Experts Say Planned VR Arcade Initiative Can Save VR Industry

The virtual reality industry has been around a lot longer than people think, and its existence has largely revolved around arcades and entertainment businesses. It may have gotten resurging interest since products like the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift or even the PlayStation 4 VR have come around, but it’s still unstable. According to experts, the best hope for VR taking hold is through arcades.

HTC recently made its intention to create a VR arcade revolution by spreading the technology all throughout Europe, America, and Asia. Included in the agenda is the construction of places like Viveland, which the company has in Taiwan. Speaking to an expert on the matter, Polygon reports that this is the right move for the industry.

VR has actually enjoyed a relatively decent run in places like Disneyland and other corporate-run establishments since the 90s. According to Kevin Williams, the founder of the Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment Network Association, VR has always been around, flying under the radar.

"VR has never really gone away from the out-of-home entertainment and commercial simulation sector," Williams said. "Most notably Walt Disney saw incredible success with their VR platform incorporated into their DisneyQuest indoor theme park project. Opened in 1997, the facility operated continuously for over 19 years, the famous Aladdin's Magic Carpet VR Ride proving one of the longest running VR attractions, and underpinning the opportunity of VR in the attractions and amusement approach."

With the combined fervor that consumers are feeling about VR now and the proven resilience of corporate VR, the industry could be looking at the birth of a new trend. Of course, this is all dependent on the products themselves.

In terms of price, performance, and accessibility, current VR platforms are still in the niche category for most. The International Business Times compares all of the major VR products to give consumers a better idea of which they should get. The analysis also provides a clear picture as to where VR stands now and how VR arcade is the way to go.