How 'Gimmicky' is Virtual Reality?

PSG4MER · 2017-02-22T04:45:13Z

This article looks at how popular this technology might become for gaming.

- Comments (34)

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DillyDilly3368d ago

It is the definition of gimmicky

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attilayavuzer3367d ago

It's only as gimmicky as software devs make it

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3367d ago

mogwaii3367d ago

You took the words right out of my mouth

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ApocalypseShadow3368d ago

Virtual boy was not VR. It was a poorly implemented 3D stereoscopic console with virtual in its name. Believing it was VR is the same as thinking Samsung's phones are from another galaxy.

Moving on, Nintendo did bring motion and interaction to the masses. And Sony and Microsoft tagged along for the ride. This part is true. Even though Sony's eyetoy and move were thought of and used first.

VR is definitely not a publicity stunt. PS4 didn't need extra publicity when it was already steam rolling the competition. And I believe the word gimmick is overly used with negative overtones. EVERY product made has a gimmick. It's what makes one product different than another.

Why even mention Nintendo virtual console? That's not virtual reality either. As for gamers thoughts on VR, VR is better than 1st person. The whole point of 1st person is to see it from your point of view. VR does it better. Just needs locomotion figured out for some games. And VR 3rd person is still more immersive than regular 3rd person. Examples would be the playroom VR 3rd person or Lucky tales.

There is nothing wrong with consoles

**leave much to be desired and pose a whole number of problems for their users. **

Sure. And the headsets are comfortable. And PSVR is very comfortable to use. And the article focuses wrong on the advancement of graphics. And saying gaming isn't about giant leaps. Each generation is about a leap forward. But also about fun. And VR is not trying to replace all gaming. But be part of it. VR is not tiring, doesn't cause headaches or nausea. Only to some users. Fps games cause nausea too and some game's flashing lights make some epileptic.why just target VR? VR isn't just for casuals. And saying there aren't many VR games is only because it just came out and needs time for more games to be made just like every other platform.

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freshslicepizza3368d ago (Edited 3368d ago )

"VR is not tiring, doesn't cause headaches or nausea. Only to some users. Fps games cause nausea too and some game's flashing lights make some epileptic.why just target VR?"

thats like saying you can get motion sickness on a big cruise ship like you would on a 12 foot aluminum boat in the middle of a storm. you must be a bit worried with the amount you spend trying to sell it on everyone, especially psvr.

"And saying there aren't many VR games is only because it just came out and needs time for more games to be made just like every other platform."

did the ps4 release with no big games? will the switch release with no big games? please get back to reality. sony used a lot less resources in software for the psvr launch than they have with ANY launch system in the past. you thinkg rigs costs sony just as much to make as a game like killzone shadow fall?

when are you going to get it through your head its a peripheral and will never get the same resources or attention as a console launch? did you see electronic arts develope psvr launch games like madden and battlefield when the ps4 launched? when the ps4 came out developers were ready to release big games on it, never happened on psvr.

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Aenea3368d ago

Nah, I think you're worried that PSVR could become a success.

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ApocalypseShadow3368d ago

I think he's upset that I smash him a lot just like I smashed him in the other article about crackdown3. He is worried about PSVR success hurting his supported company.I support all VR. And want PC VR to succeed.

As a supposed "PC gamer," He never talks about PC VR. Just continuously downplays Sony and PSVR.

Anyway moldy, some fps games cause nausea in some gamers. Some flashing light games cause seizures in some gamers. Should we hope that videogames die off?

You need to get back to reality moldy. RE7 is a big game in less than 4 months. Dirt rally is an awesome game. Rigs, battlezone, Batman, sports bar, etc. And there's good games in VR on PC. You'd know if you followed or actually had a VR headset. But your negativity won't change Sony's current domination of your beloved company.

But keep trying. You're bound to get better.

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freshslicepizza3368d ago

@Aenea8h ago
"Nah, I think you're worried that PSVR could become a success."

i actually want it to be a success.

@Apocalypse Shadow
"As a supposed "PC gamer," He never talks about PC VR. Just continuously downplays Sony and PSVR. "

and i continually see you defend every article that isn't praising it as though you get airmiles for each time you oversell it.

"Anyway moldy, some fps games cause nausea in some gamers. Some flashing light games cause seizures in some gamers. Should we hope that videogames die off?"

the issues are far more prevelant on vr than shooters and those who suffer from epilepsy. you trying to glosss over it shows your inability to be rational and comes across more as a shill for the product than anything. no, vr does not impact everyone with nausea or motion sickness but to suggest its the same thing as watching shooters is laughable.

"You need to get back to reality moldy. RE7 is a big game in less than 4 months. Dirt rally is an awesome game. Rigs, battlezone, Batman, sports bar, etc. And there's good games in VR on PC. You'd know if you followed or actually had a VR headset. But your negativity won't change Sony's current domination of your beloved company."

the list of psvr games that were available on launch dont even match the quality or investments made to the quality or investments to the games that laucned when the ps4 did. you know it and i know it. psvr is a peripheral and will never get the same treatment. you know it and i know it. even sony knows it which is why even gt sport will have limited vr support. but hey, its your money. just dont try and tell me or others its the same as any other launch.

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PsylentKiller3367d ago

Many games are gimmicky, if not all of them, right now. But I just got to say, I love my Vive and all the gimmicky games. Especially The Lab and Rec Room. Paddle Up and all my wave based shooters. The biggest obstacle for VR, in my opinion, is locomotion. As soon as I have to walk with the controller instead of teleporting, the motion sickness sets in. I've used the Vive for many months now and have only marginally gotten better with feeling nauseated. But unlike trying to find my sea legs, I am determined to make VR work for me.

Went shark fishing for my bachelor party. Caught a sea bass 5 miles out to sea as did all my boys, on our way to the 10 mile mark. We were advised to not go out at all as the seas were extremely rough that day. I should have heeded the captains warning. I was tossed around the cabin like a Rag doll several times. Boat nearly capsized. Caught 2 fish almost immediately. Spent the next 3 hours hurling overboard.

I say all that to say this, VR can give experiences to people that they otherwise would never have the opportunity to experience in real life. VR has a place in this world and I would even go so far to say that it is needed. But it is gimmicky at the moment, hopefully those gimmicks pave the way for the experiences we desire.

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Summons753367d ago

WAIT...Samsung phones aren't from another galaxy? My life has been a lie!

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TheCommentator3366d ago (Edited 3366d ago )

PSVR is being praised for VR done right, using games like RE7 and Drive Club as prime examples. Those examples are 3D stereoscopic games, not VR, and most VR games are fancy tech demoes like Batman is.

Nintendo did motion tracking first with the Power Glove, and Move was not used first because it was last to the party.

VR is a gimmick because there's an assumption that VR is going to make gaming better, but the reality is that it makes games worse. Can I play a normal game like RE7 in VR and move my hands around to interact with the environment? What about being able to look independently of where I aim my weapons when I play shooters? So many things are wrong with the software choices out now it's ridiculous.

Headaches and nausea are considerations that developers have to overcome when they develop for VR in the first place, which is why VR games look more like tech demos and not real games. Wii and Kinect games never felt like real games either. Most people moved on after the newness wore off just like they will if 1st gen VR hardware can't prove it's usefulness in time to make people stay engaged with the technology. Then you have things like screen door effect, poor field of view, no built in motion tracking, still uses traditional controllers for most games, no sense of peripheral vision, etc.

I guess Wii, Kinect, and Move still need more time to develop software too? They all tried to supplement traditional gaming in the name of fun, but you know what? Devs tried desperately to make something that sounds good on paper work in the real world and failed every time, now they want to try again to make motion controls work with VR? It won't happen, and that ultimately leaves VR stuck as a 3D headset with head tracking which, IMO, does not even qualify as VR. VR launched too early and that alone may become the reason it fails entirely before it can gain traction.

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gangsta_red3368d ago

It is very gimmicky. There is no real need or requirement to actually game like this.

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ApocalypseShadow3368d ago

Everything sold is gimmicky. Gaming doesn't make you a real race car driver, fighter pilot, super action hero or princess saver. Only makes you feel like you are with a controller. But there's no need or requirement to even play videogames.

A PC gamer with mouse and keyboard looks at a controller and thinks to themselves how limiting it is. A racing gamer thinks to themselves on why would you play with a controller without a steering wheel. A flight simulator gamer wonders why you wouldn't play with a flight stick.

And now, those that have used VR laugh at the idea that TV FPS games are more immersive than VR games. Nothing wrong with TVs. But using a controller and staring at a TV is not first person. And the fear of another way to play is hilarious. If VR works as it does, then it's just another way to play.

Like Skype. Why would people want to see each other instead of just talking over just regular telephones thousands of miles away? A soldier wouldn't want to see their family.Such a gimmick./s

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freshslicepizza3368d ago (Edited 3368d ago )

"Why would people want to see each other instead of just talking over just regular telephones thousands of miles away?"

you really do give out terrible analogies when trying to make a counterpoint.

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ApocalypseShadow3368d ago

Keep trying. One day, you might reach level 2. Right now, I'm level 10.

VR doing well hurts you doesn't it because Microsoft currently doesn't have it? Sony dominating them is making you sad isn't it? PSVR is just pouring salt into the wound.

You got Ni-oh,RE7, Horizon, etc just running them over like a freight train and you're bitter.

Don't worry. Microsoft will eventually catch up and you'll have something to feel good about.... Hopefully.

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freshslicepizza3368d ago (Edited 3368d ago )

"VR doing well hurts you doesn't it because Microsoft currently doesn't have it? Sony dominating them is making you sad isn't it? PSVR is just pouring salt into the wound."

on the pc we have a thing called choices, maybe one day you will inest there and see for yourself. i already proved to you before i play on the pc but somehow i am limited to microsoft's vr? that's ok, keep paying for your upgrades like dirt rally vr on the console.

"You got Ni-oh,RE7, Horizon, etc just running them over like a freight train and you're bitter."

how ironic, you list 2/3 games that dont support vr which goes to show how limited the support still is for it. where is sony's commitment, they closed the studio that made rigs. gt sport will have limited support. oh thats right, dreams is still coming one day, which can also be played on a normal controller meaning sony still wont commit even as much as valve to it. valve will be making vr exclusive games, how ironic since its on the pc.

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gangsta_red3367d ago

"But there's no need or requirement to even play videogames."

Moldybread is right, your analogies really don't make sense. There is really no need to play video games while standing on your head either. I really don't see your point.

Not everything sold is gimmicky, some things are sold that is innovative or is a progression of the original idea or concept. Right now VR isn't it, since it doesn't offer anything entirely new or required to enjoy the same games. It's a gimmick.

"And the fear of another way to play is hilarious."

Who said anything about fear? I love this absolute defense and harsh attitude for anyone who doesn't see VR as the next coming of Christ in a tux and top hat. The gnashing of the teeth and the need to go into a complete PR marketing spin mode as some have to sell you on VR by using terms like "immersion" or "immersion, with a sprinkle of the word "immersion".

"If VR works as it does, then it's just another way to play."

And that is awesome, but it's still a gimmick as even you agreed, so what exactly is the problem?

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ApocalypseShadow3367d ago

You are well aware what I meant gangster. If VR currently works, why downplay it's use? It's an optional way to play for those that want to use it. But one company currently doesn't have a headset. And the downplaying commences.Since it is known where both of you lean, and you agreeing with moldy, shows I'm right.

I asked him a clear question on how come he never mentions PC VR in his statements? He's a PC gamer right?.. "WINK"... Let's look at his response...

He speaks of movement when it only effects some games. Locomotion isn't a problem in cockpit games of racing or flying. Point and click, puzzle, etc also work in VR. And games like RE7 aren't hindered by teleporting. It's free movement. But he'll ignore that game. As well as ignore it for being a AAA game for VR.

He ignores nausea from fps games or seizures in some gamers, but wants to downplay VR that might effect some gamers.To ignore what I say, he then deflects to PSVR launch titles as his excuse.

He can't say VR doesn't work because that would be a lie. He can't dispute that.

He can't say there aren't any games for each VR headset, because that would be a lie.

So, he focuses on launch titles when there have been many platforms that didn't launch with tons of stellar software. Didn't mean the software on hand wasn't good. He assumes there's no support from first party when it's only been 4 months. We don't know what Sony has coming. If moldy can assume Sony isn't putting out titles for their own headset, then I have the right to assume Sony is preparing titles to combat Scorpio VR support for the fall season.

Lastly, to burst his bubble,
http://n4g.com/comments/red...
http://n4g.com/comments/red...

He gives Valve the benefit of the doubt having launched NO high profile games for their $800 headset, but won't give Sony the benefit of the doubt of making PSVR games. Does that make sense? Valve says they're making three full games. And that's great. But none of them were launch games like he downplays Sony for.

But, go ahead gangster and agree with a supposed "PC gamer." That mostly focuses his efforts on Sony and PSVR.

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hangdang3367d ago

That Apocalypse Shadow kid is clearly a fanboy, don't pay him any attention. I have a PC and Xbox One, and PS4. I like to play games, I don't care about platforms

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ApocalypseShadow3367d ago (Edited 3367d ago )

I guess you were okay with paying for online, Microsoft knowing about RROD but blamed consumers until lawsuits were pending,pay walls to prevent using something like Netflix. And was onboard with a company willing to initiate always online, 24 hour check ins, no trading games unless they say, no borrowing and a camera to watch you for advertisers.I used to support all systems until Microsoft and their bright ideas. So, the first Xbox was the last Xbox I bought.

Glad you're smart enough to know when not to support a company. You must buy micro transactions, DLC and season passes. You smart consumer. Getting all the systems.

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freshslicepizza3367d ago

@hangdang
"That Apocalypse Shadow kid is clearly a fanboy, don't pay him any attention. I have a PC and Xbox One, and PS4. I like to play games, I don't care about platforms"

and then he replies with this,

@Apocalypse Shadow
"I guess you were okay with paying for online, Microsoft knowing about RROD but blamed consumers until lawsuits were pending,pay walls to prevent using something like Netflix. And was onboard with a company willing to initiate always online, 24 hour check ins, no trading games unless they say, no borrowing and a camera to watch you for advertisers.I used to support all systems until Microsoft and their bright ideas. So, the first Xbox was the last Xbox I bought.

Glad you're smart enough to know when not to support a company. You must buy micro transactions, DLC and season passes. You smart consumer. Getting all the systems."

a whole page about the xbox. my god this guy is wrapped up in console warrior fighting.

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SpaceRanger3367d ago

I'll be sure to save this comment for when Scorpio is announced with VR and all we'll hear from you is that "MS is doing VR right".

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gangsta_red3366d ago

You'll be sitting at you computer waiting for a long time. But it's good to know you have me saved somewhere....hopefully within your heart *blink blink*

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SpaceRanger3366d ago

Considering that the flipping happens more frequently than you think it does, I don't think I'll have to wait too long lol

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gangsta_red3366d ago

From folks and a fan base, the acrobatics is definitely a guarantee. But from me, definitely a different story.

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Aenea3367d ago

But consoles are then also gimmicky, there's no real need or requirement to actually game like that. So are PC's for gaming as well. Heck all videogames are gimmicky, if you want to play go play outside or, when older, play a good boardgame (not Monopoly/Risk), etc., etc.

VR is just another way to play games and it's a fun way to do so, it has it's place. It won't take over videogaming completely for quite some time.

By the time it will (say 30 to 50 years) we wouldn't know any better and by then they've solved the issues that there are now (price, size, ease of use, motion sickness for some people, etc., etc.)

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TardcoreGamer3367d ago

I enjoy my HTC Vive and play games nearly everyday. This past year playing GoogleEarth VR, TiltBrush, SpacePirateTrainer, Climbey, JohnWick, Subnautica, SeriousSam, Doom3, EliteDangerous, AudioShield, and Minecraft to name a few have been some of the most unique and fresh gaming experiences I've ever experienced. wouldnt conside most of the games gimmicky. One that comes to mind is Thumper felt it didnt add anything substatial to the vr version. Great Times! Im excited for the future of VR. Valve is working on 3 VR games ATM so. Really think they got something special up their sleeves.

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3367d ago

xMANB3ARP1G3367d ago

anyone who thinks VR is a gimmick hasn't played resident evil 7 in VR that one of the best experiences in gaming I have ever had it was so immersive.

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FinalFantasyFanatic3367d ago

I think the bigger issue is that VR doesn't have a killer app or game, at this point it's more of a fad.

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mogwaii3367d ago

Very

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CrimsonWing693367d ago

It's not really a gimmick as much as it is an innovation. I think the 2 are separated depending on what the device/tech achieves and if that's an experience you can only get with the device/tech.

I consider motion controls a gimmick because they don't elevate the gaming experience. Using traditional controls is more precise than motion controls. For me, since traditional controls produce the same end result that motion controls produce and more efficiently that makes motion controls a gimmick rather than innovation.

VR actually is a legit experience. You can not achieve the same experience without the device and as someone who owns PSVR I would want to use this device for every game if I could. A television cannot deliver the depth and illusion of actually physically being in the games' world. This differentiates itself from just a gimmick since it enriches the gaming experience rather than adding a frustrating alternative that produces a less than efficient way to achieve an end result.

So people that say VR is a gimmick I don't think really understand the line of separation from gimmick and innovation. VR actually achieves a result that is not only unique to the device but better than the alternative (depending on your tolerance for motion sickness) whereas motion controls don't even set out to achieve the depth of what the gimmick wanted to. It was supposed to make you feel that you could legit make movements that the game would emulate 1:1... instead it was just a lot of waggling, swinging, and flicking of motions that were a crapshoot on whether they'd work or not.

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