Whatever Happened to Virtual Gaming? - Virtual Reality Fears
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In general, ordinary video games are not considered dangerous or harmful. With standard games, players sit a safe distance away from the screen where actions are played out via controller. Virtual reality is, in a sense, simply a very high-tech version of the gaming we’ve all grown accustomed to. So why is virtual reality plagued with criticism and undertones of hazard?
Some have argued that virtual gaming may, in fact, create too-perfect worlds which others will not want to leave…ever. Why face the real world when you can truly immerse yourself in a fake one? Popular books, films and TV series which paint virtual reality as something sinister have helped decrease the popularity of the concept.
Virtual reality can, in a sense, cut people off from actual reality as they watch digital images and hear pre-recorded sounds. Very real problems could be occurring while players remain immersed in their gaming. Virtual reality is, however, simply a collection of technology and software which helps to create a truly enhanced gaming world.
Virtual Systems
One of the first virtual gaming systems ever created for commercial use was the 1000CS. This stand-up system came with a 3D joystick and was capable of running a small variety of games. This device was first released in 1991. As far as gaming goes, that was a really long time ago. Why hasn’t virtual reality followed the pattern of other gaming systems -- becoming smaller, more popular and widely available in homes across the country?
In the 90s, virtual reality was a popular buzz phrase. It was whispered that soon, everyone would be not just playing their games but nearly living inside them, surrounding themselves in the experience. Nearly ten years have now passed, and there still isn’t a virtual reality gaming system in every home; we're not even close to that dream. In fact, motion-controlled technology in gaming still feels a little new, though virtual reality gloves used motion-controlled sensors to create movement long ago.
So, what gives? Whatever happened to virtual gaming…and why aren’t we all enjoying it now?
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