Home Gaming Virtual Reality install base to hit 70 million in 2017

Virtual Reality install base to hit 70 million in 2017

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VR

Virtual Reality is the great, hulking next big thing on the horizon. If you listen to everybody that’s sipping the VR kool-aid, Virtual Reality is going to transform the way we play our games, and not only that, change our lives. The first real, gaming-focused one to see a one to see a proper retail release, HTC and Valve’s Vive goes on limited sale this year – with the progenitors of the current craze, Oculus, and Sony’s own PlayStation VR playing catch up next year.

Many gaming publishers are a little hesitant, with giants like Take-Two interactive and Electronic arts taking a measure, “wait and see” approach.

“There’s some challenges still and I think the biggest challenge is just the size of the market,” EA CFO Jorgensen said. “We don’t make games anymore for the Wii or the Wii U because the market is not big enough. The PS Vita—the Sony product—we don’t make games for that anymore because the market is too small, so it’s all about the size of the market.”

Could they be missing out on a big opportunity? According to the usually reliable SuperData, the install base for VR could be as high as 70 million users by the end of 2017. Their report was spurred by the recent release of Samsung’s Gear VR – so the 70 million tally includes VR headsets that pair with phones, which won’t run the latest and greatest in AAA VR video games.

“Initially, affordable smartphone devices will drive the bulk of sales as consumers first explore virtual reality before committing to the more expensive platforms,” SuperData Director of Research Stephanie Llamas said.

“After this first wave, however, it will be especially console gamers that will spur growth of high-end VR devices.”

According to SuperData, 31% of US PlayStation 4 owners intend to buy the PlayStation VR, and 18% of PC gamers are keen on the Rift. Is that enough to make VR gaming the future? I’m not convinced.

“Some AAA game makers like Electronic Arts are waiting for hard data on the consumer adoption of VR before investing in development. However, several notable publishers like CCP, which recently raised $30 million, are willing to take the initial leap in hopes of a gaining a first-mover advantage,” according to Llamas.

“It’s a sound strategy. By supporting the right headsets off the bat, many publishers will outpace future newcomers for a long time by showing unconditional dedication to serving VR consumers. But despite its demand-side enthusiasm, the consumer will be the ultimate judge on whether VR’s time has come.”

I was a big VR sceptic, until I went eyeballs on with them – and I’m convinced that the new headsets will give us incredible experiences. I am, however, not convinced that the tech will take over the world. With a high price, and worries that the tech will be underutilised, many consumers are staying very far away.

Last Updated: November 23, 2015

19 Comments

  1. DragonSpirit009

    November 23, 2015 at 11:35

    Basically the reason why I’ll be staying away from it! Prices for stuff like that is always out of my reach. Thou I wouldn’t mind experiencing it just once!

    Reply

  2. Hammersteyn

    November 23, 2015 at 11:35

    In earlier news, Screen time no longer vilified by doctors

    https://media.giphy.com/media/4aPR646LAMbyU/giphy.gif

    Reply

    • Darren Peach

      November 23, 2015 at 11:46

      This has aged terribly.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        November 23, 2015 at 11:51

        I still enjoy it. Finding Nemo will forever be their best film though

        Reply

        • Darren Peach

          November 23, 2015 at 11:56

          Yep, Finding Nemo was top notch.

          Reply

          • Darren Peach

            November 23, 2015 at 12:08

            Where are they ?…. Dorie.

        • Darren Peach

          November 23, 2015 at 12:05

          The story holds up, It’s the technical stuff that is a little marginal. The hair and skin stand out like a sore thumb. ( Still referring to The Incredibles )

          Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          November 23, 2015 at 14:05

          I almost shed a tear when I heard that Toy Story is now officially 20 years old….

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            November 23, 2015 at 14:37

            O_o

  3. Umar

    November 23, 2015 at 11:41

    Virtual Boy…Never forget.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      November 23, 2015 at 12:17

      As if we could ever forget Rince.

      Reply

  4. Darren Peach

    November 23, 2015 at 11:45

    I am hoping this will be a revolution in our medium of choice. But, Like HD and Ultra HD, It will take a very long time for it to catch on if successful. Point in case, My mom can’t tell the difference between HD and SD.

    Reply

  5. RinceThis

    November 23, 2015 at 11:52

    Until they can be worn like normal glasses, it won’t catch on.

    Reply

    • Darren Peach

      November 23, 2015 at 11:59

      It’s an opportunity to push technology further. Look at the first cell phones and what we have now. Who knows, Maybe in 10 years we will look back at the first widely adopted VR units and compare them in a similar way we look at the brick Nokias of this world.

      Reply

  6. Alien Emperor Trevor

    November 23, 2015 at 11:52

    Reply

    • Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja

      November 23, 2015 at 12:25

      Back when she was still semi-yummy

      Reply

  7. MakeItLegal

    November 23, 2015 at 12:52

    can EA not….to see the other half of the VR headset pls pay $30

    Reply

  8. CypherGate

    November 23, 2015 at 13:35

    Watching movies in VR will look brilliant. I think various other apps would be awesome as well. Hell I can even see a full on Lounge style Chat application like a Sony Home 2.0 where you can virtually walk around chat to other games. Create your character etc. I think this would end up being crazy popular. Imagine speaking through the mic and your characters mouth movements ends up similar to yours etc. As for gaming. Certain Genres would work, but I dont see it being used as the primary device for gaming.

    Reply

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