VR Gaming Takes A Step Forward

VR gaming is starting to get interesting…

Last month, I wrote about Skyrim virtual reality being made possible on the Cyberith Virtualizer (in case you missed the article  you can read it here). While the Virtualizer scores an A+ for futuristic coolness, the device is still in the developmental phase and is quite frankly a honking huge piece of machinery, guaranteed to take up a lot of living room real estate.

Despite any short comings with the Virtualizer, I find the prospects of VR gaming fascinating. When I look back on gaming’s technological breakthroughs over the last thirty years, it only stands to reason that virtual reality will one day become mainstream.  Apparently the folks at Sony feel the same way, for they recently revealed a VR gaming headset being developed for the PlayStation 4.

VR Gaming For The PlayStation 4

A few days ago at the Game Developers Conference 2014, Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Worldwide Studios, gave the world a glimpse of the future with Project Morpheus — the prototype headset that will allow VR gaming to become possible for PS4 console gamers everywhere.

Project Morpheus immediately makes me think of The Matrix, and I’m sure this reference to the sci-fi classic is totally by design. The headset looks like a futuristic pair of oversized ski goggles, and despite its raver/Daft Punk look, it packs some serious tech. Sony reports that the headset is lightweight (no pressure on nose or cheeks) and has sufficient air flow to prevent fogging. A few other Project Morpheus highlights include:

• Utilizes a high definition, 1080p display,
• Allows a 90-degree field of view,
• Uses PlayStation camera for tracking and PlayStation Move for motion control,
• Connects via HDMI and USB with a 5-meter long cable (Sony wants to go wireless at some point).

What Does VR Gaming Mean For The Future?

Project Morpheus only goes to show that VR gaming will soon become a reality. Whether or not virtual reality becomes the innovative technology that changes the way video games are played for all time is yet to be seen. As we all know, the video game landscape is littered with the remains of the “next big thing.” 3D gaming hasn’t taken off the way some experts have hoped, and second-screen gaming ala the Wii U seems gimmicky at best.

However, Shuhei Yoshida seems optimistic about VR gaming and the future. At the GDC 2014 he stated:

 Nothing delivers a feeling of immersion better than VR. VR has been a dream of many gamers since the computer was invented. Many of us at PlayStation have dreamed of VR and what it could mean to the gaming community.

Final Thoughts

What do you think about VR gaming? How would it be to play Elder Scrolls Online or Elder Scrolls VI with a Project Morpheus headset? Would it truly deliver a better feeling of immersion? Share your thoughts in the Speak Your Mind section below and let your fellow gamers know what you think. Until next time, fellow travelers. Remember to keep your eyes to the sky!