"If you didn't become a virtual reality player in 2024, you're likely never going to."
In the last 12 months, it became clear that cheaper headphones and better video games may not be enough for virtual reality to achieve widespread acceptance.
Over the years, many technology writers have fallen into the trap of over-optimism by claiming that "this is the year virtual reality (VR) will take off." This assertion has echoed for quite some time in the world of VR, as novelties like Half-Life: Alyx have promised a complete gaming experience in a headset, or the arrival of plug-and-play devices like the PlayStation one. However, expectations generally deflate within months. This year, the approach is different; 2024 is not being touted as the turning point for VR in the gaming arena, but it is acknowledged that, while it has been a good year for VR, it has not managed to convince the skeptics.
As we close out 2023, the outlook for VR gaming appears promising. Titles like Asgard's Wrath 2 and Assassin's Creed Nexus VR have stood out and demonstrated significant advancements in technology. Although Sony seemed to have abandoned the PSVR2, Meta's investments began to bear fruit in the form of major releases in the past year. In fact, this year, there are more VR games on the personal list of the top 20 games than ever before. Batman: Arkham Shadow has dethroned Half-Life: Alyx as the crown jewel of VR, offering a complete adaptation of the Arkham series that even surpasses console releases.
Another significant achievement has been Thrasher, the successor to the classic Thumper, a rhythm game that revives the essence of arcades. Additionally, Cyan Worlds' remake of Riven has surprised many with its natural adaptation to VR, making its strange aesthetic feel more appealing. The positive momentum continued into December, with standout releases like Behemoth and Alien: Rogue Incursion, each providing unique experiences that highlight the best of VR.
As the year progressed, numerous releases enriched the catalog of available games, ranging from titles like Metro Awakening to Arizona Sunshine Remake. These games are not only high-quality but also suggest an evolution and maturity of the technology. The arrival of the Apple Vision Pro also allowed for new mixed-reality experiences, though its immediate impact was limited.
Despite this solid repertoire of games, there is a growing pessimism about the future of VR, particularly reflected in the reception of Batman: Arkham Shadow. Despite the anticipation, the transition to VR has faced resistance among fans, raising questions about the medium's future. Even as technology costs have dropped and games have improved, it seems many players remain hesitant to adopt VR.
The reality is that, despite the efforts of companies like Meta and Apple, interest in VR has not grown at the same pace as technological advancements. Rather than continuing to set unrealistic expectations, it would be preferable for companies to focus on creating experiences for the existing player base. If quality can be maintained and attention directed towards the current niche, VR could enjoy a healthy permanence in the market.
