Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are two types of technology that have been quietly taking great leaps and strides recently, with major updates coming out every few years that wow us all. But stepping outside of the exclusive world of gaming and cinema, AR and VR have much more to contribute in the long run, and in many more sectors and industries across the world.
AR and VR is certainly very prominent in the gaming world, and looks likely to continue to be at the forefront of that industry for many years to come, with the most recent advancement being the announcement of the PSVR 2. However, aside from the expected games we will see with AR and VR, we will also definitely see games that would not traditionally be considered appropriate for augmented reality, such as FIFA.
Playing a FIFA match with your friends will become all the more entertaining as you can raise the stakes and play as though you are in the same room! And you can even take it one step further by taking your weekly online sports betting sessions online, no matter what part of the world you may be in! To find out more about just how far augmented and virtual reality could change the course of our entertainment, keep reading below!
AR/VR headsets
Perhaps the most notable change and advancement when it comes to augmented reality is the development of VR/AR headsets. From the Meta Quest 2 to Sony’s PSVR 2, and even Samsung’s Gear VR headset, we can see that more and more developers are recognizing just how big VR and AR are becoming, and are trying to make their way into the burgeoning market.
With VR headsets coming in at a wide variety of different price points, they are accessible to consumers with whatever budget they have in mind! From the most casual gamers to elite, pro-level tournament players, there is a VR headset out there that will fit your requirements for your individual play style, as well as your wallet!
AccessibilityÂ
Because of the increased availability of VR headsets, friends now have a greater opportunity to play together in the most immersive way to date. Virtual reality mimics the real world as closely as possible, and with technology always advancing and improving, this has become more realistic than ever before.
Game nights can now reach new heights even if you are sitting in California and your friend is sitting all the way over in New York! Thanks to VR/AR, not only can you take advantage of the voice chat feature, but you can also see one another’s avatars in real life, and react accordingly, making the game feel just that bit more realistic.
Increased fan engagement
Although the gaming industry might be the most prominent sector with the most VR/AR users, it is certainly not the only one. Aside from soccer games being able to be enjoyed with your friends, augmented reality is also something that has been, and will continue to be, implemented in real-time soccer tournaments, as we saw during the 2022 World Cup.
Many fans watching a soccer match at home really enjoy seeing stats and figures as well as the on-field play. They are more often than not visible in the corner of the screen, or can very easily be brought up via a menu. In an effort to push fan engagement, as well as make it more accessible, augmented reality has made it possible to pull up all the same stats and figures through the use of a smartphone or even smart glasses, so you can keep up to date with the score while you watch the action unfold before your very eyes.
Half-time games
Carrying on with the match streak, there is more for fans to do than ever before during half-time, with companies such as Immersiv.io focusing their efforts to create the most unique and immersive experience for sports fans in particular. Watching a match at home means you can get up, grab a snack, and make your way back to your couch as leisurely as you want. Half-time in a stadium? Once again, a different experience from the home one. Immersiv.io has collaborated with a range of football teams to create mini-games that fans can interact with during half-time and other breaks in order to keep them engaged throughout the live match experience.
