In today’s modern videogame culture watching people play via streaming sites like Twitch is almost as popular as actually taking part. Announced today are details on a new streaming service dedicated to virtual reality (VR) called VREAL.
VREAL aims to provide the first VR live-streaming platform, combining entertainment and social interaction in one place. From a viewers perspective, VREAL streams are integrated directly into videogame content. This enables gamers to be right next to their favourite streamer where they can watch a stream with full immersive freedom, so you’ll be able to stand right next to a player or take to the sky for a birds eye view of the arena.
While for those streaming videogames VREAL can be accessed on any VR hardware system. The platform doesn’t use third-party broadcasting applications; anyone can broadcast their stream directly through VREAL. It allows for full native VR streaming, as well as 360-degree and 2D video streams from multiple points of view with both passive and active camera operators.
“The rise of gaming as viewable entertainment has reshaped the game marketplace, and virtual reality will forever change the way we play and watch. VREAL is the first company to create a platform that gives game developers, streamers and players a way to natively stream VR gaming experiences across the full spectrum of desktop and mobile VR and traditional 2D screens,” says Todd Hooper, founder and CEO, VREAL. “We’re giving streamers all the tools they need to create immersive experiences in VR. Moreover, gamers who spend hours watching, will now have freedom to see the game from any angle they want, anywhere inside the game world, right next to the streamer. That’s VREAL.”
VREAL will be compatible with most VR head-mounted displays (HMDs), including HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR. Viewers will also be able to use the streaming platform on standard desktop screens.
A beta program for VREAL is planned for this summer, but there’s currently no details on when a full release is expected. VREAL will be attending the Consumer Virtual Reality (CVR) 2016 event in Vancouver, Canada next month for those wishing to get an early glimpse.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of VREAL, reporting back any further updates.
