular VR Games
- The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard VR
AR in Gaming
AR in gaming is a growing, emerging sector. And that’s mostly through mobile. AR gaming continues to expand to numerous genres.
AR Devices
Without question, Apple looks to lead this market in the device vertical, however, they’ll need to figure out ways to get a lower entry price point. At near $3500 per unit, the normal consumer won’t be able to afford them.
- Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Magic Leap One
- Apple Vision Pro
Popular AR Games
Not a lot to discuss here as the technology is emerging.
The Future of AR, VR Gaming
The future is bright for both VR and AR in the gaming sector, though VR has a substantial early advantage mostly due to its ability to create a new gaming environment.
VR’s deep immersion capabilities is certain to lead to a wealth of new games that have more robust, emotionally driven storylines. And VR will expand into multiplayer formats and bring about more powerful interactivity between players.
AR, on the other hand, will continue to merge our real world with gaming aspects. The problem for AR is that the technology, with an emphasis on the glasses, prices most people out of the market. Gaming is already an expensive hobby, there’s not a ton of room for budget left.