Whatever Happened to Virtual Gaming? - Systems
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If you’re going virtual, you might as well go all the way, right? If the visor just isn’t enough virtual reality for you, it might be time to consider purchasing an entire gaming system. Most full systems remain very costly and somewhat hard to find, however. Virtual reality has come a long way in the last few years, but it will need to go much further before there is a VR system in every home.
The CAVE is one well-known virtual reality system, demonstrated for the first time in 1992. There are now more than two dozen of these systems installed in various locations, but it is extremely difficult to purchase this system for commercial use and casual virtual gaming. If you’re looking for something that’s a little easier to find, try the Internet.
VRealities
http://www.vrealities.com/
Vrealities offers virtual reality systems and devices which can be purchased commercially by anyone at any time. This very extensive site offers everything in virtual gaming from head-mounted displays, motion trackers, gloves, controllers and virtual reality displays to full-sized VR domes. If you’re serious about virtual gaming, this site can get you one step closer to finding everything you need.
The VisionStation, the cheapest of the virtual reality domes offered on the site, is 1.5 meters in height and looks something like a small desk with a large, concave screen behind it. This system begins at right around $20,000. The VisionDome 5 supports at least two users, stands twelve feet tall and boasts a starting price of $149,000. Other equipment offered on the site is much more affordable for the average gamer.
Virtually Forgotten?
As everyone rushes right out to buy the latest gaming systems to hook up to their TVs and the concept of digital immersion fades from memory, is virtual reality being virtually left behind? Or is this technology still poised to sweep the collective conscious in a rush of brand new gaming possibilities?
As virtual reality becomes yesterday’s news and technology continues to improve, virtual devices will become more affordable for the common gamer. Virtual visors are growing cheaper all the time, giving everyone a little taste of video immersion. Entire systems can’t be too far behind this trend. Virtual reality is still out there, it’s still possible and it’s still going to be big in the world of gaming…one day.
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