
Virtual Reality (VR) has taken the world by storm, with its promise of immersion appealing to a wide variety of consumers. This innovative technology transcends the realm of modern advancements, making for a unique experience in various fields, the most common being gaming.
However, VR has made its way into other, more practical fields, contributing to daily operations and other breakthroughs. While you may be picturing a doctor in a VR headset, it is actually more complex than that, as this tech comes in many shapes and forms. Let’s explore some of the ways VR has impacted various fields (and yes, that includes gaming!).
Leveling Up Reality Through Gaming & iGaming
Virtual Reality (VR) technology’s impact on the gaming sector has allowed players to further immerse themselves in a game, breaking away from a passive session on a 2D screen. Instead, gamers can physically enter the world and explore it alongside their friends with added multiplayer options. Some great examples of the success of VR in this sector lie in popular titles such as Resident Evil Village, Dirt Rally, Walkabout Mini Golf, and Alien: Rogue Incursion. While these games may be solely PC or console-based, there are mobile and casino games that utilize this technology.
At online casino platforms such as lucky block casino, the use of VR could revolutionize gambling. Not only would it make for more immersive casino environments, but it could also add the missing element of human touch to these virtual spaces. For one, VR technology in iGaming could help mirror brick-and-mortar casino atmospheres, which is a great way to attract players who enjoy traditional gambling. By leaning into multiplayer technology associated with gaming, VR could result in more community-centered iGaming platforms.
Painting in Pixels and Sculpting in Space
Besides gaming, VR has been used for more creative endeavors, providing artists with innovative ways to show off their creations. It also gives artists more freedom in their creation process, making the act of design and creation more efficient and immersive at the same time. Artists have access to an array of VR sculpting and/or painting software that allows them to create masterpieces in a completely virtual environment. While traditional art creation may take more time, the implementation of VR tech allows for faster processes, easier clean-up, and cleaner brush strokes.
VR also means there is room for art to be combined with technology, making for a completely new form of artistic expression. An example of this would be art installations that allow viewers to interact with the piece and elicit a more emotional response. This includes installations such as The Kremer Museum VR Experience and Bjork’s digital show at Somerset House. There are even set-ups that allow guests to interact with their favorite characters from movies and shows or see their favorite paintings and statues come to life!
Learning by Doing Through Education & Training
Beyond hobbies and extracurricular activities, VR is also changing the way education and training are done today. While some still prefer the traditional method of study, this technology creates opportunities where learning is concerned. Lecturers, trainers, and teachers can use VR as a means to keep students fully engaged through interactive sessions. Not only does this help with retention, but it also helps learners to fully absorb the information being presented due to the unique presentation style.
In the medical field, this technology can help with simulating surgeries to give medical students a more realistic experience. Similarly, the engineering sector can use VR for virtual prototyping and to explain structure, while history lectures can recreate historical events and locations.
Immersive Healing and Diagnostics in Healthcare
Outside of training, VR can also be used to treat patients and reap patient-centered outcomes within the healthcare sector. With treatments specifically, there are several ways VR can prove useful, including as a means to manage pain. This is done through distraction therapy, which redirects a patient’s focus to something other than pain, thus reducing their awareness of it.
Additionally, VR can help patients who are undergoing motor skill training regain control of their body or even assist with mental health conditions through exposure therapy. Operations-wise, VR is a more efficient way to perform diagnostics and complete surgical planning as it can be done remotely or on-site. Ultimately, this all means there are higher positive patient outcomes, making for better quality healthcare and treatment.
The Immersive Virtual Reality Shopping Experience
At times, heading to the mall to run errands can seem like such a chore, as it can prove quite an exhausting task. However, VR technology being used in retail and e-commerce makes it that much easier to shop from the comfort of your home. The tech, on some platforms, allows buyers to explore virtual showrooms and take a “try it before you buy it” approach to a particular product. Additionally, this means buyers get a tailored shopping experience as retailers may provide product demonstrations based on shopping habits and trends.
Entertainment and Experiences Beyond Gaming and Art
While art and gaming sectors benefit from the use of Virtual Reality technology, the entertainment sphere is another great industry where this technology can shine. For many, the current economy might make it difficult to travel and explore, but VR is a game-changer in this regard. Users can explore different countries, landmarks, and other famous locations through VR technology, making for a form of virtual tourism. To take it a step further, users could even attend concerts and other live events in real time so they can still enjoy such a unique experience. Lastly, VR is a genius way of making storytelling more immersive in that individuals can enjoy cinema in a way never seen before.