Sony will be devoting a huge portion of its E3 2015 booth to PlayStation 4 virtual reality headset Project Morpheus, claims specialist site VRFocus. The website reckons that "sources close" to the company have informed it that it will be giving the peripheral a "big push" at the Los Angeles convention next week, which will result in approximately half of its floor space being assigned to the device.
This isn't overly surprising, of course: the active nature of the accessory means that each game kiosk will need to be bigger in size, similarly to the way that PlayStation Move titles used to take up more space, too. Interestingly, the site claims that the platform holder will be spotlighting "first-party and exclusive titles only", meaning that anything in production for competing units will be given the push.
Worryingly, though, the publication also hints that the peripheral will feature heavily during the manufacturer's press conference, which sounds like a recipe for disaster as far as we're concerned; playing a game in virtual reality is fine and dandy, but we're not convinced that it has the same effect when you're watching someone else. Alas, with a 2016 release date touted, we suppose that a big showing was always inevitable.
[source vrfocus.com]
Comments 18
Ok, that's kinda sad, I want new games not super expensive VR.
Gosh. That's pretty stupid. I'm still not buying one Sony.
I was telling my buddy the same thing about it not being to exciting watching someone else on stage playing a VR game, that's even with them projecting the game on a giant screen at the same time.
I also told him that Sony was going to have to put "Demo Kiosks" in his store -(Game Stop) when Sony actually starts trying to sell them, otherwise it's probably going to go the way of the dinosaur...lol.
After all seeing is believing, and that's what it's going to take to push these VR headsets. If the VR headsets are comfortable and put together well, and produce the immersive experience that there supposed to do, then price won't be "as much" a factor as long as it's the complete package that there most likely going to promise us.
But like I said before, we (the consumer) are the one's that need to demo it, not just the guy on the stage at Sony's Expo.
I'm okay with this as long as VR stays in the booth and exhibits and mostly out of the presentation.
You guys are crazy!
I'm super excited for this, and have been since 1992 when a fresh faced youngster called Dominik Diamond emceed a VR battle royale based on the game "Dactyl Nightmare".
In those days, a VR helmet weighed about the same as a Vauxhall Nova, the games ran at about one FPS on an Amiga, and the resolution was lower than Mr Magoo's vision with vaseline smeared over his glasses.
Oh - and only the five richest kings of Europe could afford one.
But it was magical!
We're finally going to be able to go inside a game, people!
This is the greatest thing since Sheba started their "for sauce lovers" range.
We all know what people on the internet are like. If Sony really does devote half of its presser to VR, then we'll never hear the end of it. Personally, I can't see the company do something so daft, but you never know these days.
@SuperCat No not really, the best things to happen have been spot saves, hd gaming and better pads with rumble for feedback. We already have the window to the game - do you really need it smashed over your eyes?
Also at this range as found out at the opticians as I sit two feet from a screen in work - you need a break every 20 minutes to avoid headaches. Or move back and get a bigger screen.
@SuperCat - Dominik Diamond and the likes ofGamesmaster were cringeworthy even back in '92, so quit flogging a dead horse there, fella
But I agree with your main point; and since when did we become so cynical re new releases? I'll still argue my Vita has realised my Game Boy evolution I imagined as a kid - and then some. PS2 & 3, definitely, and 4 is heading there.
With the PS4, Vita, compatibility with other tech like IPhone and home cinema, Project Morpheus could be fantastic to anyone who also remembers The Lawnmower Man around that year.....
I'm not buying into VR. Being glued to a television screen to play games is plenty of immersion for me. Besides, I get motion sickness easy, so I definitely won't be buying one.
I'm super excited for this too and hope they put in a lot more focus and attention to make sure it gets plenty of awesome games.
This isn't the future yet, but it's definitely the best we've got so far.
Probably one of the main things for me is that I want to be able to play a game without damaging my eyes, and I hope that some day we'll be able to figure out a solution to that.
I wait for the games before I buy this. Bought a waste of money earlier (the Move) but didn't see the games coming.
@SuperCat
I admire your enthusiasm. And you're right the gaming world should be more enthusiastic about this than they seem to be.
I think perhaps it's because many people feel let down by recent tech that hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Especially when it comes to Sony's products and services. Eg. vita software support dwindling, Christmas psn ddos, ps4 being unable to get it up (to 60fps).
Personally I really hope that either the morpheus or the rift are successful because if they both flop that will mean vr won't become mainstream (affordable) for some time to come.
@RicksReflection
I just hope that any morpheus demo units are actually able to reflect how well the product can be set up at home. TV demo units tend to be awful compared with how it's possible to set them up at home with some time and effort.
Having said that badly configured demo tvs don't seem to have stopped people from buying 3D tvs.
i just had the most amazing idea!!! ok imagine this... youre in and endless lobby playing street fighter 5, when its your turn you face off against your opponent just like youd expect. (now heres the fun part!) when youre waiting your turn you can wear the morpheus and walk around in the background in 1st person to watch the fight!!!!!!! best idea ever right?
I can't wait for this as well, the price must be just right for my pockets I have never played a VR in my life time an hoping to play an get one for my man cave ππ¨π¨π¨
I'm all for Sony having demo booths in shops near release, but a couple of issues arise there. First, do you really want to be basically blindfolded in public? Secondly, do you want a hunk of plastic that's been on a load of people's heads on yours?
If having a go on it means the possibility of losing my wallet and gaining headlice then no. I won't be investing.
Oh, and before anyone says I'm overreacting then please feel free to visit Liverpool City centre. It's right next to Birkenhead so we get a lot of interesting people.....
If it takes off, I'm in. Won't be adopting early, though
@ShogunRok Im scared that they think since they have a lead on the other systems that the can slack off just showcase the vr toy. The competition will surely bring it hard to make up ground. touting timed exclusives n price cuts.
All which will make Sony look bad in the consumers eyes.
Dont get me wrong Id LOVE to see vr succeed but I just Have... this feeling... Ya know...
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