Month: June 2022

The term virtual reality has many connotations, but it essentially means near-total immersion in simulated environments that users can interact with as if they are there.

Although VR technology has been used in all sorts of ways, from movies to flight simulators, its application in games didn’t begin until the 90’s, when it saw a short-lived VR craze. The gaming company Sega tried to create the first commercially available VR headset, but it sadly didn’t get past the prototype stage. Later, Nintendo put out their Virtual Boy device dedicated to home gaming, but due to its price and limited graphics, only a few takers got to try it.

The Virtuality Group is a company that also tried their hand at VR headsets with ‘pods’ (cushioned seats that users could stand or sit on when playing) for use in arcades and also developed games for it. Although its graphics were primtive, Virtuality Group and its games still succeeded at giving gamers their very first, albeit brief, taste of virtual reality gaming before arcades were overthrown by home gaming.

It was only 15 years later that virtual reality tech finally became a  commercially viable product in the form of the Oculus Rift prototype. It was designed to potentially be the first-ever consumer-grade VR headset. The Rift’s success primarily stemmed from its intuitive design and, more importantly, because it was powerful enough to support the high graphics requirements of VR.

In 2015, two new VR headsets were released: Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard. These devices interface with smartphones, which virtually everyone already has, to create amazing VR experiences. While these were a new and affordable way to experience VR, they were effectively discontinued in 2021.

By 2016, the first wave of modern consumer-grade VR headsets became available to the general public. These included the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR. They interfaced with PCs (or a PS4 console), allowing for a smooth gaming experience.

Jumping on the VR trend, Virtuix launched Omni in 2017, which was an omnidirectional treadmill designed for VR games and other applications. The Omni’ treadmill’ was a breakthrough VR device as it made real-life motion into virtual reality. This product was the very first of its kind, given that movement in VR games at this time did not allow for much physical to in-game movement. For serious VR gamers that wanted to enhance their experience, the Omni was naturally a must-have — provided they could afford the price tag.

As of today, gamers now have an extensive library of VR games to choose from and immerse themselves in, from multiple AAA titles to various indie games. One such title that has become a watershed in VR gaming is Half-Life: Alyx (2020). This title, which takes place in the ever-popular world of Half-Life, is now widely considered a killer VR app for many reasons. It explored novel game mechanics only possible in VR, took player interaction with virtual reality to new heights, and it also caused a surge in VR headset sales. This last reason led many to speculate that VR games may have finally emerged from their niche.

With Half-Life: Alyx showing how there’s so much more potential in virtual reality, the evolution of VR gaming will undoubtedly continue at a quick pace. Game worlds will become more interactive, immersive, and fun, so much so that ‘getting lost in the virtual world’ may no longer be just an empty marketing promise. With new games, standalone devices, such as the PlayStation VR2, and new developments on the horizon, the future of VR gaming and VR technology is looking extremely promising.

If you’re ready to embark on your journey in VR gaming, come on down to V-Room where the best VR gaming experience possible awaits. Experience countless adventures in the many spell-binding and futuristic worlds behind our large collection of VR games, from highly acclaimed titles like Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber, Arizona Sunshine, and more! For details about reservations and bookings, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

In today’s slew of emerging technologies, only a few have captured public interest and attention, as well as virtual reality (VR) has. Its notoriety might be because it brings us one step closer to the worlds only found in our dreams. Who wouldn’t be fascinated by the idea of stepping into a brand-new dimension and the adventures that lie in wait?

While VR has been around for some time, it has only recently become mainstream. As such, it’s only natural for some myths about it to take hold. With the popularity of VR growing by the day, it is no longer a fad that’s going away any time soon and believing the widespread misconceptions about it will hold you back from enjoying all the exciting experiences it has in store. And so, without further ado, we’ve debunked four of the most widespread myths today about the technology of tomorrow; virtual reality.

1. Diving into VR will leave you sick to your stomach

This myth technically has a hint of truth to it. Since VR headsets concentrate most of the stimuli to the eyes and not across the entire body, the brain often takes time to adapt to this new sensation.

For instance, when walking down a flight of stairs, your feet make contact with each step. In VR, only your eyes can perceive these changes in height, which in turn causes a slight degree of disorientation. Motion sickness may also occur because there are no reference points for rotational movements.

However, advancements in VR technology — such as reduced lag and latency times, tracking, and a ‘virtual nose’ in one’s field of view — have significantly reduced this nauseating effect. Now, it’s just a matter of getting used to VR, and then you’re good to go!

2. Experiencing VR is a costly affair

In the early days, experiencing VR (which meant buying the headset and other related accessories) usually involved breaking the bank. But things have changed now with its widespread popularity and greater competition in the market. For those interested in the best VR gaming experience, many VR headset options like Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR are priced similarly to popular consoles like the Xbox or PlayStation series. As VR continues to evolve, it’s only natural for VR devices to increasingly become affordable.

3. VR is only good for gaming and entertainment

It is no doubt that gaming and entertainment are the biggest and most immediate applications for VR technology. But make no mistake, VR has many other uses. From general education to business training and even interior design, VR technology is steadily finding new and practical applications in many other fields. Through virtual reality, it’s become easier to overcome physical barriers and create better experiences for all sorts of use cases, such as training healthcare professionals and enhancing remote education.

4. VR discourages physical activity

With its close ties to the gaming industry, VR has unfortunately been included in the myth that states gaming discourages physical activity among users. However, it’s actually quite the opposite. Compared to traditional gaming via keyboard or controller, VR gaming requires players to be more active, depending on the game they are playing.

Whether you’re standing and moving around casually or doing more intense physical activities like literal exercise, the majority of VR experiences can only be enjoyed when one is up and about and not simply in their seats. For instance, applications designed for immersive fitness like Fitbit Adventures and “virtual sports” like Holoball and Holopoint are only a few of many examples that encourage users to get their blood pumping all while having fun.

Conclusion

Virtual reality has been among the most prominent technology trends in recent years. Despite the bumpy ride to get to where it is now, the rise of VR has just begun. With the quality of VR games continuing to exceed expectations and more industries adopting the technology, it’s hard not to eagerly look forward to what the future holds for virtual reality.

Itching to find out more about the hype behind VR? Visit us at V-Room and experience the cutting edge of virtual reality gaming for yourself! Whether you’d like to share the VR experience with close friends and family or as a corporate team-building event, our large selection of VR titles will immerse you in new worlds unlike any other. Sign up for membership now and book your reservations!

Virtual reality gaming has become a point of fascination as much as confusion in recent years. It is fun and transporting, but once you’ve tried it, the question lingers – how did they do that? First, we’ll have to talk about VR gaming to understand this.

What is VR gaming?

VR gaming refers to creating and applying multi-dimensional engineered environments to digital games. They are made with highly advanced virtual reality software that puts the gamer in a state where their virtual surroundings overtake their physical ones. This creates the fascinating effect of shifting the players’ realities and allowing a temporary escape into a digital world.

At its base, a virtual reality game can be a three-dimensional visual that can be interacted with via a computer or digital tools like keys, a mouse, or a touchpad. The more advanced version of this – perhaps the best-known version of VR – includes headsets, large, extended display screens, or virtual reality environments where you can wear the controllers or sensory objects that can replicate scents or haptic tools that can communicate touch.

History of VR gaming

The inception of virtual reality gaming has been in the works for as long as video games have. We had projectors and screens before the mobile technology that we are familiar with now. There were also gaming controls that included keyboards, typical controllers, and sensors that track movement. The more complicated versions of VR environments could consist of treadmill floors or anything else that prolongs and deepens a player’s immersion while locked in a virtual reality experience. The more common iterations would be a VR setup but in a physical location that offers the required space for an extensive range of motion.

VR gaming now

With the advancements in technology, VR gaming has reached unprecedented heights. In the past, being transported into another environment was described as disorienting, as you can imagine. Nowadays, VR headsets players rarely complain of lagging or feeling nauseous. There are plenty of VR headsets available to the general population today. Often, they come with controllers that track movement that works in tandem with the headset. Some VR setups allow you to move around uninhibited and incorporate said movement into the game. Others only allow you to play in a sedate, seated position. Your mode of gaming will be based on both the VR headset you have and the games you choose to play.

More than just gaming

While the gaming aspect of VR technology is engaging and fun, it is not just games virtual reality is used for. They can also be used to train for events by simulating particular environments conveniently and realistically.

Therapy through virtual reality is now a surprisingly viable option. You can now explore your psyche by interacting with a safe and comforting environment.

Conclusion

Virtual reality gaming has been growing steadily in popularity for a reason. Now that you’ve familiarised yourself with a little bit about it, you can come on down to V-Room for the best VR gaming experience you can possibly have. Contact us to get started now!

The year before saw an unprecedented rise in interest in virtual reality. Virtual reality headsets sold millions of units more than usual. There was also lots of talk of big brands and businesses looking for ways to gain footing in the industry. It makes sense for 2022 to be the year where major industry players capitalise off the hype and make this year an even bigger deal in the grand scheme of things. Here are some of the trends we are noticing so far and what they could mean.

1. VR being used in business 

While virtual reality gaming is still the bulk of VR’s userbase, there is still much to say about its usefulness to businesses and corporations. They are often used for the training of personnel, digital collaboration, and testing and prototyping of new products. But VR is often only as limiting as your mind allows. Innovation is paramount when dealing with reality-bending technology like this. The sky is the limit in this case.

2. An increase in users 

VR has had a reputation of being inaccessible in the past due to misunderstandings about its availability, price, and the complexity of its technology. This has gradually but readily changed. Nowadays, virtual reality is thought of as high-tech and edgy. And practical for most organisations. In general, asking people what they think about VR garners an overwhelmingly positive response.

3. Betterment of technology

Gone are the days when VR headsets used to be completely unaffordable. If you’ve been observing the market prices, you’ll note that the costs keep gradually declining while the quality of the headsets has only gone up. This trend will only continue in the coming years as the technology improves and demand increases.

4. Manufacturing has never been easier

As mentioned, VR technology has never been simpler and will only get simpler as time goes on. There are more manufacturers for VR technology than you can probably guess, and that number is set to rise. The developers can also work better and more efficiently because of the improved tools for programming. As such, developers will be able to get creative and add more features which translate to an even better user experience.

5. More services made for VR

If the use of VR improves functionality within industries and organisations, it stands to reason that VR can be used to turn about a significant amount of profit. Everybody wants a piece of VR these days, so striking while the iron is hot is extremely important. A host of services dedicated to and using virtual reality is set to the surface, and those who get there first will benefit the most.

Conclusion

While VR has extended its relevance past gaming, a huge reason for its rise to prominence lies in it. In fact, VR gaming has been the biggest contributor to its success in recent years. Many businesses are taking cues to incorporate it into their events for its unique qualities. V-Room invites you to join us and try virtual reality gaming for yourself. A VR escape room and a broad range of other games await you. Sign up now and watch the magic of VR for yourself.

Virtual reality has most certainly made its mark on the world. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone without opinions about it. After all, where else would you find technology that can practically transport you to a different environment without moving an inch?

Virtual reality gaming is still what people associate VR technology with, and while it is ground-breaking and highly immersive, virtual reality technology shouldn’t be limited by a single industry. So how is VR being used to better society as a whole? To start with, here are three other industries utilising VR in new and innovative ways.

1. Sports 

It’s safe to say that VR technology has changed the landscape of the sports industry forever. Athletes and coaches are now utilising virtual reality to simulate environments that aid in sports training. They can also watch different versions of realities in which their gameplay is improved.

Virtual reality technology makes analysing and critiquing performances much more straightforward. They are then able to give more focused, accurate feedback to players. There is also evidence that VR helps improve cognitive functions, especially after athletes sustain an injury, as they can still improve their techniques through virtual reality.

2. Wellness of the mind 

Virtual reality technology has become one of the most innovative treatments for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). With exposure therapy that VR facilitates, the traumatic incident can be played for them in a safe and secure environment. The goal is for them to gradually come to terms with it and, hopefully, move on.

The same concept also applies to people suffering from disorders like anxiety, depression, or irrational fears. If you have anxiety and meditation is the best way to cope, VR can help simulate the perfect conditions to manage your symptoms and assist with coping mechanisms. The virtual reality environment, which is real enough to achieve improvement but also provides comfort in its safety, is invaluable for a patient’s healing. This technology’s impact on up and coming mental health treatments is impossible to calculate.

3. Learning and education 

Would it surprise you that virtual reality technology applies to schools as well? Educators are increasingly finding that adapting this technology to their curriculum and lessons can be highly engaging for students.

First, they’ll be able to use this technology to interact with each other and their digital environment while maintaining healthy social interaction. For example, taking virtual excursions to educational facilities like the science centre, travelling to outer space to see the different stars, or being transported to different time periods altogether can be extremely helpful and fun.

There has also been evidence to suggest that VR technology can be very beneficial to children with special needs or intellectual disabilities. Autistic children, for example, have found that virtual reality is a safe space to practice their social skills for them to assimilate into society better.

Conclusion 

It’s safe to say that VR technology can have life-changing and life-saving implications for us all. But while the effect of virtual reality technology can be felt far and wide, do take a journey back to its not-so-humble roots in gaming. After all, there are still several undeniable benefits to VR. V-Room provides the best VR gaming experience in the country. What are you waiting for? Contact us and get started today!

Virtual reality gaming is all the rage these days. The technology has confounded, intrigued, and excited people from all walks of life, and with good reason. It is an environment built into a computer that has the power to transport gamers somewhere else, all while remaining in the exact physical location. All you have to do is wear the headset, and you’re somewhere else. If you have the means, you can get a virtual reality headset for yourself to enjoy at your leisure. But if we’re being more realistic, a VR arcade is as good a place as any to try your hand and this ground-breaking feat in gaming.

VR game designers have taken the concept of being inside the game environment and run with it. The games not only engage the mind and thrust you headfirst into adventure, but they also offer a myriad of benefits. Here are just some of them.

1)  Dose of realism

Virtual reality inherently means experiencing a different sort of reality than what you are used to. When you apply that to gaming, you aren’t simply staring at a screen with a controller in your hands. You are in the game. Whether you’re out of space or lost in a haunted house, once the headset is on, you are experiencing a reality in which you are the main character, and everything is in your control. A lot like real life.

2) Getting some exercise

Gaming has historically been a sedate pastime. Well, not anymore. Virtually reality gaming lets you move around freely while immersed in the gaming environment. This means that, essentially, your body is the controller. Quite a workout! Whatever way you move in real life translates to the gameplay.

3) Face your fears

Everyone has an irrational fear that feels impossible to surmount in real life. It could be a fear of spiders, heights, small spaces, or the dark. Whatever it is, facing them in VR is just the encouragement you need to get over them. You can practice facing them while secure, knowing that you’re safe.

4) Become smarter

With the influx of escape room and puzzle games available in VR, it will sufficiently tease your brain. Virtual reality takes mind games to a whole new level.

5) Relief from pain 

Unfortunately, chronic pain in people is more common than you think. People often have to take a significant amount of medications and numbing agents to cope. Virtual reality gaming has been proven to provide some pain relief because it helps with overall health and makes exercise a more enjoyable affair.

6) Take a break from the tension 

Games are a good form of escapism. With VR, you are transported into a brand new world. You can’t escape any better than that! It helps ease anxiety and ultimately enables you to destress in a fun, harmless way.

7) A form of self-care

Health is not all physical. Taking care of your mental health is also an essential facet of self-care. In this case, there has been some evidence that using virtual reality to aid in the recovery of certain disorders of the mind is possible.

Conclusion 

Virtual reality gaming is fun and fascinating, but it also has a myriad of advantages that can contribute to the betterment of your life. Why not see it for yourself? V-Room is one of the first of its kind in Singapore and boasts a massive collection of games just waiting to be explored. Contact us to find out how you can get started today!