Nobody knows how successful virtual reality (VR) technology will be long term. Naturally those within the industry see it eventually becoming the defacto medium for consuming entertainment, while others less so. If the success of Samsung’s consumer Gear VR mobile head-mounted display (HMD) launch is anything to go by, then consumers are hungry to see VR fully come to fruition. Market Research companies and analysts also seem to be steering towards a positive outcome with videogame industry analyst firm Superdata predicting 70 million VR HMDs will be in consumer hands by the end of 2017.

From this many headsets the firm sees VR hardware revenue at $8.8 billion USD and $6.1 billion in VR software sales. Superdata’s research seems to focus on the American market, suggesting around 31% of the 11 million US PlayStation 4 owners plan to purchase a PlayStation VR HMD. While 18% of PC gamers have said they’ll buy an Oculus Rift, reports vg247. Below are Superdata’s current estimations.

“Initially, affordable smartphone devices will drive the bulk of sales as consumers first explore virtual reality before committing to the more expensive platforms,” SuperData Director of Research Stephanie Llamas has said. “After this first wave, however, it will be especially console gamers that will spur growth of high-end VR devices.”

Both the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR both launch in 2016 and it’ll be interesting to see how much of an effect Sony Computer Entertainment’s (SCE’s) PlayStation 4 install base has over PC rivals. There’s also the added question of the HTC Vive which is still expected to launch in limited quantities this year, although HTC has yet to announce a date.

VRFocus will continue to follow all the latest news on VR closely, reporting back with any further updates.

-END-

The post Analyst Predicts Install Base of 70 Million VR Headsets By 2017 appeared first on VRFocus.

Previous articleSome Oculus Story Studio Members Think Henry is a ‘flawed narrative’
Next articleSORTEDfood Release 360 Degree Cooking Video