When you think about virtual reality, you probably don’t think of eSports. While virtual reality allows players to show emotion, up until recently there were not a lot of outlets for it in eSports.
Now, however, the eSports world is embracing virtual reality. There are many VR games that are played in the eSports space, but to be successful you must have the proper equipment.
Keep reading to find out more about how virtual reality and eSports go hand in hand.
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What Is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality, or VR for short, is defined as the usage of VR devices while playing video games. These special devices allow players to see in an artificial 3D environment, and most VR devices have motion-sensing controllers or trackers optimized for eye and body movement.
Additionally, most VRs have headsets that allow players to see the 3D environment and hear sounds. They come with built-in microphones perfect for talking to other players, whether they are on your team or in an open chat.
In this way, VR pushes players to move their bodies around their space and show emotion, which in turn gets the eSports audience more invested in their performance.
How Is Virtual Reality Embracing eSports?
The eSports industry has been slowly but steadily embracing virtual reality. Each year since virtual reality went mainstream, there more VR-only eSports leagues have started up around the globe.
Some eSports athletes have been hesitant to use virtual reality, mostly due to the limited number of games optimized for VR. But the technology has grown significantly in the past couple of years and so has the number of eSports games that are playable in virtual reality.
This trend is only expected to continue, so it makes sense that a lot of leagues are trying to get in on the ground floor of virtual reality in eSports.
What VR Games Exist in eSports?
You’re probably curious about what sorts of games you can play in virtual reality, and what ones are being played in eSports leagues. Here is a selection of popular VR games and some information about them:
- Cities VR is a city building and managing game that is essentially the same as Cities: Skylines but with reworked controls that are suitable for VR. You cab explore your city at street level and get a closer look at everything.
- Hitman 3 is an action/adventure game that comes with a free update that enables VR. This means if you already own the game, you can play it in VR. It’s worth noting that you can play through all the missions of the original game in VR with no issues.
- Stride is a free-running game that enables you to leap and wall run in a challenge of how long you can go without falling. This physical game gets progressively more difficult as new obstacles are introduced.
- Thumper is a rhythm game like no other. While you have to time your inputs to the music like any other rhythm game, this one has stages that feel like battles.
- Falcon Age is an adventure game where you and your pet bird of prey have to fight back against the robot empire that took over your home planet. It contains lots of action and the potential to lose yourself in a virtual world.
What Special Equipment Is Needed to Play eSports on VR?
Virtual reality comes in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Different VR headsets are available for your phone, console, laptop and PC.
First and foremost, you will need to decide which device(s) you want to use to play virtual reality games. Here is a basic idea of what you will need to enjoy VR:
- Standalone VR gear can be used by itself without a PC or a smartphone. Once you put on the wireless glasses, you can immediately start gaming. This is great if you travel a lot and want to take your virtual reality experience with you.
- A VR headset for your computer comes with the ability to enjoy high graphics quality that you may not get with other headsets or gear. If you only want to enjoy VR at home, this is the right choice for you.
- Free space is essential no matter what type of virtual reality equipment you decide to purchase. To use VR, you will have to move like you are actually in the game you are playing, so an empty bedroom or garage is necessary.
The Future of VR In eSports
Many people believe that virtual reality is still at the beginning of its journey, especially in the eSports world. More studies are needed to explore the potential of virtual reality beyond just playing in it, on topics such as data sharing and spectating.
VR creates an experience for gamers that allows for both physical and emotional reactions, and it has massive potential to continue growing. The future is bright for VR in eSports, and it will be interesting to see where it goes.
We hope you benefited from this blog post on virtual reality and eSports! Have you played virtual reality eSports? Let us know your thoughts on the future of VR in the comments!
