VR still makes 40-70% of players want to throw up, and that's a huge problem for the companies behind it

stopthatgirl7@kbin.social to Technology@lemmy.world – 721 points –
VR still makes 40-70% of players want to throw up, and that's a huge problem for the companies behind it
pcgamer.com

Why virtual reality makes a lot of us sick, and what we can do about it.

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VR continues to make more sense as an arcade-like attraction than as a consumer product.

Except for the part where I would have to wear a headset that 5000 other people have also worn. (And except for the VR sickness that, it turns out, I'm very sensitive to).

Having gone to a VR gaming business (the kind where you book a time slot, not an open arcade) I wasn't impressed. The hardware isn't really rugged enough for that kind of commercial use, so it was clear they were struggling to keep the gear in decent condition.

But besides that, the limited time nature of the setup meant that the game options needed to be significantly dumbed down so that anyone could pick it up in a few minutes. And there isn't enough of a demand to create any interesting experiences, most of what was on offer was neutered VR games I'd already tried on my personal VR setup.

I played a six player zombie shooter at one where you had actual gun controllers, it was fun enough, and a good laugh for the half hour sesh, but it was the most basic game I've ever played in itself.

I played a dumbed down version of Arizona Sunshine at mine, which was much less satisfying than the real game

It makes a bit of sense for that, and there are HMDs built for that purpose that are... eh... less gross? I guess?

But mostly it's a secondary device. A toy you keep on the side and pop out for parties or when something reignites the novelty.

VR is Guitar Hero. Does that make sense? I think that makes sense.

VR is Guitar Hero if Guitar Hero was $500.

I had a full compliment of Rock Band instruments, including the keyboard that came out with Rock Band 3. Also the PS2 and 360 versions of the Guitar and even the modular one they made for the remake on PS4.

So what you're saying is VR is exactly like Rock Band.

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