Alright is there a coles note version out there about this VR stuff? I was leaning heavily towards buying an XBox One since I don't really play games anymore (after being a total PS fanboy as a kid) but this VR stuff might be enough to make me change my mind.
How exactly does this work for Playstation in your home? I mean this VR stuff looks awesome when it's combined with those treadmill things, but if this is just essentially removing the need for the right analog stick to point the camera and everything else is essentially the same, it doesn't really seem worth it....
Are you talking VR in general or PSVR in particular?
I'd check this out (nevermind the portly fellow, his commentary and reactions are pretty good though).
The one shown is the most expensive version that you'd need a PC for. Oculus is probably the mid tier in cost. While the PS4 is below that (and certainly cheapest, especially if you already have a PS4 or don't want to have to buy a new fancy computer rig).
I've tried all three multiple times and the last thing I would equate it to would be the right stick. There is an immersion factor that you simply do not get outside of VR. It is truly something you need to try to understand - you'll hear that over and over again. It's expensive but I think it's worth it.
Further to the above, take the London Heist for example at 1:00. I've played multiple segments of it.
While in the van, reach with one hand to grab clips and reload the gun that you are holding in the other. It is totally natural and you don't even think about it. Hell, you if you realize the virtual you are in, you can stick your head out the side door window and shoot people BEHIND and beside the van.
While you are in the shooting behind the desk segment, you are literally ducking in real life to dodge behind the desk. Pop up to shoot and reloading as I mentioned before. Another segment in that game, you are "tied" to a chair and being interrogated. The torturer blows cigarette smoke at you and you truly feel like brushing it away. And it gets actually uncomfortable when they wave a blow torch towards you because of the immersion in the virtual space.
Again, it's hard if not impossible to explain. You have to try it. If you aren't sure, try a demo when it comes out (just bring some disinfectant wipes to use beforehand)
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Yeah it really does seem like something you have to see to believe.
Where can you try it?
My dad has a pretty sweet Gran Turismo set up already. Can't imagine how sweet it would be with this.
Locally? Probably not easy unless you know people with the dev kits. They've been doing all the major (gaming) conventions (SDCC, PAX, E3, etc.) I doubt it'll be in the Calgary for our comic convention.
I'd imagine that BestBuy and EBgames will have demos at some point.
I have tried some racing stuff as well. I'm a terrible driver (in games ) but it was definitely cool to be able to see the turn coming up much more intuitively than on a normal flat screen. And you can look at guys as you pass them. Crashing was pretty freaky though. Because of the fixed nature of driving (head in the same spot) I'd imagine driving sims being the first if not easiest of games to support VR. I think Project Cars III already is VR ready.
Won't the problem be getting developers to continue to make games for a device that only 10% of PS4/PC gamers will have in 2-3 years time. Why spend money to make a games for VR when you make a non-VR game for 10x the audience.
Won't the problem be getting developers to continue to make games for a device that only 10% of PS4/PC gamers will have in 2-3 years time. Why spend money to make a games for VR when you make a non-VR game for 10x the audience.
I'm not expert, I don't know. From what I can tell, most developers that have tried it seem really enthused about it. With some go so far as saying that they're only doing VR from now on which seems a bit much (just listening to some podcasts). Personally, I'm hoping a lot of games can translate relatively easy with so many games already being in full 3D. Things like the driving games mentioned above or just even XCOM already being fully 3D - I would pay to play it with the perspective as is but seeing it as a chess board like would be amazing.
As for sheer numbers, PS4 has a very large install base already and keeps growing quickly. I remember when people thought console gaming was dead before it was even released? Or this hilarious Ars technica article:
And ultimately, I think a lot of VR will be for stuff other than gaming. Oculus got bought out by Facebook and have some pretty hefty backing. I look forward to paying for and experiencing front row seats at things like concerts, sports events, maybe even the Superbowl someday soon . . .
. . . and maybe porn.
EDIT: Oh yeah, museums too. Things you can't get as close to. Or underwater stuff. Or Everest.
Last edited by chemgear; 03-22-2016 at 07:45 PM.
Reason: More
Won't the problem be getting developers to continue to make games for a device that only 10% of PS4/PC gamers will have in 2-3 years time. Why spend money to make a games for VR when you make a non-VR game for 10x the audience.
I think that percentage will be far higher in 2-3 years time. The main reason for the October launch date is that Sony is finding demand to be higher than expected so they want to ramp up production. They're forecasting nearly 2 million sales by the end of the year, which will put them at 5% within 3 months. Also, because they've managed to still sell the unit for a profit, they'll be able to reinvest in software. If anybody is interested, the latest PS I Love You XOXO podcast has a bunch of interesting information.
I believe when people try it, they'll be hooked. The only VR experience I had was with an Oculus about a year ago connected to an underpowered PC. It made me ill quite quickly due to the lag, but it was evident right away that there's something very special about where we're at with VR. I played one game where you were flying through space, and at one point I looked down and noticed you could see the curvature of a planet below you. I know it sounds stupid, but it kinda took my breath away for a moment. I don't mean that in the romantic sense, I mean I literally exhaled sharply and couldn't immediately get my air back.
To be honest one of my most hopeful features is the cinema mode. Early reviews on other devices with the ability to watch movies with headsets have been pretty strong. I'm suddenly questioning whether I even need a bigger TV, which I've wanted for a few years.
I guess the only question I have is how much of it is actually full fledged games and how much of it is something I will see all of within 1-2 hours?
Also, is there an increased amount of pressure since you guys are being bundled with the launch bundle? For thousands, potentially millions of people, your game will be their first VR experience ever.
Finally -- are you hiring? I mean, I don't have any useful development skills, but if you need a documentation or communications specialist or something like... community development. Just let me know!
) but it was definitely cool to be able to see the turn coming up much more intuitively than on a normal flat screen. And you can look at guys as you pass them. Crashing was pretty freaky though. Because of the fixed nature of driving (head in the same spot) I'd imagine driving sims being the first if not easiest of games to support VR. I think Project Cars III already is VR ready.
