Competitive gaming has been around even in the 70s, but the big turning point was definitely the early 2000s. Since then, it has expanded to the mobile scene, and in recent years, it started incorporating VR gaming. This is a significant shift, and it has multiple positive outcomes. Stick around to find out why having VR in eSports is a big deal and what factors brought about this change.
More Accessible VR Gear
Virtual reality gear isn’t that new since it was introduced in the 90s, but it wasn’t exactly accessible to a large consumer base. Even in 2010, when its implementation in gaming started to become more widespread, the price tag was a big deterrent. Now we have more competition in this market and better gear at an affordable price. Not only that, but more studios are working on new VR titles or adding VR compatibility to older releases. As a result, more players are interested in VR gaming.
Accessibility plays a huge role in the success of any industry. The same thing happened with online casinos, which started in the 90s. However, with limited internet access and no smartphones, the market never took off. Nowadays we have casino sites that are mobile-compatible and have generous player promotions. Just look at Golden Tiger Casino, which gives up to $1500 in bonus cash to new players. They are packed with mobile games, have low deposit policies, and solid VIP perks. This way, they cater to both casual and high-roller players.
A Different Type of Competitive Gaming
A VR experience is notably different compared to traditional gaming. Players use motion controllers rather than keys or buttons, and physical exhaustion can play a big role in the outcome of the match. In other words, competitors need to be good at the game and physically fit in order to compete. The whole thing is different or more dynamic for spectators as well. They don’t only watch what’s happening in the real world, but they also get to watch players in their stations and see how they move.
Tackling Unhealthy Gaming Stigma
For all the good eSports brought to gaming entertainment, it never managed to address some of its core issues. Playing video games has always been seen as an unhealthy habit and an unhealthy career choice. Anyone who wanted to make a living by playing games had to deal with the fact that they would sit for hours behind the screen. Lack of physical activity, sunlight, fresh air, and other nutrients had a visible impact on the bodies of streamers, esports players, and hardcore gamers.
Many had to add workouts to their daily routines just to offset some of these negative effects. Now, with the inclusion of VR tech, there are healthier career paths within the industry. Physical fitness, reaction time, coordination, and agility really matter in VR tournaments. Players physically improve as they practice these things, and gaming counts as training, so they have more free time.
Still, too much VR isn’t exactly a healthy habit. Eyestrain, nausea, motion sickness, and physical fatigue are some of the common side effects that you can experience if you spend too much time in virtual reality.
Conclusion
Merging digital entertainment with physical activity is a great combo, but the currently available gear has room for improvement. If this is to reach the same level of popularity as regular esports, the controls need to become more responsive and account for more finesse. That way, competitive players will really get to push the boundaries of what’s possible within VR games. Having more comfortable headsets and adding leg motion controllers would be ideal, too.
