Move sold like 20 million units, Sony and the VR industry would be ecstatic if it becomes the next move.
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Develop: PC VR sales has almost ground to a halt
- Thread starter Wollan
- Start date
Move sold like 20 million units, Sony and the VR industry would be ecstatic if it becomes the next move.
Razgriz-Specter
Member
Real_Madrid
Member
VR has many hurdles ahead imo. It's very anti-social for one, imagine being a family and having one of your kids sit there with a weird headset on, or worse claiming the living room for a room scale VR game and having cables all around the house. While now, the whole family can engage even with singleplayer games like Uncharted. I still find it weird to think that such a gaming experience can become mainstream. Off topic, but I always felt that VR is a difficult sell, enthusiasts look at the possibilities and point at non-gaming things like sport games, movies etc, but who's going to watch a soccer game with such a headset on, making you need to watch it alone, you cannot do anything else than watching the game,...
And of course, as some others here said, needing an expensive PC and expensive headset, will always make it a niche product with limited support. Sony is now investing quite heavily in third party exclusives, but they will drop that very fast if their audience isn't ready for an expensive headset. I really think Sony is doing everything they can (having exclusive VR experiences for huge franchises isn't a small thing), but still, a huge audience playing consoles only play Fifa, COD, Ucharted and some other AAA games. I can't think why any of them would buy a really expensive headset.
And of course, as some others here said, needing an expensive PC and expensive headset, will always make it a niche product with limited support. Sony is now investing quite heavily in third party exclusives, but they will drop that very fast if their audience isn't ready for an expensive headset. I really think Sony is doing everything they can (having exclusive VR experiences for huge franchises isn't a small thing), but still, a huge audience playing consoles only play Fifa, COD, Ucharted and some other AAA games. I can't think why any of them would buy a really expensive headset.
Looked up my purchased games for HTC Vive
Tilt Brush
$29.99 (Vive Pack In)
Owners: 126,267 ± 9,259
Job Simulator
$29.99 (Vive Pack In)
Owners: 100,836 ± 8,275
Space Pirate Trainer VR
$14.99
Owners: 73,804 ± 7,080
Raw Data
$39.99
Owners: 33,612 ± 4,778
Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
$19.99
Owners: 25,253 ± 4,141
Fruit Ninja VR
$14.99
Owners: 15,294 ± 3,223
Cosmic Trip
$14.99
Owners: 8,536 ± 2,408
I tried a demo pf PSVR the other day at a mall, and despite the low resolution(which stopped mattering in seconds), I thought it was amazing and I loved it. I couldn't stop thinking about how great it was afterwards.
My PC has the GTX1080 and all that, and I'd love to buy a Rift, but right now it's just too hard to justify the $600 for the handful of actual games that work with it. I want VR support for real games, not just the gimmicky ones. Even if it's just stereo 3D.
I'd imagine it's the same with many people. The want for VR is there, it's just not worth the investment to many. I don't think VR is what I'd call a fad or gimmick, because it's actually an amazing experience. It just needs to mature a bit longer, and become more affordable.
My PC has the GTX1080 and all that, and I'd love to buy a Rift, but right now it's just too hard to justify the $600 for the handful of actual games that work with it. I want VR support for real games, not just the gimmicky ones. Even if it's just stereo 3D.
I'd imagine it's the same with many people. The want for VR is there, it's just not worth the investment to many. I don't think VR is what I'd call a fad or gimmick, because it's actually an amazing experience. It just needs to mature a bit longer, and become more affordable.
DerZuhälter
Member
The software has been terrible so far.
The general consensus is: We are missing a killer app. There are games that are fun to play with it, but their problem is: they don't look like that much fun when communicated/showcased on an ordinary screen on Youtube or whatever. I haven't seen a single game that even looked close to being an incredible experience.
A killer app doesn't necessarily have to be a killer app, it just has to look like one to get people excited enough to buy the damn things. But even that is sorely missing. Missing in the market now and missing as a future title.
My personal excitement has hit rockbottom, and that isn't even considering setting these monsters up infront of a screen / livingroom situation.
Developers come up with snazzy amazing trailers that make you say "Take all my money" all the time for games that are as far as 2 or 3 years away, yet not a single studio was able to do the same for VR. It's perplexing because it suggests that VR not only missing appealing software now, there's nothing in the future that might be better.
The general consensus is: We are missing a killer app. There are games that are fun to play with it, but their problem is: they don't look like that much fun when communicated/showcased on an ordinary screen on Youtube or whatever. I haven't seen a single game that even looked close to being an incredible experience.
A killer app doesn't necessarily have to be a killer app, it just has to look like one to get people excited enough to buy the damn things. But even that is sorely missing. Missing in the market now and missing as a future title.
My personal excitement has hit rockbottom, and that isn't even considering setting these monsters up infront of a screen / livingroom situation.
Developers come up with snazzy amazing trailers that make you say "Take all my money" all the time for games that are as far as 2 or 3 years away, yet not a single studio was able to do the same for VR. It's perplexing because it suggests that VR not only missing appealing software now, there's nothing in the future that might be better.
Mufausa The 3rd
Member
In Canada, you're literally paying a little over $3000 just to get a PC with a VR Setup. PS4s cost $429.99 plus with VR ($644.99) ($429.99 + 644.99 + Taxes = $1220.38). These stats speak for themselves. Most people also own a PS4 as well too. So it's gunna see more support and better sales in comparison to Oculus Rift and Vive.
Captain Tuttle
Member
What's the killer app?
The Elite
BOSS
Bought my Rift day one but not surprised by this at all. Have a PSVR coming as well.
I paid about $1800 CAD. Also. My PC isn't exclusively for VR.
I paid about $1800 CAD. Also. My PC isn't exclusively for VR.
LordRaptor
Member
DerZuhälter;216012265 said:
The audience that holler and cheer at an E3 presentation where Sam Fisher stabs a muslim looking man in the neck from behind are not the same audience looking for new experiences only possible with VR.
I think Sony could produce a lot of these things, but they themselves are also very much aware that it will only reach a niche this early on.
My my
Who could've seen this coming
Oh, there's a surprise. Big surprise. That's incred-- I think I'm going to have a heart attack and die from that surprise.
soundscream
Member
Isnt that why they haven't said anything about it?
If its not a fad "announce partnership", if it doesn't take off "act like you never mentioned it".
Wrestlemania
Banned
VR headsets and summer are a terrible combination. Even in fairly mild heat they get really sweaty really quickly.
Bits N Pieces
Member
How much will the next iteration of Oculus or Vive cost ion 2/3/4 years time?
The price is so prohibitive right now for mass market appeal that only Mobile and PSVR have any chance of penetrating that market and even at that, I dont think either will set the heather on fire.
In 5/7/10 years time though? Whole different ball game.
The price is so prohibitive right now for mass market appeal that only Mobile and PSVR have any chance of penetrating that market and even at that, I dont think either will set the heather on fire.
In 5/7/10 years time though? Whole different ball game.
kinoki
Illness is the doctor to whom we pay most heed; to kindness, to knowledge, we make promise only; pain we obey.
I doubt I'll have the hardware to pull it off in any way that I find meaningful. If I had to guess I'd say that a lot of potential consumers are in the same seat as me. I'll just wait for PSVR if I want my VR fix. Hopefully by the time I get it there are some fun games too.
Iztok Mravlja
Banned
They don't even sell the things where I live and the only way I can get them is by importing paying 2x the asking price.
PSVR is going to sell at my local supermarket, on the other hand. Guess which one I'm getting (vs. which one I really want :\)
PSVR is going to sell at my local supermarket, on the other hand. Guess which one I'm getting (vs. which one I really want :\)
NintendosBooger
Member
Console gamers aren't going to commit to PSVR in droves, at least not the ones in the States. They've spent hundreds and even thousands for big screen TVs and projectors to play their games on; they're not going to hand over their money for a gaming unit that doesn't take advantage of them.
texhnolyze
Banned
That summer hentai game? I couldn't think of anything else that would fit the 'killer apps' category right now.
LifeBrandRobot
Member
PSVR will be the savior of VR. Devs will make games for PSVR an then port them to other VR platforms because why not. You should be on your hands and knees thanking Sony that they are magnanimous enough to be releasing this god given HMD. Without PSVR there wouldn't even be another VR generation or two.
MoogleWizard
Member
Many say cost is the problem but I imagine playing games wearing a helmet is simply not appealing to many people no matter what it costs, me included.
goldenpp72
Member
Shocked, I thought expensive tech with mostly demo feeling games with high spec requirements would take over the world.
Forever Changes
Banned
Please stop.
Sad Affleck
Member
The early adopters jumped in immediately and there are no price drops or "killer app" to drive mass adoption. It makes complete sense to me.
Reineldinho
Member
I've tried and liked a lot both HTC Vive and the Samsung Gear VR, but the entry point for both of them (although I know they are completely different products) is too expensive for what they are offering right now.
I really want VR to become mainstream and therefore cheaper, but I'm sorry I'm not spending thousands of euros to have a HTC Vive (o Rift) and I'm not buying a Samsung compatible smartphone just for the Gear VR.
The combo PS4 + PSVR might become interesting (price wise). We'll see. Maybe by the time Scorpio is a thing there are better and chaper generation 2 devices.
I really want VR to become mainstream and therefore cheaper, but I'm sorry I'm not spending thousands of euros to have a HTC Vive (o Rift) and I'm not buying a Samsung compatible smartphone just for the Gear VR.
The combo PS4 + PSVR might become interesting (price wise). We'll see. Maybe by the time Scorpio is a thing there are better and chaper generation 2 devices.
DerZuhälter;216012265 said:
i think the software is fine so far. sure there's not a steady stream of must buy games but for a platform with such a low install base i'm impressed with some of the titles that are popping out of nowhere
sort of reminds me of the early psx/saturn days where you had like a handful of honest to god great games along with tons of stuff that was little more than a 3D graphics showcase.
almost every major studio has something coming for rift or vive... really not too worried on the "there's no games" front.
Enter The 36 Chambers
Member
So 2017 is gonna be the year of VR right?
Or will it be 2018?
2019?
PSVR won't save this niche expensive tech.
Or will it be 2018?
2019?
PSVR won't save this niche expensive tech.
Lister
Banned
Well, I think the market of early adopters, with the disposable income for a first gen device and who are tech savvy enough to not need a TV commercial to be told about this stuff is probably reached, yes...
But like everything else, once prices come down and the market is made more aware of these devices there will be more targettable consumers.
PSVR is backed by Sony, who is going to spend a buttload of money on marketing, but PC VR, just like in gmaing overall, will ocntinue to be seen as the "premier" experience.
Which means it won't be for everyone, but it will still be popular.
But like everything else, once prices come down and the market is made more aware of these devices there will be more targettable consumers.
PSVR is backed by Sony, who is going to spend a buttload of money on marketing, but PC VR, just like in gmaing overall, will ocntinue to be seen as the "premier" experience.
Which means it won't be for everyone, but it will still be popular.
Oculus could sell it for a $50 loss for $150. Imagine how fast it'd sell then.
Yes, the Oculus costs $200 to make.
loganclaws
Plane Escape Torment
Hardware without software will always lead to failure. In order to have good software, hardware needs to have mass adoption to justify software development costs and allow developers to gain profit. Neither is happening with VR.
Facebook doesn't run on charity.
AHA-Lambda
Member
This, there are just no games yet. Basically everything is a tech demo or gimmick.
I think the PSVR fans here are going to be in for a rude awakening months post launch
Zeouterlimits
Member
Tough, I do wonder how this will play out.
I enjoy VR, and am an early adopter, but I see its faults too.
Interesting times..
You really think that if they could sell it for $200, they wouldn't? Really?
They would love that, be on that shit so fast.
I enjoy VR, and am an early adopter, but I see its faults too.
Interesting times..
As sure you are correct about that, I am that you are wrong.
You really think that if they could sell it for $200, they wouldn't? Really?
They would love that, be on that shit so fast.
lowrider007
Licorice-flavoured booze?
I've been waiting for VR to take off for years, been one of my most anticipated devices, but that being said I haven't bothered to jump on board yet, It just seems way overpriced to me, and like many others have already said, no enticing software at all, I actually ended up buying a 21:9 display instead of a VR Headset and I have no regrets.
Yes, but people want to have loans, there are people who make the marketing, deals for games, programmers...
I think the issue is that at large, the average consumer gives zero fucks.
DerZuhälter
Member
AHA-Lambda
Member
That figure is from that materials breakdown a while back isn't it?
you're also forgetting the costs of distribution, marketing, R&D etc.
I'm primarily a PC gamer. Have always been since I was a kid. High-end VR doesn't really pique my curiosity, so lower-end VR like PSVR definitely doesn't seem appealing to me.
I don't know if it's a good thing that it has the potential to appeal to the masses, though. Not wanting to invest to get the best possible VR experience can be detrimental to the technology, getting stuck in-between its popular appeal due to its low price and its full potential, due to its lower-quality components. I guess that it could be a good stepping stone if the next iteration of the Vive or the Oculus severely reduce their prices, though.
I don't know if it's a good thing that it has the potential to appeal to the masses, though. Not wanting to invest to get the best possible VR experience can be detrimental to the technology, getting stuck in-between its popular appeal due to its low price and its full potential, due to its lower-quality components. I guess that it could be a good stepping stone if the next iteration of the Vive or the Oculus severely reduce their prices, though.
I fall into the "VR is a fad camp" but I think to fully see this play out we need to wait at least a few years and hardware iterations before really being able to see the direction that VR is gonna go. Right now it is only the extreme early adopters that have the extra cash to shell out for VR that can afford to buy this first iteration. I think when the Oculus 2 and Vive 2 come out they will be at a lower price point with at least equal components, when that happens we will see a greater number of adopters allowing for that critical mass of hardware sales for good VR software to be invested in and created.
If Facebook or Valve/HTC don't bother to invest in another round of headsets or dump money into supporting devs that make games for their hardware then I think this thing is dead in the water.
If Facebook or Valve/HTC don't bother to invest in another round of headsets or dump money into supporting devs that make games for their hardware then I think this thing is dead in the water.
LukasTaves
Member
How unsurprising.
Anyone could see this coming from a light year away.
Now I'm sure the companies involved also expected this (if they haven't it was their fault) so I don't expect them to halt development which is very needed until it becomes decent and comfortable.
Anyone could see this coming from a light year away.
Now I'm sure the companies involved also expected this (if they haven't it was their fault) so I don't expect them to halt development which is very needed until it becomes decent and comfortable.