Virtual reality, is it a gimmick or the future of gaming? The folks behind this little gadget seem to think the later, and they’re using Kickstarter to try and get things started.
I know, I know, Kickstarter.
The product in question is called the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset designed specifically with gaming in mind. Boasting a high resolution display, a wide field of view, and ultra-low latency head tracking, it attempts to correct the many problems that have plagued previous efforts at VR displays. What’s more, it will provide this things at a much lower price point than believably immersive VR tends to run.
The stated goal of the Kickstarter is to get developers interested. The rewards being offered from this project are dev kits and prototypes –the lowest tier that actually gets you one requires you to assemble it yourself. Before you go accusing them of laziness or something on that one, the kind of person who would be interested in this thing would probably love the chance to put it together and tinker with it.
Some big names have lent their support to the project, including Gabe Newell, Michael Abrash and Cliff Bleszinski. The first game confirmed to support the Rift will be the upcoming Doom BFG Edition, which is included in many of the higher reward tiers.
It’s something that might catch on if it manages to keep its promises of low-latency and quality display, or it might be a shinier Virtual Boy. The important thing to get the ball rolling on this is to sell the idea to Developers, not just gamers, and so far the Rift seems to be on the right track for that.
Welp… if John and Gabe are backing it, and Cliff (who I used to hate, but now think pretty highly of) then color me interested.
It’s already passed double its goal. Nearly $600,000 now. I’m stunned that they could do this in only a single day.
Not actually John Carmack’s VR display.
https://twitter.com/ID_AA_Carmack/status/230704647399153666
Good catch. Updated the article now that this is cleared up.
NOT GIVING MONEY TO KICKSTARTER
My skepticism took a massive hit when I realised Carmack was on board with this.
Then I remembered he was involved with RAGE.
Aww, Rage wasn’t that bad.
This has a lot of potential to make game’s more immersive. I’ll have to wait and see what people think of the prototype.