If you haven’t heard of ‘augmented reality’ or ’virtual reality’, then where have you been? This epic, world-altering tech is taking the gaming industry by storm — giving players a way more interactive experience that puts you right in the middle of the action.
It’s still early days, but the tech has already made leaps and bounds and we’re super excited to see how far it’s going to go. Before we make any bold predictions though, let’s check out the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality.
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that augments the real world with computer generated graphics. It combines what you can see with your own eyes with overlaid virtual elements that enhance what you’re viewing.
Remember Pokémon Go? That’s a prime example of AR. This viral game (which you can still play!) uses augmented reality through your smartphone’s camera — putting Pokémon in the frame that you can catch and interact with. It also encourages you to hunt for Pokémon in your local area, making you get off the sofa and explore the great outdoors.
Beyond gaming, gadgets like Google Glass and Microsoft HoloLens “smart glasses” are dedicated AR displays which feature interactive apps aimed at helping you get even more done. How’s that for multitasking!
The main advantage of augmented reality is that you can still see the real-world around you, while the tech projects extra fun or useful content over whatever you’re looking at. Like text, videos and much more. You’ll still know what’s going on around you too, as it doesn’t completely fill your vision with a computer-generated world like virtual reality does. Because of that, VR can make some people feel a bit queasy. So, if you suffer from motion sickness — AR might be more up your street.
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality goes a step further than augmented reality. VR overlays the real world with one that’s completely computer generated. It’s far more immersive as it takes over your vision and displays an environment that’s completely virtual — just like it says on the tin.
You’ll need a special VR headset though if you want to try it out. These futuristic-looking, head-mounted gadgets completely cover your eyes to block out your surroundings — showing you a virtual landscape and casting you as the main character. Pretty cool!
Believe it or not, virtual reality gaming headsets have been around since the ‘90s. But early attempts were pretty basic and not much to write home about. Only in recent years has the tech reached a point where gamers feel genuinely immersed by these head-mounted VR glasses.
Which is better for gaming, AR or VR?
Virtual reality is the way to go for most gamers nowadays. VR headsets offer a more immersive experience as they transport you to a load of exciting new environments – it’s escapism at its very best. A lot of VR games also make use of motion controls that let you interact and get hands on with the world you’re in. Whether that’s firing a gun or climbing a dangerous cliff face. Don’t look down!
There are lots of AR games out there, but the main issue with AR gaming is that the actual hardware costs a pretty penny. That’s why most AR games are made for smartphones — and these don’t offer all the powerful, advanced graphics you get from console/PC VR games. AR gaming is cheaper if all you need is your phone to play, but VR gaming is becoming more affordable and accessible — so it’s letting more players join in on the fun!
AR is really hitting its stride in other sectors though. It’s become a handy tool for things like training and education, as well as engineering and healthcare. Retailers are even making use of the tech. Top furniture and homeware brands are designing their own augmented reality apps, which let shoppers use their smartphone’s camera to position items of furniture in whatever room they’re in. This is so they can check what it’ll look like in their space — and make sure that massive sofa actually fits…
Which companies make VR headsets?
Major tech brands like Sony, Microsoft and Meta are investing heavily in VR tech to make their gaming consoles even better. They’re also producing more VR-specific games for them, giving curious gamers even more of a reason to take the plunge.
Sony’s PlayStation VR2 Gaming Headset works with their PS5 console. It offers a full virtual reality experience at home, with a 110° field of view for next level immersion. And audio’s 50% of the experience too, right? Well, Tempest 3D audio makes stereo sound look so last decade, while VR2 Sense Controllers have excellent haptic (vibration) feedback — letting you feel objects within the game. The VR2 also provides ‘Foveated Rendering’, where built-in IR cameras track your eyes to help improve the detail of whatever you’re looking at. Sounds scary, but it’s pretty incredible stuff.
Aside from the PS VR2, the Meta Quest 3 VR Gaming Headset is another big hitter. There’s no need to hook it up to a console either — just set up the Meta Quest app on your smartphone to browse and buy from a library of cool VR games. If that’s not enough, you can pair the Meta Quest VR headset to a gaming PC with a link cable to access loads more great VR content. The Quest 3 offers mixed reality too, which brings us nicely onto the next section…
What is mixed reality?
Glad you asked. ‘Mixed reality’ is when VR and AR cross over. And this special blend creates a whole new type of reality-altering tech. In the gaming space, most mixed reality gadgets come in the form of VR headsets with some AR aspects mixed into their design.
For example, PlayStation’s VR2 headset has outward-facing cameras that let you see the real world without having to take the headset off (Sony call it ‘See Through View’). This is great if you want to break up your gaming session with a cuppa or have a quick chat with your family. The headset also scans your room and picks out objects around you, so you don’t accidentally trip up while gaming.
The Meta Quest Pro is a better example though, which comes with colour cameras that give you a clearer view of what’s around you. The headset has the power to project virtual screens onto your desk to recreate a multi-monitor setup. And there’s loads more productivity-boosting features up its sleeve too. The upcoming Apple Vision Pro is rumoured to be quite similar, but we’ll have to wait and see what that has in store for us.
What are the most popular VR gaming genres?
It sounds obvious, but some of the best VR games are those that put you right in the shoes of the character. We’re talking first-person shooters where you can use the motion controllers to battle your enemies, action/adventure titles that let you explore huge digital worlds, and sports/fitness games where you can swing a golf club or throw a big right hook in the boxing ring.
If you really want to scare yourself, you could try immersive VR horror games that’ll make you sweat with tension and scream from jump scares! Other popular VR genres include puzzle/problem-solving games, as well as full-on simulators that’ll have you riding a rollercoaster or cooking up some tasty virtual meals as a novice chef.
What does the future look like for AR & VR gaming?
Time for the big question. Without getting too ahead of ourselves, we’ve seen films like Ready Player One that show a future where humanity prefers living in a virtual reality universe rather than the real world. Now, we’re not saying that things will get to that stage anytime soon! But as big companies invest more into VR and AR tech — and they are — this immersive tech will probably become the number one way to play in the next decade or two.
Want to fully immerse yourself in the world of VR gaming? Check out our dedicated virtual reality page here. Also have a glance at our range of VR headsets, and don’t forget those VR accessories too!
