VR Hits New Set of Roadblocks in 2022

For decades, VR technology has remained at the forefront of entertainment interests. Back in the 1970s, the first functional iterations of VR were used for training exercises. These were designed to help educate learners in complex fields, from future pilots to surgeons to scuba divers. Today, VR remains a top choice for educators in a variety of fields.

However, VR in the entertainment sector has seen less application and success—despite the fact that it’s been touted as the ‘future of entertainment’ for well over a decade. So, what’s holding the technology back? Similar to holograms, popularized by sci-fi projects in the 1960s and 1970s, VR hasn’t been an easy project to launch.

In fact, the technology and costs associated with VR (and holograms) has created unique challenges for developers. In terms of both hardware and software, VR is highly nuanced—and it’s also still very expensive in an already-pricey gaming industry. Looking ahead, what roadblocks does VR still need to overcome before becoming a commercial hit?

📌 VR Must Offer a Unique & Exciting Experience

VR seems to offer a new and unforgettable gaming experience. After all, it literally puts a gamer inside the game. Or, theoretically, it should. But the mechanics of VR remain a disappointment for many. Moving from Point A to Point B isn’t as seamless as it should feel, while a tricky setup of external sensors can be thrown off easily.

This means that, no matter how simple the game, it’s not likely more fun to play in a VR world. For example, one of the world’s most robust gaming sectors is iGaming. And while finding the right online casino bonus might be easy, finding a satisfying VR-ready slot, blackjack table, or live roulette game is less straightforward. According to users, a VR casino lobby doesn’t feel that different than the standard remote experience. In other words, VR doesn’t necessarily add anything new for gamers.

📌 It’s (Really) Expensive

If you want to do VR well, you’ll need to fork over a hefty check—and not just for the hardware itself. At the moment, one of the more affordable headsets includes basic versions of the Oculus Quest ($400), the Sony PlayStation VR ($350), and the HP Reverb G2 ($500). However, gamers also need to pay for other hardware… like a PlayStation or, in the least, a VR gaming subscription.

Quickly, expensive pile-up. And for many gamers offered a choice between a PlayStation 5 ($500) and a truly advanced and robust VR headset like the HTC Vive Pro or the Valve Index Kit ($1,250 and $1,200), the vast majority would choose the PS5.

📌 The Bug Infestation

This year, one of the biggest stories in tech was the rumored release of Apple VR and AR. Unlike its competitors, Apple has yet to dive into the AR and VR sector—a surprise to many. However, Apple’s approach is welcomed news for many in the tech world who have watched countless VR programs falter from bugs… all without delivering clearly on graphic beauty or even basic utility.

It seems Apple is letting companies like Meta, Sony, and HTC figure out what does and doesn’t work—all while developers fine-tune their own approach to VR. But the delay from Apple is welcome news to many who want to see VR succeed. Aside from frustrating many users who went out on a limb to buy a pricey headset and set it up, VR also risks a ruined reputation from disgruntled users.

📌 Big Tech Meets Average Consumers

Gamers aren’t techies—at least, not always. As mentioned above, VR has come with its fair share of bugs. While this is to be expected in any developing industry, consumers have struggled to troubleshoot issues with their VR hardware and software.

Gamers have had to figure out the precise arrangement of finicky external sensors. They’ve also had to navigate a limiting first-person perspective within the game. Many have noted how unnatural it looks and feels to play VR games from a first-person perspective, which is one of the most popular game genres, including FPS and RPG titles. Viewed in this way, VR is more trouble than it’s worth for the average gamer.