The internet is full of predictions on virtual reality (VR) some positive some not so. Numerous market research reports have been released over the last year which point to the VR market being worth billions by 2020, with growth rates at various percentages. So optimism is high for this burgeoning industry, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) boss Jim Ryan sees VR having a good future.
During an interview with vg247 after SCEE’s press conference at Paris Games Week (PGW) this week, Ryan was asked if he thought VR was a fad similar to 3D TV’s. To which he responded: “I am optimistic about VR having a long-term future as an important part of the gaming eco-system. Yes, I am.”
The other worry for fans is that Sony hasn’t shown the greatest commitment to its mobile platform Vita, and whether this may also be the case for PlayStation VR if the launch isn’t a success. “I think it’s very hard to make concrete promises about something that is completely untried and unproven. But I think what we can say is that we’re taking this very seriously. We do view it as something that will be of considerable long-term importance. I’m aware that might come across as a bit mealy-mouthed, but I think that’s probably about as much as I can say,” Ryan said.
The PlayStation VR head-mounted display (HMD) for PlayStation 4 is due to be released in the first half of 2016, although price and exact date are still to be announced. SCE has already shipped 29 million PlayStation 4 units to retailers to date, but the sold figure will be some what lower. Even so that gives the PlayStation VR a large user base to attract, giving it a reasonable chance of success, depending on content.
VRFocus will continue to follow all the latest news and announcements on PlayStation VR, reporting back any further updates.
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