The virtual reality industry is growing at a fast pace. According to the Statista portal, the global VR market size will reach 22 billion USD by 2025. Although the technology has been around for decades, its widespread adoption is still pending. Demand from the consumer side has remained relatively low, while product prices have remained high. However, 2024 holds promise for the VR gaming sector, with the anticipated release of innovative headsets and exciting titles. We take a look at how the Apple Vision Pro is going to take the VR gaming space in a whole new direction.
Apple Vision Pro and competitors
In June 2023, Apple grabbed headlines by announcing the Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset poised to outperform competitors such as MagicLeap 2 and Hololens 2, promising a revolutionary impact on the VR landscape. Blending the digital and the physical, the device creates a vast canvas for apps that challenge traditional displays and introduce a 3D interface, which users can control with their eyes, hands, and voice.
One of the most anticipated features is Apple’s first 3D camera. Just like in a sci-fi film or a Black Mirror episode, Apple Vision Pro allows users to relieve their favorite memories through spatial photos and videos.
Meanwhile, Meta (formerly Facebook), Samsung, and Google are preparing to launch their own headsets. Meta is gearing up to unveil its next-generation Pro headset, integrating lower-resolution RGB cameras to enhance affordability for the general public. On the other hand, Samsung and Google are collaborating on a headset rooted in the Google Play ecosystem.
More VR arcades
The late 70s and early 80s marked the “golden age” of arcade video games. However, the advent of home consoles and market saturation led to their rapid decline. Nevertheless, arcade video games persist, transforming into online games or influencing popular titles. Games like Bubble Shooter are available online and have developed many modern-day versions like Bubble Tower.
Now, VR is poised to breathe new life into this genre through specialized arcades. These venues allow customers of all ages to experience VR games without the need to invest in their own headsets. Instead, users can simply pay by the hour or session to access a variety of games or explore different VR environments. Customers have the option to play individually or engage in immersive adventures with friends or family.
VR game releases
Several highly anticipated releases are also on the horizon, starting with Skydance’s Behemoth. Set to debut in late 2024, this RPG unfolds in a plague-ravaged wasteland where humans confront colossal creatures known as Behemoths. Described as a “brutal yet tactical VR” experience, the game will be accessible on the Meta Quest platform, PSVR 2, and PC VR.
From the accomplished indie VR Studio One Hansa, UNDERDOGS is another eagerly awaited release scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. Players will have the unique opportunity to pilot a giant mecha and crush enemy bots. Additional noteworthy VR titles to keep an eye on include Into The Radius 2 (February), Horizon Call of the Mountain (April), and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners — Chapter 2: Retribution (May).
In summary, 2024 holds promise for virtual reality enthusiasts, featuring the long-awaited release of the Apple Vision Pro and exciting titles like Skydance’s Behemoth, along with the growing prevalence of VR arcades.
