In 1995, the Virtual Boy was released to the masses and it was one of the first forays into “virtual reality” in relation to video games, 3D technology being seen at the time as well. Nintendo attempted to create something that would spark a revolution but it was ultimately a failed experiment in attempting to bring gaming to a seemingly tangible dimension. Fast forward many years later and we are back at the idea of VR. This time, Sony is one of the new names with a plan.
In 1995, the Virtual Boy was released to the masses and it was one of the first forays into “virtual reality” in relation to video games, 3D technology being seen at the time as well. Nintendo attempted to create something that would spark a revolution but it was ultimately a failed experiment in attempting to bring gaming to a seemingly tangible dimension. Fast forward many years later and we are back at the idea of VR. This time, Sony is one of the new names with a plan.
It was reported that Sony has been working on a virtual reality headset to be utilized in conjunction with the PlayStation 4. According to the details in the report, the headset would be released sometime next year. To the uninitiated, this sounds like a thrilling idea, especially considering how VR has been experimented in the past with limited results, at best. However, those who have been focused on gaming apart from Sony would know that this isn’t a new subject. In fact, there are efforts being done by other companies in order to further develop VR gaming.
Initially a Kickstarter craze, Oculus Rift has since gained a tremendous amount of popularity within the gaming world. It raised $16 million in terms of development; $2.4 million of that was raised through the aforementioned crowd funding website. Not only has it been able to gain attention from the general public but big names in gaming have openly supported it, too.
Cliff Bleszinski and Gabe Newell – “Gears of War” designer and Valve CEO, respectively– have been onboard with Oculus Rift. John Carmack, the lead programmer of PC classics Doom and Quake, was announced as the Oculus VR CTO last month. In one respect, virtual reality appears to be a development that will last in the long term. Such authorities in the industry wouldn’t have been involved otherwise.
The issues that I have with the visor aren’t ones that are rooted in the levels of popularity it may not gain but rather levels of safety it may not meet. As spoken about before, the Virtual Boy was not a successful console and most of that came from some of the hindrances to one’s health. Many gamers complained of headaches while playing. While such visual technology has different effects on different people, constant eyestrain should not have been the case.
This idea has support, though, and if an online marketing company was put into place, perhaps it would gain even more support outside of the niche appeal it has. The work that is being done by Oculus, as well as reportedly by Sony, shows that technology has progressed since the mid-90’s. Perhaps consumers do not have to fear the risk of headaches or eyestrain with these devices.
Would you be open to buying a Sony brand VR helmet? Leave your thoughts below!
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