The virtual reality, one of the most striking advances of the 21st century in terms of technology, is already a reality. Little by little it is being implemented in homes and there are already many industries that are betting on it and that find advantages for the experience that the user can live. Next, in this article, we will review how this new way of interacting is being applied in the environment of the online entertainmentone of the industries that presents the most options and that best adapts to changes.
Before going into detailing specific cases, we are about to define what is understood as virtual reality. It’s about the creating an environment where the scenes, objects and people are real in appearance, but have been generated using computer technologies. In addition, it makes the user, who has special glasses and manual devices, have the feeling of being inside of this new scenario created digitally. From here, its applications and possibilities are endless.
The gaming industry, one of the standard bearers
Thanks to the industry videogame, especially led by some platforms such as Sony’s PlayStation, virtual reality entered homes. There are several companies that have been betting on this type of games, specially designed to allow a full user integration and create a unique immersive experience. We can highlight from the adventures of Batman: Arkham to the frenetic pace of the intergalactic battles of Doom, going through the always exciting races of Gran Turismo Sport.
This technology is also available on other platforms far from the big game consoles. For example, from the computer, one has the possibility of playing games and have an inclusive experience with PokerStars, a portal specialized in the game of poker. In a simple and intuitive way, in addition to the usual games and championships, it offers users the possibility of playing against real opponents sharing a table as if it were a meeting in the physical world, thus improving the user experience.
More interesting applications of virtual reality
He movie world It is another of the fields that are adapting to this increasingly consolidated consumer trend. Platforms as well known as Netflix have already launched projects related to the integrative experiences of its users. At the moment, these products do not fully exploit the possibilities that this technology allows, since they are limited at this moment to offering the visualization in three dimensionsusual in theaters, now in homes.
There are experiences that on site they earn much more interest than watching them on TV. We are talking, for example, about theater plays, music concerts either sporting events. There are several companies that are working so that in the short term a person can feel fully involved in the action without the need to leave home. Imagine for a moment watching our favorite artist or an NBA game at the foot of the court a few meters away. Incredible true?
It is already common to find in the theme parks attractions that, far from having a great structure, adrenaline is generated through virtual glasses and mobile armchairs. This has created endless opportunities, moving attendees to impossible places as historical periods of the past or futuristic galaxies. This, which is impossible to recreate in reality with structures and through screens, has been made possible by virtual reality technology.
And we end up mixing entertainment and culture. One of the most consolidated practices of this technology, and the one for which the public administration has invested the most, is the museum building and cultural spaces in the virtual world. It is possible to visit well-known tourist enclaves such as the Louvre Museum in Paris or the Prado Museum in Madrid, two of the best museums in the world, without having to take a flight or leave the room. Thus, the content is accessible to all types of audiences and without the need for large financial outlays.