Immersive internet experiences have been building momentum for at least a decade, with the global pandemic exemplifying the many possibilities of connecting people online in tangible ways. The Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) industries are alive and thriving, partly thanks to Meta, PlayStation VR 2, and HoloLens, to name a few. From e-gaming to online gambling, VR, and AR are only in their infancy. Their full impact is still developing.
Gaming Experiences Enhanced Through Virtual Reality
While VR still doesn't feel precisely real, players can be nearly fully immersed in a virtual environment. Games that already feel engaging due to their imaginative graphics and in-depth storylines can be significantly enhanced as gamers interact with their surroundings and experience gameplay in a way that was previously unimaginable.
Online casinos and online sportsbooks have seen a massive surge in popularity since the pandemic kept people from visiting brick-and-mortar establishments to play slots or place sports wagers. As VR becomes more integrated with online gaming as a whole, the iGaming industry will also see innovations in immersive gambling experiences.
Augmented Reality on the Rise
AR, in comparison to VR, overlays virtual elements in the real world. Pokemon Go is a poignant example of an AR game that uses a smartphone camera to map a player's real environment and then visually project a Pokemon on the screen—overlaying virtual objects in the frame where the camera is pointed.
In the context of online gambling, AR can bring the casino experience directly to the player's home. Some of the best online casino sites offer state-of-the-art graphics and virtual rooms, such as Bingo and Poker. AR technology can amplify these virtual spaces, creating a realistic and interactive gambling environment that combines virtual and physical worlds. Think about it like this: players can sit at their dining table and see a virtual roulette wheel spinning right in front of them.
VR and AR Accessibility
As technology advances, it's predicted such immersive technologies will become more accessible to a wider range of users. The affordability of VR and AR devices is currently a significant barrier to accessibility. Many industry-standard headsets and controllers are expensive; however, products such as Google Cardboard (now discontinued) began providing limited access to some of the benefits of VR technology at a lower price.
In a significant number of cases, VR and AR experiences require complex setups and specialized knowledge to operate. As user-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls become more widely implemented, it is expected that accessibility will increase to capture a wide range of users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Inclusive Design in the Immersive Internet
Inclusive design in the world of VR and AR is crucial to ensure that these technologies are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. VR and AR experiences should include accessibility features such as adjustable font sizes, color contrast options and audio descriptions for visually impaired users.
Operators must consider the physical limitations of users when designing VR and AR experiences. Hardware and controllers should be designed for all users, including those with different hand sizes, mobility impairments or other physical challenges. Multiple sensory cues —visual, auditory and haptic—can help provide information and guidance within the experiences, allowing users with different abilities to perceive and interact with the environment effectively.
Industry Questions Around VR and AR
The deeply engaging nature of VR and AR brings the question: how immersive is too immersive? Players benefit from the added entertainment and versatility of these platforms, but as the boundary between the virtual and real-world blurs, ethical considerations follow.
Regulatory bodies and health organizations call for robust mechanisms within these new technologies, such as reality checks, self-exclusion options and support resources for players, ensuring that the exciting world of virtual gaming remains a healthy form of entertainment.
VR and AR Meet Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has arrived, and despite concerns among experts, it appears to be here to say. It is also leaving an undeniable mark on both VR and AR. Gaming, online gambling and sports betting using virtual and augmented technologies can be tailored to individual players at an increased specificity.
In video games, AI can change the game as you play based on your choices and actions. Online casinos can use AI to create virtual card dealers who can understand players' feelings and reactions. For betting fans, AI can work with AR to show helpful stats and game predictions before a punter's eyes, assisting them in making smarter bets.
Final Words
VR and AR have the power to unleash a new era in e-gaming and online gambling. These technologies have the potential to transform the way users play and gamble, offering experiences that were previously borderline fantastical. From immersive gaming environments to realistic virtual casinos, VR and AR are reshaping the future of these industries. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of VR and AR across entertainment.