Oculus VR Headset

I don't know how many people realize this, but there is currently a big push for virtual reality headsets. John Carmack demonstrated a prototype (developed by another company) using Doom 3 BFG, and most of the journalists who tried it confirmed that it works really well and is quite immersive despite . The company (Oculus) just started a Kickstarter campaign, and it reached its $250K goal within hours - they have already raised $1.2 million, and will probably raise more over the next 26 days.

Valve, Epic Games, John Carmack (id), and a number of industry players are supporting the hardware publicly, and it seems like there will be a consumer version ready within a couple of years. This is a huge development. If Oculus is successful and builds an affordable, quality VR headset, it will truly revolutionize gaming. I would say this hardware is more important than next-gen consoles, 3D televisions, and advances in motion control technology combined.

What's interesting to me is that Gamespot hasn't paid this news much mind. Even during E3 (where Carmack was demoing the headset) it was only mentioned by someone from IGN who was being interviewed at the "bonus stage". Many other gaming sites wrote stories on the technology - a couple even had interviews with Carmack.

Anyhow, if you haven't seen it yet here's the link to the Kickstarter campaign: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1523379957/oculus-rift-step-into-the-game

Enough with the eye-melting gimmicks. Videogame interface are a TV and a controller.Black_Knight_00

That's the archaic view. You don't need a TV, neither a traditional controller to game.

Besides, the level of immersion and the amount of possibilites that VR would open would be unparalleled.

[QUOTE="Black_Knight_00"]Enough with the eye-melting gimmicks. Videogame interface are a TV and a controller.nameless12345

That's the archaic view. You don't need a TV, neither a traditional controller to game.

Besides, the level of immersion and the amount of possibilites that VR would open would be unparalleled.

not really. god games, fps games, perhaps racing games. that is all VR would be useful for. why would you want vr for a third person game, or a puzzle game?

This is what Nintendo, Sony and MS should be focusing on. Not stupid tablets or motion controls.

Yeah, chances are it isn't so suited for third person games, but I'm sure if they tried they could make it work. Sounds like a better persuit than trying to cash in on the crappy mobile games market.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="Black_Knight_00"]Enough with the eye-melting gimmicks. Videogame interface are a TV and a controller.seercirra

That's the archaic view. You don't need a TV, neither a traditional controller to game.

Besides, the level of immersion and the amount of possibilites that VR would open would be unparalleled.

not really. god games, fps games, perhaps racing games. that is all VR would be useful for. why would you want vr for a third person game, or a puzzle game?

If it hasn't been attempeted yet doesn't mean it's impossible:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yduc3xJknhg

A first-person platformer like Mirror's Edge could be great with it though.

So what? Tech only is not that important to games. The last think I want is a heavy thing on my head while I am trying to play a game.

Immersion is way overrated and very subjective.

I thought about backing the project to get the early version, but after reading some interviews I'm waiting for the improved consumer version of the device. I used to have video glasses and I'm actually convinced that this could be a great way to play games.

So what? Tech only is not that important to games. The last think I want is a heavy thing on my head while I am trying to play a game.

Immersion is way overrated and very subjective.

wiouds

I'm pretty sure once you got to experience, say, a military sim with a VR headset and where you actually got to "be" in the game, pointing at the enemies with a airsoft-like gun, you'd quickly change your mind.

For example in a game like Arma, there would be no going back once you'd experience such immersion and freedom.

It would be useful for soldier training too.

[QUOTE="wiouds"]

So what? Tech only is not that important to games. The last think I want is a heavy thing on my head while I am trying to play a game.

Immersion is way overrated and very subjective.

nameless12345

I'm pretty sure once you got to experience, say, a military sim with a VR headset and where you actually got to "be" in the game, pointing at the enemies with a airsoft-like gun, you'd quickly change your mind.

For example in a game like Arma, there would be no going back once you'd experience such immersion and freedom.

It would be useful for soldier training too.

immersionis does not matter to me. What about games that are better not first person? Games like JRPG, party base WRPG, RTS, TPS, 2D side scroller, plateforming games (which work much better in third person), fighting games.

Also being "in" the game is subjective.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="wiouds"]

So what? Tech only is not that important to games. The last think I want is a heavy thing on my head while I am trying to play a game.

Immersion is way overrated and very subjective.

wiouds

I'm pretty sure once you got to experience, say, a military sim with a VR headset and where you actually got to "be" in the game, pointing at the enemies with a airsoft-like gun, you'd quickly change your mind.

For example in a game like Arma, there would be no going back once you'd experience such immersion and freedom.

It would be useful for soldier training too.

immersionis does not matter to me. What about games that are better not first person? Games like JRPG, party base WRPG, RTS, TPS, 2D side scroller, plateforming games (which work much better in third person), fighting games.

Also being "in" the game is subjective.

I agree with you, it's like when you read a book, you don't need to actually see the environment described in the book to be immersed in it.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="wiouds"]

So what? Tech only is not that important to games. The last think I want is a heavy thing on my head while I am trying to play a game.

Immersion is way overrated and very subjective.

wiouds

I'm pretty sure once you got to experience, say, a military sim with a VR headset and where you actually got to "be" in the game, pointing at the enemies with a airsoft-like gun, you'd quickly change your mind.

For example in a game like Arma, there would be no going back once you'd experience such immersion and freedom.

It would be useful for soldier training too.

immersionis does not matter to me. What about games that are better not first person? Games like JRPG, party base WRPG, RTS, TPS, 2D side scroller, plateforming games (which work much better in third person), fighting games.

Also being "in" the game is subjective.

I'd actually like to see a 1st person fighting game.

I think it could take fighters to another dimension.

As for RTS - ever heard of Battlezone?

It combines 1st person shooting action with RTS commanding aspects.

As for RTS - ever heard of Battlezone?

It combines 1st person shooting action with RTS commanding aspects.

nameless12345

Good to see that someone remembers Battlezone. Sacrifice would be another example.