Virtual reality (VR) is one of the modern technologies that gamers can leverage to enjoy more immersive experiences. VR takes gamers to a virtual 3D environment where they can explore games in a way almost indistinguishable from real life. Many online casinos and gaming platforms already support VR, but the technology is still in its early application in the gambling sphere. Here’s a look at some of the things you need to know about VR gaming:
Virtual Reality Categories
VR technology has three primary categories: virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. Virtual reality involves the external hardware and software used to thrust you into an alternate reality. A VR world allows you to access supplementary gear to interact with various characters and features. Augmented reality (AR) is another popular subcategory of VR, but less immersive. AR involves adding virtual objects and elements to a natural world. You start with a real-world screen like your smartphone and add colors, animals, and images to alter the world into something different. AR allows you to take advantage of items available in your real world.
Mixed reality (MR) is a combination of VR and AR and allows you to see and change things in your altered reality. MR benefits from the immersive VR world and interactive AR experiences. VR is the most popular category and involves additional hardware and software to create an immersive experience. AR and MR are simpler and don’t always require other hardware. An example is using interactive filters in smartphone camera apps like Snapchat. MR and AR can tweak your reality a little bit, but VR gives you the euphoric experience people think about when discussing alternate reality.
Virtual Reality Games and Casinos
VR can be used to explore online gambling sites and recreational games. In online casinos, VR delivers immersive interactions with gaming machines, casino floors, dealers, and other objects. Players can use VR headsets to explore near-real casino environments complete with the characteristic ambiance or brick-and-mortar gambling halls. VR casinos have quality videos and audio, including player giggles, the sound of gaming machines, background music, people walking and chatting, and more.
Players in VR casinos can explore the cashier section, bonuses, live dealer rooms, and other features more realistically, interacting with one another and casino croupiers. The slot machines, roulette boards, and blackjack and poker tables look real like in offline casinos. VR can also be used to bolster the fun in social games and console offerings, where there’s no limit to existing options. Gamers can explore warfare, adventure, sports, traveling, cooking, and all kinds of games, interacting with characters in an alternate world with more activities.
Virtual Reality Gaming Devices
Enjoying VR games requires special hardware and software that delivers an immersive experience. You need a processor, power source, headset, controllers, and camera. The processor can be your smartphone, video game system, laptop, or personal computer. You can also find self-contained VR gear like headsets. A VR headset is easily the centerpiece of the experience as it features the screens and lenses that project the images you’ll see.
VR head-mounted gear can feature headphones for audio immersion and are motion-controlled, so you can move your head around to influence what you see in your VR world. Controllers can be buttons or sophisticated motion controls that detect the slightest finger movement. Some systems also feature haptic technology that uses vibrations to simulate sensory experiences. VR cameras simply track movement and make your experience more realistic. The cameras are housed within controllers and headsets and can also be set up around the game room.
Setting Up a VR Gaming
Getting into VR gaming involves deciding on a setup, learning the basics, choosing a game, and diving into the experience. VR setups can be an entire living room, small office or bedroom, or the comfort of your couch or chair. A large space is ideal if you intend to move around, but you can have just as much fun seated. Once you decide on a setup, you can explore the VR gear for your ideal setup. VR gear can cost anything from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on the setup, model, and capabilities.
Some VR game systems are usable out of the box. All you need to do is practice how to use the headset and controllers. Other systems have built-in software and hardware and may require a powerful PC to run them. You can also find light options that feature affordable attachments for your smartphone. Once you have the gear, you can explore VR games and casinos, watch movies, socialize with other people, or relax in an alternate world. All VR gear, games, and casinos feature simple instructions to help you configure your system.
Conclusion
Virtual reality is much closer to mainstream application as the gadgets and technology required to deliver VR experiences have become cheaper. Innovations in VR headsets and glasses also continue to stretch the limits of what users can achieve. However, the market is filled with gadgets and options providing varying levels of immersion. Top-of-the-line VR gear remains expensive and provides the best experiences for those seeking 100% immersive gaming.
