Twenty years ago, virtual reality gaming might’ve seemed like a faraway dream. However, today we can say that it’s not only realistic – it’s already here. Google Cardboard, Oculus, GearVR Headsets, and Samsung Galaxy S7 are all first steps towards a world where VR gaming is a fact.
Available games already have a considerable range and quality. How did we come to this, though? The answer lies in Google’s April Fools joke, which exploded in popularity – Pokemon Go.
As a result, we can expect many old games to recreate themselves to suit this new model. New titles will also spring to existence. Finally, live gambling websites such as Playamo Casino might move towards an even more immersive experience.
Our expert Daniel Bennet will discuss his expectations of the world of mobile VR. Let’s see what the future might have in store.
Introduction of Pokemon Go
While not the first augmented reality game, Pokemon Go drove the most hype.
It might’ve been its simple execution or the fact that it spoke to Millennial players’ childhood nostalgia, but its impact remains. Although it’s losing players today, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic exploded, its influence is massive.
As a phenomenon, it affected how enterprises see the possibilities of AR. Nintendo’s stock values spiked about 40% since the game launched, too, leading marketers and developers to try and leverage the trend.
Reports suggest that VR gaming devices will flood the market in 2021. The mixed-reality genre of Pokemon Go can also drive the production of AR headsets, both for gamers and non-gaming industries. What does this mean for mobile gaming in the future?
Future of Mobile Gaming
The virtual reality gaming market is expected to grow massively by 2025 after gaining widespread recognition in the recent past. NewGenApps expects that the worldwide player base will reach 216 million users by the same year.
Apart from an indisputable VR hardware production spike, there could be more players on the market. The immersive qualities of such gaming can attract more young gamers, driving the market growth.
These figures imply a considerable boost for mobile gaming. For now, VR equipment is quite expensive, making with mobile being the most affordable version of the trend. Plus, the convenience and portability that smartphone users face leads to a quicker, more natural adoption.
Players can use AR/VR headsets with mobile devices, too. Especially since cheaper, crisp Google Daydream and Samsung Gear came out and new augmented reality games showed up, the accessibility became ever-so-strong.
Of course, mobile gaming still stands nowhere near the immersive experience of VR gaming consoles, but it’s getting there. The demand is driving the market, suggesting quick, massive developments.
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Could Gambling Get In On It?
The impact of gaming on the betting world is evident with eSports and skill-based gambling. It’s natural to assume that VR trends make their way to the industry as well.
For now, there hasn’t been a lot of movement for fantasy and eSports. However, introducing virtual reality casinos as the next big thing could make the industry flourish and bring new players to the table.
While it’s too early to predict any trend with certainty, poker is likely to gain most from VR tech. After all, it’s a game of reading people’s cues. Immersive as it is already, even online, it could boom.
Live games are already popular, which only informs how much of a game-changer VR play would become – you only need to take a look at Pokerstars VR. Poker sites could introduce celebrity events, allowing players to sit side-by-side to Negreanu and Ivey.
As regards other virtual casino games, playing at a lifelike table could be a hit for baccarat, blackjack, and even roulette.
Conclusion
From exciting new apps to high-tech gear, everything necessary for VR gaming is already available.
Developers rightly believe that this new trend going global is only a matter of time. Industry experts suggest that it should take between three and eight years to take over completely, and we’re excited.