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Microsoft Is Kinda Missing An Opportunity With VR, Says Dev

Mind Labyrinth VR Dreams developer believes Microsoft should be focusing more on the VR market.

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gamingbolt.com
Spurg2765d ago

Microsoft needs to be focused on proper games rather than VR. Even if they do create a Vr game, who would work on it, I surely don't want Rare or any of their first party studios to be working on VR.
VR to me feel like smaller niche games that are mostly in FP mode. VR is an expensive experience and if I'm not getting a AAA experience why would many even consider spending that much on it.

SpaceRanger2765d ago

“Microsoft needs to be focused on proper games rather than VR.”

This “only one or the other” mentality is exactly why MS is in the position it’s in. More quality options is always better.

Rude-ro2765d ago

True, but after this gen.. if they had issues with their console.. they can not focus on something else.
They tried that with Kinect. They have proven that they do not have the assets to do multiple game projects on different scales.
What they have released this gen outside of the repetitive AAA titles have been indies with AAA marketing.

Skull5212765d ago

Microsoft is just aware VR is little more than tech demos at this point, no reason to jump on board until the tech provides a great experience, and we are years away from that still.

BrettAwesome2765d ago

@Skull521
Have you actually played any?

DarXyde2765d ago

Skull521,

Resident Evil 7-- the entire game-- can be played in VR.

What are you talking about?

Dragonscale2765d ago

@skull, thats just bullcrap and you know it. There are some better psvr exclusives better than many xbone exclusives lol.

Realms2764d ago

@ Skull521

It's funny that people can easily rebuttal your argument of VR being a bunch of tech demos, sure there are a lot of those but some games are legit VR game experiences. However "YOU" may feel about VR there is a community of dedicated gamers that have bought in and all Sony has to do is keep supporting PSVR with games. Eventually there will be a killer app that will make VR a must by for any gamer not just those core gamers that already enjoy VR.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2764d ago
Spurg2765d ago

lool
That looks absolutely terrible, it actually put me off VR more

jagermaster6192765d ago

Yeah guy that looks like dogshit! If that's what you have to show us on how VR is awesome then I'm definitely sitting it out lol!

Rhythmattic2764d ago (Edited 2764d ago )

Love how everyone jumps at the pixel count, but to to only experience someone else playing it in a 2d Format...
The experience is NOTHING like the emersion of VR.
Here lies the problem.
Its almost like watching on a screen someone doing a lap of the Nurburgring, Instead of doing as lap on a simulator, or dare i say , actually in a car doing it.
Its a whole different experience.
Haters be damned. Because of your "Allegiance" to another platform, you really are doing yourself a gaming disservice.
I Guarantee, next Gen , you'll have access, and all I'm going to hear is, "So glad they waited", 'Last Generation wasn't up to scratch" Blah blah blah...
No matter, I shall enjoy once again, the hypocrasy of the obligatory moving of the Goalposts.

derek2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

There are great vr games today on psn. Microsoft has been a day late and a dollar short this whole generation. You'd be making a mistake to buy their next console until the demonstrate a commitment to making a wide variety of games to cater to different tastes.

blm5042765d ago

A dollar short let's just be glad Microsoft isn't being greedy like they were in the original Xbox days

Hardiman2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

Absolutely and being a day Xbox and 360 owner I checked out half through the 360 partly because I had several RRD's but mostly because there were more Halo/Gears and less Alan Wakes.

After that the terrible Xbox One unveil and the horrible practices they are behind this gen I've been completely turned off anything Xbox.

It will take years of proper consistent support for their platforms with awesome games before I ever come back!

paintedgamer19842765d ago

Exactly, i skipped the xb1 gen and boy did i miss a bullet. This whole gen has been a disaster... if it wasnt for the united states, xbox would have been this gens sega... how they are still afloat after all the MANY mistakes since the 360 is nothing short of insanity

Tross2765d ago

@Spurg Let me know when those proper games come out. Sony and Nintendo are consistently leaving Xbox's annual lineup of exclusives in the dust.

Goldby2764d ago

Sorry to say, but Sea of. Thieves would be doing alot better if it had VR Support.

Ans there are enough 3rd party companies working on VR. It's just selling non traditional gaming yo xbox players that will be difficult after Kinect and Xbox players overall view of tech demos for psvr

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2764d ago
gangsta_red2765d ago

With the only killer app being RE 7 and the rest being small demo experiences with a couple of notable games sprinkled throughout the years. MS isn't missing anything with where VR is right now.

SpaceRanger2765d ago

It’s the indirect process that they’re missing. All these companies supporting small devs lead those teams to get bigger and make better experiences for those that supported them.

MS can make the tech at any point, but they’ll be going in partially blind without the experience of it.

It was like when Sony got into the motion control business following Nintendo. The experiences were half-ass because there was no true time taken on the innovation. They future proofed the hardware, but execution was terrible till now.

gangsta_red2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

"..but they’ll be going in partially blind without the experience of it."

I think when and if MS gets into VR they'll be well equipped and prepared for it, them being a major tech company and all. I'm sure the developers who are already well into making VR games will also have no problems making games for whatever VR headset that's on the market at that time whether it's for MS, Sony or anyone else (PC).

"It was like when Sony got into the motion control business following Nintendo."

I kind of disagree with this, Sony's motion controls were miles above Nintendo's and they definitely had better games that took advantage of it more than the Wii's motion controls. Unfortunately it was all about timing , Nintendo came out with theirs first and really capitalized on the casual side of gaming that proved huge for them.

Sony's came out later for a system that mainly catered to the hardcore audience and just didn't make as big of an impact.

In any case maybe the next iterations of VR will prove better than they have this gen.

DarXyde2765d ago

"It was like when Sony got into the motion control business following Nintendo. The experiences were half-ass because there was no true time taken on the innovation"

Sony has been experimenting with motion control since the 90s. They had a PSOne controller that was like the SIXAXIS.

Additionally, there are videos on YouTube of them demoing what would eventually become the PS Move...as a PS2 peripheral. In case you're wondering, yes, it predates the Wii. When you find those videos, be sure to check the time stamp.

jagermaster6192765d ago

When Ms is ready money will bring those devs towards them, plus they already have PC stuff going right now so chill on that lol.

ApocalypseShadow2765d ago

Keep lying to yourself that RE7 is the only killer app game on psvr.

gangsta_red2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

Oh, what other killer app is there besides RE 7? Which triple A game for VR is making headlines the likes of GoW, RDR 2, Spider-Man, etc. Which VR game is tearing up the landscape the likes of Fortnite, CoD, Battlefield, Overwatch?

Please, lie to me and then make a list of small little niche games or one or two titles that got some looks.

Phoenix762765d ago

@gangsta

Firewall zero hour, moss, astrobot, oh and don't forget about borderlands 2 VR

But then, you wouldn't know of these titles though as you don't own a PS or a PSVR

gangsta_red2765d ago

@phoenix
"Firewall zero hour, moss, astrobot"

Oh, I vaguely remember those three titles. They got swallowed up by bigger more exciting releases that everyone was talking about like GoW, RDR2, Fortnite, CoD, Battlefield, Spider-Man...does PSVR have any of those games I can play in full VR? Where's Uncharted VR, GoW VR, Killzone VR are there any great Sony IP's in VR?

"oh and don't forget about borderlands 2 VR"

L.M.A.O! Oh man, Borderlands 2 from last gen?!? You also forgot to mention Skyrim!

"..don't own a PS or a PSVR"

With that list I wouldn't want to own a PSVR, thanks for confirming this.

Rhythmattic2764d ago (Edited 2764d ago )

Ganster red
"Oh, I vaguely remember those three titles. They got swallowed up by bigger more exciting releases that everyone was talking about like GoW, RDR2, Fortnite, CoD, Battlefield, Spider-Man...does PSVR have any of those games I can play in full VR? Where's Uncharted VR, GoW VR, Killzone VR are there any great Sony IP's in VR?"

Guess that means on the Xbox , all those titles like Forza (not horizon.. Most Excellent) , Sea of thieves , oh , I forget the others, .. Shouldn't have even been considered to be Released ? Pinch of Salt?

VR is NOT a replacement for all games.....
When will you haters get this through your thick skulls?
For example, a VR platformer such as Astro Bot , rating higher than many AAA titles, would not translate to the standard 2D approach, this Japan studios talk about in many articles.....
So, whats wrong with VR only games? As for RE7 , man, you've got to give them credit... Must of been a massive undertaking.....
Just because all you want is heavy hitters, you disregard VR because those games aren't supporting it.
I get it... But lets be clear, you don't play a platformer with a steering wheel...
IMO , VR is amazing... Farpoint with the Aim is next level, especially in the console space.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2764d ago
BLAKHOODe2765d ago

I'd say at least 70% of those posting don't keep up with what's happening in VR nowadays.

I'd put money on Microsoft tackling VR with the next-gen Xbox.

Chevalier2765d ago

" I think when and if MS gets into VR they'll be well equipped and prepared for it,"

Like they prepared their 1st party studios to release new experiences and games this gen? When has Xbox been 'prepared' for anything?! The X releasing 5 years in suggest they're unprepared. They have never been 'prepared' for anything. They couldn't even make games for their own device like Kinect and you think they'll dedicate money to VR? What a joke.

gangsta_red2765d ago

"Like they prepared their 1st party studios to release new experiences and games this gen?"

Wait, none of their studios released anything new this gen? I think you may have forgotten that they also acquired 5 studios, with rumors of more on the way. I know, I sometimes forget that too.

"The X releasing 5 years in suggest they're unprepared"

It definitely should have been 4 years in, no 3, hell the next day after the Xbox One was announced that would have suggested preparedness! In case you didn't get that, I have no idea what your statement implies.

"...their own device like Kinect"

The device no one wanted or used eh? Yeah...I think it was a great idea to not invest anything more into that.

Well, great cherry picks and plucks you have there but if you truly even believe with MS work in the current mixed VR/AR space, even doing deals with Oculas VR or the simple fact that they're a billion dollar tech company that if they do get into the VR market they won't be prepared then the only joke here is the one you're making.

2765d ago
Chevalier2765d ago

" I think you may have forgotten that they also acquired 5 studios, with rumors of more on the way"

So what? Nintendo has more games in year 2 than Xbox in year 6. Its no surprise they need to buy studios. While Nintendo and Sony have been building studios for years Xbox hasn't exactly lit it up. Yeah more Forza, Gears and Halo..... Gee same routine over decade in. Another Fable on the way then Forza 8, Gears, Halo...... Then Halo Gears 6 etc. Rince repeat. Set that bar low and be gullible and you'll always get what you want.

As for cherry picking? Yeah the cherry coloured ranger has a problem with 'cherry' picking? Hilarious.

gangsta_red2764d ago

So what??? Please re-read your original comment of not being prepared or is this just another of your excuse to rant and spit about how much you hate Xbox?

"Yeah more Forza, Gears and Halo"

Yup, let's just forget about QB, Record, KI, Cuphead, Ori, Crackdown, Ashen. Yup just Gears, Forza and Halo. I love how these discussions always turn into a personal bed wetting against Xbox.

generic-user-name2764d ago

Just because the media aren't doing a good job covering VR games, doesn't mean they're are not amazing VR games. Firewall is an evolution of fps gaming.

I love how Phil promised high fidelity VR as one of the selling points of Scorpio before going back on his word after launch. I guess Scorpio hasn't sold enough to make it worth it for them.

gangsta_red2764d ago

"I guess Scorpio hasn't sold enough to make it worth it for them."

They probably saw how much PSVR hasn't sold and said "F* that noise, it's definitely not worth it!"

Chevalier2764d ago

Notice how hard Redgangata and Krib suggest how bad VR is and how its not a good option. Yet hey Xbox One X at $500 and and higher fidelity options is good?! Wait so more options for 4K gaming for Xbox is good, but, another gaming option that plays differently adds a new dimension and more games in general is bad?!

" They probably saw how much PSVR hasn't sold and said "F* that noise, it's definitely not worth it!""

More excuses right here. You guys cheerlead Xbox One X and Pro controller options all the time since when does sales of any of those factor in at all?! But another option in VR is bad because sales are a concern now? What a bunch of hypocrites. Another iteration of Xbox or controllers and you guys are all on board. Another option for gaming in general on Xbox..... Oh the sales are probably bad..... Uhh okay there. Just excuse after excuse for why Xbox doesn't need it.

Chevalier2764d ago (Edited 2764d ago )

Nah its a missed opportunity. I love how both you and Krib keep downplaying the lack of VR and actual games on Xbox. I own an Xbox and outside of of Cuphead, a couple of 360 games I own there has been almost no reason to use mine. I would love to have more options and reasons to use my Xbox. Right now its a dust collector.

My Switch which I've had for a significantly shorter time has GAMES and lots more in a steady stream. Year 2 of the Switch and its getting a lot of support while Xbox in year 6 has the worst 1st party games selection to speak of by far. You know its bad when the newer system has already established a stream of games in under 2 years and Xbox in year 6 struggles. FACT.

You and Krib find more reasons to complain and brush aside the lack of games and keep pointing to these studio purchases point towards the future. Well guess what I live in the present. What happens years from now doesn't help the now does it?! You guys give MS and Xbox way too much credit for literally NOTHING. Where is all this faith coming from?! Xbox started 17 years ago and its taken this long for them to start purchasing studios?! So its going to be what 2021 and year 20 of Xbox when we get more games? What a joke. Sony and Nintendo will probably still better prepared then too.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2764d ago
AizenSosuke2765d ago

Microsoft really droooop the ball on this one.

Kribwalker2765d ago

Well the only platform that has VR available outside of PC(higher end) and mobile (the biggest VR market, as lame as it is) is the PSVR. And so far, 2 years in, its only being adopted by about 4% of its user base equaling 3 million units. Kinect had a better adoption rate then that (over 20 million on the 360 alone which is almost 25% of the install base) and look at where it is. VR had few killer apps, it’s mostly been tech demos, its still tied down by wires and it’s expensive for a peripheral.
I personally wouldn’t waste my time with VR until it’s cheaper, wireless and has a lot of killer apps more then tech demos

Srhalo2765d ago

You talk about the percents but how about we talk about support, with in three months PS4 had more games than Kinect had in it's entire lifespan. When xbo launched with Kinect it was far more focused on TV/marketing than it was on games.

Kribwalker2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

http://xboxaddict.com/xbox-...

So there was 114 xbox 360 kinect games and 18 (plus a bunch missing like BF4) games on the One. PsVR did not have more games than that in 3 months.
How long until the games support starts to dry up when there are only a small percentage of players able to purchase the games? You guys always like to talk about how low of a percentage xbox onex players there are, and why companies would try to make that the best version because it’s so low, well it’s a higher percentage then PSVR

Srhalo2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

List of PSVR games.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

There are currently 423 titles on this page.
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

PSVR had at least 72 VR games in the first three months, that's more games than Kinect had if you don't count games where the only function was a handfull of voice commands (that should have just been relegated to headsets).

Your list is padded out by a lot of games where the only support is voice commands. I was talking about full Kinect supported games.

So Kinect had 6 years on market vs PSVR which has had 2 years yet PSVR has 4x as many games.

So you can talk about numbers all you want, the point I was making is PSVR has had FAR FAR FAR more support than Kinect ever did.

shiva12765d ago

For me anything apart from console is like accessory and till date i feel like all accessories which were expensive have been gimmics. In all these generations none stayed other than console and games.... Maybe and maybe some nostagic moments for some who used those accessories.

Come next gen... One would want a console first.... VR may be next or thats enough. And regarding MS into VR... Ya well it will be another expensive accessory ... For me atleast.

2765d ago
Srhalo2765d ago

@ImGumbyDammit

So Microsoft sold 20 million Kinects and there isn't even 5 or 6 games worth mentioning vs PSVR which has sold 3 million and has 400+ games with at least 5 or 6 by your own admission that are "good" (of course there are tons more than that). So to my original point Sony has supported PSVR far better than Microsoft supported Kinect.

ApocalypseShadow2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

I'mgumby, you're a lier.

why you up in here lying?sony didn't say psvr wasn't doing well. they said the overall sales of vr wasn't up to their expectations even though psvr was doing well. sony wanted the others to step up their game in sales so that the vr platform wouldn't be lopsided and healthy all around. they can't do it by themselves. oculus and vive needed to step up their game.
https://www.eurogamer.net/a...

**Sony said that while the PSVR specifically was growing, growth for the overall VR market was "below expectation".**

you're a lier. and there are way too many games to mention to list for someone not interested in even knowing what great games are on psvr or even vr itself. ps4 base doesn't struggle. it has to run 90fps or higher just like the pro. the games work.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 2765d ago
Phoenix762765d ago

It's still 4% more or if you prefer, 3+ million more units than MS have been able to put out on to the market.
Kirb, maybe its time you moved away from commenting on VR articles as its clearly obvious that you have no interest whatsoever in it.

Also MS did a halo VR experience
https://www.microsoft.com/e... did you know that?

lelo2play2765d ago

"Microsoft Is Kinda Missing An Opportunity With VR, Says Dev"

No, they aren't.
VR is dead.

DiRtY2764d ago (Edited 2764d ago )

true story.

Look at the install base: PSVR crossed the 3 million mark in August, almost 2 years after its release.
Kinect, another peripheral that did not succeed, sold 8 million units in its first 60 days.

So only 4-5% of the PS4 owners bought PSVR. That is NOT a game changer at all.

generic-user-name2764d ago

Yes, let's compare a high end VR headset costing 400$, to a cheap camera that did voice commands. Sony are bringing VR to the mainstream, psvr will be remembered as the one that got the ball rolling.

Show all comments (82)
40°

Mind Labyrinth VR Dreams Floats onto PSVR 2

Mind Labyrinth VR Dreams launches on PSVR 2, as My World bring a meditative gaming experience optimised for PS5 Pro.

Read Full Story >>
xrsource.net
50°

Mind Labyrinth VR Dreams Review | The PlayStation Brahs

The PlayStation Brahs:

“If you had the chance to sit back and be allowed to enter a place like no other, would you? What if the place opened you up to a world of harmony, music, spiritual meaning, and meditation, would you take the step or be afraid of what may lay dormant in your mind and soul? The door is open but does Developer Frost Earth Studio and Publisher Oxygene Media allow for a journey of one’s mind without the need for violence? Let’s find out with Mind Labyrinth VR Dreams for the PlayStation VR.”

Read Full Story >>
theplaystationbrahs.com
320°

VR May Be A Defining Feature For PS5, But Probably Not For the Next Xbox, Says Dev

"For Microsoft, it's hard to tell, because they seem to ignoring VR a bit this last generation," says Mind Labyrinth VR Dreams dev.

Read Full Story >>
gamingbolt.com
Skull5212766d ago

VR still has a long long way to go. I’d wait too until it is ready before implementation. Though if people want to beta test VR for the next few years I see no issue in offering that option for them.

DarkVoyager2766d ago

Enjoy being left out then. I’m sure you’re use to that with Xbox.

Skull5212766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

Played every iteration of VR available, every one left me with the conclusion it still isn't where it needs to be. Fun to try, pointless to own.

giovanealex2766d ago

Dude, chill. Playstation VR is not your girlfriend.

Clark882766d ago

@Skull
"Played every iteration of VR available, every one left me with the conclusion it still isn't where it needs to be. Fun to try, pointless to own."

For some odd reason I don't believe you

mcstorm2766d ago

@dark love comments like yours most gamers are not interested in VR and will not be unless developers make it standard. How many AAA ips have full VR even GTS has not got it.

VR is great for some types of games and apps but it dose not work for everything and not eveyone wants to put a headset on to play a game. I want to be able to do other things when playing games and also relax on my sofa.

VR and AR are still in the early stages of development but VR is slowing down esp game front so it will be intresting to see if Sony push VR as standard or an addon next gen.

2766d ago
Mystogan2766d ago

I don't have a PSVR, but I do have a Windows Mixed Reality headset that plays most if not all Steam and Oculus games. And trust me when I say there's really nothing you're being left out of. None of the games are killer apps.

Microsoft can afford to wait on this one.
If VR happens to really blow up nextgen, Microsoft can respond very quickly, they already have their WMR program that includes various headsets at a cheaper price and better quality than PSVR,
They can very quickly enable compatibility for Xbox and you would be able to use any WMR headset. I'd say they could enable it in a year if they want to. and that's not even considering the fact that they were already working on it for Xbox One X as well. So it would really be a non-issue for them to enable it.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2766d ago
IRetrouk2766d ago

Its well out of beta, the thing works, just improvements from here on out, im excited to see what they can do with a newer more powerfull model and hardware to run off, vr is where gaming goes next, not subscriptions and services.

rainslacker2766d ago

I think it'll be important to maintain the current PSVR with new system hardware. VR is kind of a steep entry point, and while people were willing to jump in this gen, it's hard to say that they'll be willing to buy into something new right away, if ever.

Improve on what's available with new hardware, but keep it compatible. Kind of like a mid-gen. Technically speaking, there is really no reason why input methods can't remain similar, and its really just graphics and display tech that just gets better with system upgrades. The PSVR is capable of displaying better graphics, it's just the systems themselves can't produce it for games. As far as input, new devices should be made for newer games, but older hardware can still be viable. Gotta be careful about making exclusive input devices for the individual games, but ultimately, that will likely have to happen as well.

IRetrouk2765d ago

I agree that the older headset should be supported, especially at launch, but at the same time i want a v2 running on a ps5, i dont think sony is gonna drop it, and bc for atleast ps4 games is a given so id say there is a good chance, either way, ill be there supporting it, been some fantastic games released lately for the psvr and hope it continues.

andibandit2765d ago

Yeah well, remember seeing VR in 1995?

Problems then were,
Price
Movement in VR
Graphics below peer stuff
Cables

fast forward 23 years....hmm

ApocalypseShadow2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

Is that you Phil? You got burned Skull. The tech works now.

The problem is that MS, with all that "high fidelity talk," then backing out, doesn't help them with support. They basically lied and didn't live up to their promises of VR and fallout.

And, on PC, they didn't even make the WMR headsets. They let other companies do so. So, the easy thing would be to provide games like porting mainline Forza to it. Or an older Halo game. But nope. They can't even be invested enough to even do that.

If they were not going to make their own hardware and software, and just piggyback off of Steam releases, what was the point of WMR headsets anyway? To undercut? To get developers to use windows tools? Just lazy with all that money they have.

Next Gen, who's going to support them if they did add VR? They're not promoting it this Gen to the Xbox base to get them ready. So the base acts like VR is no good. It's a shame kinect burned a lot of gamers. But it was their own fault for not putting effort in making games for that to be relevant too. Same with Xbox one.

Imalwaysright2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

Lazy or smart from a business perspective? I think that smart is the answear. They were all in with Kinect that proved to be much more successful than VR if we compare time periods and still the tech went the way of the dodo. They saw that motion controllers didn't last long in this industry. Is there even an eyetoy for the PS4? If there is I didn't even know.

Gamers are creatures of habit and hardware related innovations don't tend to do well in this industry. PSVR sold 3 million units and apparently sold more than all other VR devices combined. This shows that gamers aren't that interested in VR right now. It shows that VR has got a long way to reach mainstream status if it gets there at all. You say that MS aren't invested enough and I ask you: why would they be?

ApocalypseShadow2766d ago

Name the hot games Microsoft made for kinect? If all you got is dancing and exercising, that's ridiculous. WMR is on PC. There are like 5 headsets. What games did they make for that that are special? Nothing. What are they making that's special besides forza on Xbox one? Where are the new IPs?

That's lack of investment being that they have more money than nintendo and Sony combined. You call that effort? You call that smart business by backing away? No. That's lack of investment. That's lazy. Microsoft continues to look at avenues of least effort for maximum profit. That's why they keep losing. No effort.

Probably the real reason xbox one x didn't get vr is because it's not selling like they want you to believe. And games would look and run worse on base xbox one. That's just a fail all around.

Imalwaysright2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

So you weren't able to give a single reason as to why they should invest in VR. I wonder why... Oh well, I guess it's just easier to say that they are lazy.

rainslacker2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

@Iam

What's so smart about it? They were going to allow the 3rd party headset makers to work the hardware out, so all MS had to do was invest in the API's to make VR work on the system. Something they were already working on.

MS backed out because they don't see it as really that important right now, and while i do agree that VR isn't going to make or break a console, the longer they wait, the harder it will be for them to break into the market, and it may come at a time where allowing 3rd parties to do it isn't going to be that beneficial to them.

The sales of VR right now are more likely due to the cost of entry than the actual desire to own it. It's also a bit cumbersome for the time being, so the tech does have some growing pains to work out. But three million for a new tech which has historically always faced trouble is pretty good, and for the first time in history, we are seeing a large push towards VR from many angles, all with the combined desire to make it a viable future. That more than anything is going to make it succeed.

We're also seeing a lot of developer support for VR, which even surprises me, and what's more important is that those who own VR headsets, are actually buying games for it. PSVR has a rather sizable attach rate, and that means that it will continue to get support. When the install base gets big enough to support bigger games, we'll see bigger games.

As to why they should invest?

Well, they are investing it it. They're making a DX API extension which supports VR. They aren't investing in the tech.

But look at it in the long term. They may not have to invest in the hardware, because right now, we don't really need another hardware solution. But they should at least be making themselves available to use the tech on their console. VR is eventually going to become something that enough people will want that not having it available on the system could make people not consider the system. The longer MS waits to provide a VR solution on their console, the less notice they're going to get when they finally decide to do something with it. When you let your competitors become entrenched in the market, it makes it harder to get into that market.

ApocalypseShadow2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

Imalwaysright,

There are companies investing in VR in the medical field, construction field, real estate field, job instruction, product purchasing,education, entertainment, porn, automotive, science, art, etc, etc besides gaming.

You telling me that Microsoft wouldn't want to be seen as the leader in VR, to promote themselves in those areas and have windows software powering those vr headsets?

Is billions of dollars in future products and services worth their investing in VR? Is it not easy for you to see? All you have to do is google search any of those areas I mentioned and you will see it's worth the effort. And not wait until someone else make VR a standard feature.

xX-oldboy-Xx2766d ago

Imalwaysright - Maybe people are reluctant to support/but VR because of the failure and broken promises of KINECT. It was a disaster from reveal to release. Full of lies and fake presentations.

VR works and is only going to get better. I couldn't care less about MS supporting it and neither should people who buy their consoles. I'd only be asking for new ips, and for them to move away subscription based services as the core of their business strategy moving forward.

Imalwaysright2766d ago

slacker

Does it really need to be explained why? Haven't I said enough in my original comment? Does VR have wide appeal? Nope. Do hardware innovations tend to do well in the gaming industry? Nope. Are gamers creatures of habit? Yep. Would it be smart for MS to spend millions in R&D, production costs and advertisement for a tech that none of us can say as of right now will have a future in this industry? Nope so why do it now? What would be so smart in spending millions or even billions in a tech that might not have a future?

Apocalypse Shadow

Nothing to do with gaming? Ok... Btw I doubt that a VR device designed to be affordable by masses will help some of the fields that you mentioned expecially the medical field and IF some of those fields start demanding VR in the future MS can easily put their own VR device in the market. I mean as you said they have the money to do it don't they?

Imalwaysright2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

xX-oldboy-Xx

If you were here in those days you would definitely see me criticizing Kinect. I called it Mr gimmick and I agree that underhanded business practices namely false advertising were used to promote the device. Having said that, Kinect isn't the only hardware innovation that failed in the gaming industry and this has been going on for decades. I remember the power glove, the virtual boy, the eyetoy and other devices that were failures so I'm not sure if Mr gimmick is the reason why VR doesn't have wide appeal.

What I do know is what has been proven to work in this industry. As an example look at what Sony did with the PS1 all the way to the PS4. Console gamers want a controller, great games and be confortable while playing a game. We are creatures of habit and most gamers are adults. When gamers get off work I don't really see the vast majority of them wanting to put a "helmet" on their heads and get sick while playing a game.

ApocalypseShadow2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

imalwaysright, obviously you didn't care to look and are now just talking.

https://www.techrepublic.co...
https://medium.com/@AltairV...
https://uploadvr.com/health...
https://vrtodaymagazine.com...

took me all but 2 minutes to google it and post these links as an EXAMPLE of vr in the medical field. you can deny it all you want. you can even decide for yourself that it's not for YOU. doesn't mean vr is not slowly integrating itself into our society just as AR will. but keep allowing yourself to be fooled because microsoft decided to wait while everyone else is pushing forward. as a simulation technology before hands on experience, the millions in dollars saved is ridiculous. and the amount of space is also a plus when prototyping before actually building something. you can even enter the space and make changes before a proposal is made. architecture will also benefit.

keep being oblivious to the obvious of what's happening slowly but steady. this is not 3dtv. not even close. and you say nothing to do with gaming when there are dozens of companies doing gaming in vr. arcades popping up that give you the pc room scale experience. the new oculus quest that comes out next year will be wireless, promotes gaming and you can be anywhere in the world but play together like you are doing now with flat gaming.
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

sampsonon2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

@Imalwaysright: here is that single reason to own a psvr https://www.youtube.com/wat...
4v4 rainbow siege style game that is mind blowing because it's movement is free and, like i said, rainbow siege inspired combat..... it's on another level because you can never get the thrill in any normal fps.

this is the best fps out period.

system seller for sure

Imalwaysright2765d ago

The only one fooling himself around here is you. MS is not missing anything right now. Not when VR is selling like molasses. VR is NOT successful. It might be in the future and if it happens then MS could and should get a piece of the pie. MS are not lazy. They just aren't interested in the tech right now because so far is a commercial FAILURE with 0 guarantees that it will as you say be widely adopted by society.

sampsonom

Yeah... no. I'll take Bloodborne, Persona 5, Horizon, GoW or Spider man over that game any day of the week.

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rainslacker2766d ago

Seems ready enough for me now. There are things that can be improved upon, but on a technical level, it works just fine for what its trying to do right now.

And sure, we'll beta test it now, and give our feedback, instead of letting others do the work and waiting for it to become mainstream. MS is happy to wait, so they can struggle to get adoption when the time comes that its actually desirable and something that could be a deciding factor on which console to get.

Realms2766d ago

You can down play VR all you want, all it will take is a killer app to convince many gamers hell a game like astro boy is clearly moving the pendulum towards that eventuality. MS is getting left behind and Sony is covering their six's by getting ahead. Mario 64 broke the mold with 3D gaming I suspect eventually a talented enough game developer will do the same with VR.

Mystogan2766d ago

I don't have a PSVR, but I do have a Windows Mixed Reality headset that plays most if not all Steam and Oculus games. And trust me when I say there's really nothing you're being left out of. None of the games are killer apps.

Microsoft can afford to wait on this one.
If VR happens to really blow up nextgen, Microsoft can respond very quickly, they already have their WMR program that includes various headsets at a cheaper price and better quality than PSVR,
They can very quickly enable compatibility for Xbox and you would be able to use any WMR headset. I'd say they could enable it in a year if they want to. and that's not even considering the fact that they were already working on it for Xbox One X as well. So it would really be a non-issue for them to enable it

sampsonon2765d ago

actually, this game https://www.youtube.com/wat... is the best FPS out right now. simply amazing, and it's so smooth i don't feel any motion sickness at all.

people are missing out on this gem.
too bad

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crazyCoconuts2766d ago

If (articleTitle.contains("m ay")||articleTitle.contain s("probably")||articl eTitle.contains("says dev")) applyGamingBoltFilter()

Eonjay2765d ago

Read my mind. Can we please at least get a Gamingbolt article flag.
Bad Editing - Gamingbolt article.

Jinger2766d ago

I do hope Sony continues to support VR. I hope they'll have a PS5/PSVR2 bundle at launch.

Mr_Writer852766d ago

I think PSVR 2 will be a year or two away, but I'm willing to bet the PS5 will beef up the current headset, and 2.0 will be quality of life improvements (less wires, better tracking, smaller and lighter headset ect)

I can see it being a Pro kind of deal, all PSVR games work on any PSVR headset, but 2.0 is better and has advantages.

The worst move they can make is make games only work with 2.0, or not have your PS4 VR games and headset work on PS5.

2766d ago
rainslacker2766d ago

Realistically speaking, unless they make a dramatic change to the input API's, changes to the hardware itself shouldn't really make the current PSVR obsolete. Even changing the lights to some other form of tracking method, the input code can still be translated to be the same thing.

The displays themselves are just that....displays, so making them better would actually improve current games appearance through the removal of hatching, and possibly just better displays all around. Output from newer games should be able to be displayed on the current display as well, but it may not look as good. PSVR can display better visuals than we see in its games. Just go watch some YouTube 3DVR video and you can see things that look lifelike...albeit with hatching. 3D movies look really good on it, although I wouldn't care to really watch them that often.

sampsonon2765d ago

"lighter headset "

it's really light already. I've never taken it off because it was too heavy, and i play Firewall Zero Hour for hrs at a time.

Mr_Writer852765d ago

@sampson

I never said it does get heavy, but that doesn't mean it can't be made lighter.

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KwietStorm_BLM2766d ago (Edited 2766d ago )

I'm sure it will be improved because the machine itself will he more powerful but I really hope VR is not what they focus on with PS5.

Kribwalker2766d ago

i hope straight VR is not a main focus of any console maker. Make it an option, because i know i’m not in for VR. Just something that doesn’t interest me, and it doesn’t seem to interest the vast majority of PS4 owners as the current attach rate is like 4% of the user base (3 million PSVR vs 86 million PS4)

Silly gameAr2766d ago

We already know VR is going to be an option and not a main focus. I doubt Sony would do something like adding mandatory VR to every ps5 sold or something like.

Imalwaysright2766d ago

It won't be. You just need to see how "regular" games like Horizon, Spider man or GoW are doing compared to VR games.

2766d ago
Latex742766d ago

The games you speak of can not be compared to vr games that are out . but there are some great vr games out at the moment

Imalwaysright2766d ago

ZXCPCA500 You just need to know which games everyone is talking about to know that gamers care much more for "regular" games than VR games.

rainslacker2766d ago

It won't be a focus on the PS5. that would likely mean driving up the cost of the system significantly, and as of right now, I'd call VR pretty niche.

Skankinruby2766d ago

As long as they continue to make vr optional and not force it down consumers throats like xbox did with kinect it should be fine. Next gen just make obvious improvements like a wireless headset and maybe a less bulky one with more dedicated games and vr should have a decent future. I don't ever touch my headset anymore but glad I supported the tech and hope it survives.

2766d ago
rainslacker2766d ago

I just want it to be more convienant to use. I'd play on it so much more if it wasn't such a chore to get it set up. Otherwise, it works fine once I get going.

ibrake4naps2766d ago

I just turn mine on and go!

rainslacker2766d ago

I sit far enough away from the TV, that it doesn't work without being out of the play area....despite all tracking working fine otherwise.

So I have to move the camera onto a tripod, and sometimes set up the tracking position.

Once its set up, it works fine.

Dom_Estos2766d ago

Do you get out of your bed every day, put your trousers on, brush your teeth etc? If so, that's more of a chore than hitting a switch and placing the hmd on your head.

rainslacker2765d ago (Edited 2765d ago )

Maybe Dom. But to use my PSVR, I either have to move a chair within the play zone, or move the camera onto a tripod, which I don't leave sitting in the middle of my living room. Since the camera is not in a set position due to this moving, I also have to set up the tracking more often than not.

It's not hard to do all that stuff. Just not as simple as just putting on the helmet and playing. Can take a good 5-10 minutes to really get everything going.

I'm not saying the device is bad. It works great when i'm using it. Just that it could use a few refinements to make it a little more user friendly. Other than that, I'm a pretty staunch support of VR, and a regular user of PSVR. I'd just be more regular if it didn't require me to set it up every time because I have the luxury of having a standard size living room which is 12', of which, I sit maybe 11 feet from the TV.

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