Virtual reality has been in the news for years, but it has become a hot topic for discussion in recent years because of its transformation from a gimmick to a daily use device. With the help of new technologies, developers are creating new virtual reality games to immerse players into an unimaginable world where they experience reality in a fun way.
Many entrepreneurs have their eyes on the growing virtual reality industry and want to develop their virtual game systems. It takes some knowledge about VR and hard work to develop a VR game, but we first need to learn what virtual reality is and how it works.
What Is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality is a cutting-edge technology that can create interactive virtual experiences with the help of a computer, and you can view them by wearing a VR headset. You can look around by simply turning your head in the desired direction, and a few new best virtual reality system also features movement.
What Is VR Gaming?
VR Gaming stands for new generation games that incorporate virtual reality technology to enjoy a truly immersive experience. VR gaming requires some special gaming devices, including a VR headset, gloves with sensors, hand controllers, etc. VR games are compatible with many devices, including gaming consoles, laptops, and gaming computers.
Types of Virtual Reality
Based on virtual reality headsets and experience, there are two types of virtual reality, and each type requires different virtual reality gear.
- Stationary Virtual Reality
- Room-Scale Virtual Reality
Stationary Virtual Reality
The stationary virtual reality experience is essential compared to the other type of VR, and you don't have to buy an expensive VR headset to enjoy a stationary VR experience. In Stationary VR, you can look around but can't move your head, and the controller features basic functionalities only. Some of the best VR headsets for the Stationary VR experience as given below.
- Oculus Go
- Google Cardboard
- Samsung Gear VR
Room-Scale Virtual Reality
The Room-Scale Virtual Reality experience is immersive as you have the option to look into the virtual world and move around as you want to. For better results, you need to buy virtual reality headsets with motion trackers to interact with objects in the virtual world. These VR headsets are expensive compared to stationary VR headsets, and some of the best VR headsets that you can buy right now are given below.
- Oculus Rift
- Oculus Quest
- HTC Vive
- Valve Index
- PlayStation VR
Types of VR Games
Hundreds of virtual reality video games are available today, ranging from multiple VR games to online and individual VR games. Each game offers a different experience, and the experience will largely depend on the device you are using.
- VR Games on PCs and Laptops
- VR Games on Game Consoles
- VR Games on Smartphones
VR Games on PCs and Laptops
Virtual reality games for computers feature a detailed virtual world and are compatible with both stationary and room-scale virtual reality experiences.
VR Games on Game Consoles
Virtual reality games for gaming consoles are similar to VR games for computers, but they only work with specific consoles. Each console features a specific virtual reality headset.
VR Games on Smartphones
Virtual reality games are new to mobile phones, and they offer a beginner-level virtual reality gaming experience. Most mobile phone manufacturers into VR gaming offer their headsets, but you can buy compatible VR headsets from the internet to enjoy VR gaming on your small screen device.
Virtual Reality Gaming Accessories
Traditional mouse and keyboard don't work with most virtual reality games, and you need to wear a headset to enter the virtual world. The first-person viewpoint of virtual reality games is the biggest advantage over traditional games.
To achieve the best VR gaming experience, you need advanced VR headsets and input devices to control your movement and actions on screen. Some of the most commonly used virtual reality gaming peripherals are given below.
- VR Gaming Headsets & Goggles
- VR Game Controllers
- VR Gaming Gloves
VR Gaming Headsets & Goggles
VR Gaming Headsets & Goggles are the most important VR gaming accessory as you can enjoy games without other accessions but not without this one. This category of VR accessories is expanding day by day, and new Headsets are launching from time to time with advanced motion control features.
These VR headsets and goggles can transmit movements of your eyes and head into the computer and process it in the second to move your avatar in the VR game accordingly.
VR Game Controllers
No doubt that you can view the environment around you with a headset and goggles, but you need a game controller to interact with the environment. Most VR game controllers are handheld devices, while some expensive options are available that feature motion sensors to send commands based on your gestures.
VR Gaming Gloves
VR gaming gloves have sensors to take the detail in virtual reality games to the next level. They can track the movement of your fingers and hands to interact with the environment as well as to perform actions. The latest virtual reality games are compatible with VR gaming gloves.
Best Game Engine for Virtual Reality Game Development
The first thing you should worry about in developing a virtual reality game is the game engine you should work with. The game engine can make a difference in the software you will create your virtual reality game. Game engines allow you to code the gameplay instead of creating everything from scratch, which can take some time.
Latest game engines handle many development processes, including rendering, objects, data management, etc. Below are the two best game engines for
VR development with their pros and cons, and most developers these days use one of these two engines.
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
Unity
The unity game engine is one of the most popular game engines available today, and you can create any game that you want with it. It supports
virtual reality content and has everything you need to develop a virtual reality game compatible with all devices. You need minimum or no coding as it features extensive development tools.
Pros
- Versatile game engine
- Build for almost all platforms
- A universal framework for VR development
Cons
- Less resolution, framerate, and details
- Low AAA presence
Unreal Engine
Unreal is a game development engine that focuses on 3D graphics to provide developers with the best resolution, framerate, and game details. It can create a visual script of your new virtual reality game without coding, and the only limit is your imagination.
Best Virtual Reality Games
When it comes to virtual reality games, everyone has a different opinion on which game is better, but here are the five best virtual reality games you can play to immerse yourself in the virtual world.
- Beat Saber
- Blade and Sorcery
- Elite: Dangerous
- Half-Life: Alyx
- Minecraft VR
Beat Saber
Enjoy music and slice through virtual boxes using laser swords on the rhythm. The game generates a pattern of blocks on the screen, and you need to hit them right on time to continue playing the game. It is a great way to spend free time while improving your focus.
Blade and Sorcery
Blade and Sorcery offer brutal virtual reality combat with various weapons ranging from simple swords to lightsabers. Kill whoever crosses your path and becomes the ultimate fighter of the realm.
Elite: Dangerous
If piloting a space Ship was your dream, consider it done with Elite: Dangerous as you are the pilot of a spaceship that can collect resources by mining asteroids. The controls of spaceship are hard to master, but you will feel like you have always been here once you master them with hard work.
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx is a full-fledge game by Valve that lets you go on an adventure through a world full of deadly creatures and solve mysteries on your way. Take the role of Alyx Vance and learn about your enemies' weaknesses as you progress through the game.
Minecraft VR
Whenever you compile a list of the best virtual reality goggles games, Minecraft VR will be on the list. Everything from exploring the big world to creating new stuff and surviving attacks from dark creatures is available in Minecraft VR. Install mods to add new stuff to the game and enjoy it with your friends by installing the multiplayer version.
Conclusion
There is still a lot to consider before developing a VR game, but you can start with the device you want to target and the type of the game. The best thing about developing a VR game is that the sky is the limit, and you can add whatever features you want as long as they will appeal to gamers.
