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[Lunatic_Gamer]

Speaking on an upcoming episode of the VideoGamer Podcast, the developer claimed that ‘nobody is able to put their finger on’ what a ‘killer app’ could be.

“We’ve seen VR and AR not really take off, and if you’re a big fan, I’m sorry. but it’s just the f******* fact” he said. “There is no killer app and nobody can put their finger on what a killer app could be.”

“Everybody has a different kind of personal fantasy and then, at least in my experience, when you are given the environment that you sort of fantasized about you’re like ‘OK’ and you just want to take the headset off, because it’s this hot, heavy thing. It’s weird and disappointing” says Blackley.

When you lower the structure so much for the player that they are in the headset and they look around everywhere, in principle as an elevator pitch that sounds great. In practice, when we want to be entertained, we want a storyteller to control the narrative and to entertain us. We want somebody to give us ideas bigger than our own ideas or different to our own ideas because that’s entertainment. I can make up stories myself and do my stuff all day long, but I like to have somebody else entertain me. It’s like scratching your own back versus having somebody scratch your back for you.”

“To some extent you need them to be able to control what you’re looking at. You need them to constrain you to the narrative which is not the thing you’re going to do. And there’s a small minority of guys who are going to scream and yell at them and want full control and that’s great, super cool, fine, guys but they enjoy having that control because they’re getting off on breaking that narrative control and they wouldn’t be getting on off it if it wasn’t there already, so it’s paradoxical.
“The problem with AR and VR from a narrative standpoint it’s like just too much freedom.”

Xbox creator claims there’s still “no killer app” for VR yet

Virtual Reality has come a long way since its humble beginnings, but Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley suggests that a 'killer app' is needed.

www.pcguide.com

 

[onQ123]

But it has taken off I know more people with Quest headsets than I know with Xbox Series S/X right now , Quest is an "it" item for casuals to buy just to say they have it .

 

[Mibu no ookami]

But it has taken off I know more people with Quest headsets than I know with Xbox Series S/X right now , Quest is an "it" item for casuals to buy just to say they have it .

I don't think XBS is the measure of whether something has taken off or not.

I think Quest is somewhat successful, albeit heavily subsidized.

I think VR has a lot of major problems to overcome

• Lack of killer apps
• fractured nature of VR
• high entry price

If the PSVR2 that was just cut down to 400 dollars went on sale for 250 AND Ace Combat 8 released with full VR support, I'd probably have no choice but to pick it up. I'd love to buy GT7, PSVR2, and a full chair, wheel, pedal, and shifter setup, but given how much I'd actually use it, I couldn't justify the price.

I don't think Meta is capable of making VR successful by themselves. I think for VR to be successful it has to be console/PC VR.

I think the future of VR has to be tiered and wireless.

Something like the Meta Quest playing lower res games untethered by a console/PC, a step up model that tethers to a PC or console but is still wireless but higher res, a higher end model that has few concessions, but the games available on all 3 need to be pretty much the same.

If you could develop a game for Meta Quest 2/3, PSVR2, and SteamVR, that's the recipe for success, but the biggest VR games don't do that.

Half Life Alyx, Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil 4 Remake, kingdoms of amalur, Batman Arkham Shadow... are all exclusive to one platform respectively... That's untenable for the format. Your best bet is a Quest 3 and a PC.

 

[od-chan]

I honestly think the future is in "spatial computing", so AR/MR. That would be the "killer app". Kind of like what the Vision Pro is marketed as - which you can arguably do almost better with a Quest, since you can use regular windows, and all the freedom that comes with that.

What's holding it back is that the tech isn't there yet for AR/MR. Passthrough needs to improve, a lot. I'd be curious to know how good that actually is on the Vision Pro maybe, I could imagine that this is MUCH better on the Vision Pro for example. More importantly: The things need to get smaller and more light in weight. I have no issues wearing that thing for 8-10hours straight, but I absolutely do understand that I'm deranged and most people wouldn't want to do that.

So once you get something that is a) comfortable enough for "casuals" to wear for a long time and b) an OS/Plattform that gives people enough freedom and ease of access to all their favorite brainrot (tiktok, youtube, gaming, basically a Desktop OS experience) is when this whole thing will really take off.

 

[Ozriel]

But it has taken off I know more people with Quest headsets than I know with Xbox Series S/X right now , Quest is an "it" item for casuals to buy just to say they have it .

you cannot be serious with this. Apple Vision Pro for about a month, yes, but definitely not with the Quest.

 

[Team Andromeda]

Until VR is as light and as easy as putting on a set of ski googles or the VR glasses one wears in Universal Studios on and off, it will never be mainstream

 

[LimanimaPT]

No it's not, is the price.

 

[jakinov]

Technology is too crappy and too expensive.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

It’s form factor.

 

[SweetTooth]

We need an answer to why Xbox hasn't taken off yet after 25 years?

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

He's 100% on point.

 

[Lunarorbit]

He's 100% on point.

Yeah as soon as psvr2 came out Sony abandoned it. Like they were angry it came out in the 1st place.

And the fact they still haven't figured out how to get half life on the system is nuts. What's the point of all this cross platform shit if they can't even be bothered to get over of the biggest vr games ever on their fledgling system?

 

[TBiddy]

We need an answer to why Xbox hasn't taken off yet after 25 years?

Jesus. Do you even know who Blackley is and that he stopped working at Microsoft shortly after the OG Xbox was released? Why is everything a console war to you?

But it has taken off I know more people with Quest headsets than I know with Xbox Series S/X right now , Quest is an "it" item for casuals to buy just to say they have it .

Well, there it is. onQ123 has provided conclusive anecdotal evidence. Might as well lock the thread. VR is in a perfect state right now. Apparantly.

The masses don't give a shit about VR. The headsets are too cumbersome, the games aren't there, the prices are too high and it's just an all around 'gadgety' experience. It's fun, sure, but it's not ready to change the world.

 

[SweetTooth]

Jesus. Do you even know who Blackley is and that he stopped working at Microsoft shortly after the OG Xbox was released? Why is everything a console war to you?



Well, there it is. onQ123 has provided conclusive anecdotal evidence. Might as well lock the thread. VR is in a perfect state right now. Apparantly.

He is talking about VR and he hasn't worked a minute in Sony or Meta, I just wanted to hear his opinion on Xbox!

Why offended?

 

[TBiddy]

He is talking about VR and he hasn't worked a minute in Sony or Meta, I just wanted to here his opinion on Xbox!

Ah yes. "Just asking questions, man!".

 

[alphachino]

Title insinuates that there will be a "killer app" for VR/AR. I'm not too sure about that.

One thing I am quite sure about though is that if one does come along, it will be just slightly after Sony pulls out of the industry.

 

[cormack12]

He's right. Horror obviously works well on VR. Games are getting better and more creative though. But get people to imagine their favourite game, and ask do they think a VR version/mode would be a must play. The significant majority would say no.

I genuinely think a video game world walking tour in VR would be good. No combat or worrying about crazy mechanics but just wander round. In the same vein as a PS Home VR mode would be good.

Games like piloting or driving are good candidates, and obviously porn/WEGs. A game like an escape room where you matchmake with others could be cool but the playerbase isn't really there.

I think the issue VR has is the same as conventional gaming - how do you make a compelling game that doesn't center itself round combat. Something like a life sim for example

 

[Gorgon]

Games like piloting or driving are good candidates, and obviously porn/WEGs. A game like an escape room where you matchmake with others could be cool but the playerbase isn't really there.

I think the issue VR has is the same as conventional gaming - how do you make a compelling game that doesn't center itself round combat. Something like a life sim for example

What's "WEGs"?


1) The problem with a "killer app" is that it isn't enough to just have one "killer app". A "killer app" is good to get the masses to buy a VR system and achieve a significant player base, but if the interest can't be sustained long term, then people will abandon it as soon as the fad passes, just like the Nintendo Wii fad back in the day. You need to get that critical mass and sustain it with a stream of "killer apps". Good luck.

2) Only killer app I can think of is porn-based games, but 1) not family friendly and thus will only work significantly with incels/loner geeks/etc, and 2) good luck getting Sony and MS on the bandwagon.

 

[Three]

He's as clueless as the other xbox execs then. VR has several "killer apps" it has GT7, Beat Saber, HL Alyx, NMS, etc. The problem is that it is an additional device that is too expensive for most and less convenient than what they have. It's the same reason why most just play on their mobiles, the enthusiasts like VR and they already have their killer apps but it will never be as popular as the lazy mainstream ways to entertain yourself.

 

[cormack12]

What's "WEGs"?


1) The problem with a "killer app" is that it isn't enough to just have one "killer app". A "killer app" is good to get the masses to buy a VR system and achieve a significant player base, but if the interest can't be sustained long term, then people will abandon it as soon as the fad passes, just like the Nintendo Wii fad back in the day. You need to get that critical mass and sustain it with a stream of "killer apps". Good luck.

2) Only killer app I can think of is porn-based games, but 1) not family friendly and thus will only work significantly with incels/loner geeks/etc, and 2) good luck getting Sony and MS on the bandwagon.

Western Erotic Games

 

[Cyborg]

This is such an example of being out of touch with your audience. I bet he had some clever ideas for the Xbox too.

My reason for not playing VR: Who the fck wants to game/chill with a huge fcking headset on their head/eyes? Whats relaxing or chill about that?

 

[Three]

you cannot be serious with this. Apple Vision Pro for about a month, yes, but definitely not with the Quest.

He's dead serious and correct. The quest is outselling everything. They ran a pretty successful marketing campaign and it's selling very well to those who are not in it for gaming.

 

[Insanemaelstrom]

He is a bit wrong imo. There are a lot of killer apps, but the main issue with VR are:-

1. Most headsets require another device( psvr2 requires a ps5, other headsets require steam). It isn't a coincidence that the most popular headset also functions as a standalone device.

2. VR is seen as a toy especially a niche expensive one. It's labels actively detract a lot of new consumers

3. It requires a lot of space for a lot of games. Setting aside flight sims and racing sims, vr games require a lot of space. Something that isn't possible for a lot of people.

4. It is a hassle to wear and remove. Things have gotten better but it is still a hassle to wear and remove headsets which makes daily play sessions a pain. Not to mention the current world prefers sitting on their couch and just pressing a single button to play. Rather than having to deal with wires and set up. Having lighter, more convenient form factor will do wonders for VR.

5. A lot of people get motion sickness for VR that limits it market. While some steps have been taken to fix it, there are still many more to go.

VR is a great piece of tech, but it still needs a few more years to hit mainstream. Although it will hit quicker of companies keep releasing banger titles like gt7, Batman Arkham, beat saver, etc for it.

 

[Hugare]

Nah, its not due to the lack of a killer app.

We had a new Half Life game, ffs, and it wasnt enough, despite being incredible.

The reason is so simple: it's a peripheral. And an expensive one at that. You still gotta have another device like a PS5 or PC in order to use it. The Quest exists, sure, but its very weak compared to most PCs.

It doesnt need a killer apps. It needs killer apps. I love Half Life, but I wouldnt buy an Index for one game, no matter how good it is.

VR will be a success when Nintendo launches a console with it bundled as part of the device. Nintendo is popular and has 1st party titles to make use of it. But I dont think they will ever risk making a device with it. Not anytime soon.

 

[deriks]

That's for every platform ever

Even fucking John Carmack entered the business to try stuff and didn't succeed. Not because it's a bad thing, but because it's hard

Maybe when gaming becomes something like entering the Matrix and we see real shit, but with the actual state of VR... eh

 

[omegasc]

I believe it's the 'wonkiness'. Heavy, bulky.
It's amazing for something like racing sim with a wheel, where you don't have to 'run' or walk around. I'm not saying it's bad for other games, I do like to play them, but the added feel of the wheel takes it a step further.
Oh, and the price.

 

[Zuzu]

VR is often uncomfortable, inconvenient to use, physically tiring and socially isolating. It seems that it's already a fairly tall order to convince many people to play traditional games for significant hours each weeks instead of consuming passive entertainment like Youtube, streaming and social media; yet traditional games don't have any of those drawbacks anywhere near to the extent of VR. How much harder therefore, to convince the mainstream audience to play VR?

 

[Angry_Megalodon]

Bullshit.

There are many "killer apps". The problem is price and convenience (lack of), nothing more.

 

[hemo memo]

VR didn’t take off because it’s overhyped, overpriced, and underwhelming. The hardware is clunky, and it’s isolating as hell. It’s a solution to problems nobody has, requiring too much effort for too little payoff. Until it’s affordable, comfortable, and actually useful, it’s just an expensive gimmick.

 

[GoldenEye98]

VR is more suited for pure simulators but vast majority of games are not that because that's not why people play games. Games are an escapist medium with absurd physics and movement.

 

[thomasmahler]

He's completely right.

 

[SmoothBrain]

VR is shit. Limited FOV, resolution, hardware to push the frames, cables, energy consumption. Kinda sucks if the device is toasting your face.

Playing in VR is a one of a kind experience, no doubt about it. But everything around it is super ass.

 

[DanielG165]

These spaces need more games like Arkham Shadow to really convince people that they’re both more than just a novelty. That’s really the only way at this point.

 

[Wildebeest]

Didn't Valve do exactly what he said the "killer app" looks like with their Alyx game?

A big problem for VR is that people learn by watching others do the thing and experiencing what they are vicariously. You cannot do that with VR. You watch someone using it, and it is just some fat idiot with a lump of plastic on their head waving their arms around like an idiot and panting like a dog. You watch captured footage of their screen, and it is a jittery, unwatchable mess with the sound of the player panting like a dog.

Then there is a host of other problems like the price (needing near constant upgrades), form factor, requirements for play space, motion sickness, fatigue, and just plain weirdness of VR gaming culture.

 

[Humdinger]

If a "killer app" is defined as something that causes enough excitement to drive sales, then he's right but also just doing circular reasoning: "VR isn't selling because it doesn't have a system seller." Um, okay, thanks for the insight, Seamus.

 

[Paperboy]

Those of you who complain about VR being bulky and heavy - do you own a VR headset yourself? Personally, I don't think that's the biggest issue, you get engulfed into the game and (ideally) forget about the headset on your head (there are better balanced VR headsets than the Quests aswell).
The main problem is that it's difficult to convey what VR is all about with just a 2D trailer - you need to experience it.
The other issue is that the games which really utilize the VR medium with motion controls and everything becomes an exercise to play. Wii had motion controls too, but it worked better because it was newer at the time and more multiplayer friendly. The VR games that plays more like ordinary games are often neat to experience in 3D/VR (albeit seldom vital for the game), but for more niche players.

 

[Ceadeus]

To me Population One could have been it for Meta Quest but the game looks old now and cheap. Like a cheap fortnite.

On PSVR1&2 , firewall&ultra should have been it but again, the support is low, these games should be updated all the time just like R6Siege.

 

[Esppiral]

We need an answer to why Xbox hasn't taken off yet after 25 years?

It will after Concord

 

[Gorgon]

These spaces need more games like Arkham Shadow to really convince people that they’re both more than just a novelty. That’s really the only way at this point.

The only way at this point is a VR set that gives you a blowjob.

 

[SweetTooth]

It will after Concord

You guys have been blowing Concord failure way too much, Its a $400m blunder and Sony acted fast and pulled it out. And Playstation is living its best years on the market.

Now tell me about the $80B blunder that sank Xbox and basically killed the brand...yeah you won't answer that

 

[RedC]

The only way at this point is a VR set that gives you a blowjob.

You may be joking, but I do believe an uncomfortable truth is that a burgeoning adult/porn VR game market with consistent releases and iterations with high production values, good systems and mechanics would grow the VR market significantly in the global PC market amongst a wide demographic of men.

 

[Gorgon]

You may be joking, but I do believe an uncomfortable truth is that a burgeoning adult/porn VR game market with consistent releases and iterations with high production values, good systems and mechanics would grow the VR market significantly in the global PC market amongst a wide demographic of men.

My post was tongue in cheek yes, but I'm not joking, as my previous post in this thread shows. Porn/erotica games would be one of the biggest trojan horses for VR, but because of present day societal norms it will be difficult. I think this is an "unconfortable" truth only because of our societies (western societies included) being prone to prudish attitudes towards sex but ironically having no real issue with gore/violence. Thus, we won't see any actual good VR games with good production values that leverage porn/erotica and are sold on e.g. the "adult section" of the PS store or whatever. Low quality porn/erotica VR games on Steam won't cut it for the mass market adoption of VR either. For all this to happen we will need a substantial change in societal mores. We will probably get there but not anytime soon.

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

And the motion sickness factor too.....people dont want to game on a device if its going to make them physically ill

 

[ReBurn]

Superhot VR kinda felt like a killer app to me. At least at the time. Beat Saber, too. Games like those bolstered the popularity of Quest 2 at its very reasonable price.

Horizon Worlds sucks, though. It sucks, Zuck.

 

[analog_future]

VR has had plenty of "killer apps". I feel like it's almost every year that people claim the "killer app" has finally arrived.

• Astro Bot's Rescue Mission
• Asgard's Wrath 2
• Moss
• Half-Life: Alyx
• Batman: Arkham Shadows
• Resident Evil VII
• Gran Turismo 7

etc.. etc..


The reality is the market just isn't interested in hardcore gaming in VR.

 

[RedC]

My post was tongue in cheek yes, but I'm not joking, as my previous post in this thread shows. Porn/erotica games would be one of the biggest trojan horses for VR, but because of present day societal norms it will be difficult. I think this is an "unconfortable" truth only because of our societies (western societies included) being prone to prudish attitudes towards sex but ironically having no real issue with gore/violence. Thus, we won't see any actual good VR games with good production values that leverage porn/erotica and are sold on e.g. the "adult section" of the PS store or whatever. Low quality porn/erotica VR games on Steam won't cut it for the mass market adoption of VR either. For all this to happen we will need a substantial change in societal mores. We will probably get there but not anytime soon.

You would likely need a multi billionaire who doesn't give a fuck and wants to raise their middle finger at today's "societal mores" to invest in this.

 

[Gilgalaad]

I really enjoyed my time with the first PS VR but motion sickness killed any desire for VR.

 

[XXL]

Bullshit.

There are many killer apps in VR.

In my opinion, between last gen and this gen.... at least 2 of the top 10 games are VR games.

GT7 VR
Wipeout VR
AstroBot Rescue Mission
Half Life Alyx
Half Life 1 and 2
RE7, RE4 and RE8
MS Flight Sim
Beat Saber
SuperHot
Skyrim VR
Batman (I haven't played this one)
Alien Isolation (VR mod)

Are just a few examples. All of those are absolutely amazing games.

There are other amazing games to that are smaller, that don't get enough attention because they're VR games.

Red Matter 1 and 2
Walking Dead
Pavlov
Synapse
Subside
The Persistence

 

[REDRZA MWS]

Wasn’t that supposed to be GT7?

Don’t know how many times the obvious needs sharing, VR is great tech for sommaybsifferent applications. It is not, and never will be a mass market gaming device.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Not the reason.

Reason why VR hasnt taken off is because it's extra costs, and lots of people dont want to put a brick on your face while Wii waggling pretending to swing a sword or shoot a gun. Also, if someone wears glasses the experience is probably more uncomfortable and worse. And you need space to move around. And you're comfortable playing VR without fam thinking youre a dork. There's only so many gamers that want to do that.

If GTA6 comes with VR support and you can pretend to hijack cars, snort coke, and shoot people I dont think it'd make a difference to VR sales.