Gaming is a very interesting space to watch. This industry is almost constantly coming up with fabulous new hardware announcements and developments to make gaming interesting, engaging and almost wondrous.
Technology
Admittedly, technology is one of the biggest game changers in the gaming space. Some of the ways in which technology is attaining new dimensions can be seen in:
- Spatial sound – this basically means that gamers can get to enjoy 360° audio, such as they would in real life.
- Better immersive experience which can be seen even in Facebook 360.
- The opening of platforms such as Google Daydream which can bring in better content.
There is also growth in related industries and spaces such as smartphones, headsets and even large-scale event broadcasting. All of which make the VR space pretty thrilling.
According to research by Frost and Sullivan, VR is the way forward for MENA businesses. In fact, GCC countries have taken significant steps in utilizing this technology. Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme provides an AR experience using 3D models and the viewer is able to tour virtually rather than visiting personally.
Growth Of Peripherals
There is also going to be some pretty strong growth in peripherals and gaming devices. Whether it’s computers that are dedicated to enhancing VR gaming or headsets, companies are going to invest in areas such as:
- Lighter headsets.
- Higher rez displays.
- Hand controls that are more intuitive and seamless.
- Peripherals will also show up on major platforms such as HTC, Oculus, and Sony.
Newer Players
On the gamers’ side of the fence, statistics show that VR users can exceed 170 million by the year 2018. By the year 2020, augmented / virtual reality revenue can touch a whopping $120 billion.
But here is what makes this space even more exciting.
Apart from the ‘usual suspects’ of Sony, Samsung, and the big guns, there are a whole host of companies that are changing the dynamics. Some of them are big names – Amazon, Apple, and Intel. Some of them are smaller – InvenSense for instance.
We could even see VR moving into areas such as online shopping – giving the word ‘gamification’ a whole new dimension altogether.
Wider Socializing
Virtual reality is also emerging as a popular choice in various social ways. For instance, esports is one area which has seen big things happening. Sports such as football and basketball will see a VR shift in ever increasing ways. If you want to see just one indication of this facet, you only have to think of why Facebook paid so much for Oculus and check out Mark Zuckerberg’s plans for social virtual reality.
Game Content
Streaming will change the way VR gaming works. With better computers and more powerful gaming consoles, gamers are going to simply use services such as Twitch to use streaming to up their gaming experience. So, apart from physical media, virtual reality gaming is going to definitely see the rise of downloads for the latest games. With better software and hardware playing their parts, the integrated system of virtual reality gaming is going to simply get bigger, better and bountiful.