It's no secret that movement in virtual reality is something that is still being figured out. Developers have tried full movement, teleportation, on-rails, and more to make navigating their games as intuitive and comfortable as possible, to varying degrees of success. However, hardware is beginning to emerge that aims to make moving around in virtual worlds more tactile.
One such example is 3dRudder, a small accessory that is currently available for PC virtual reality fans, and is compatible with all the major headsets on that platform. From a seated position, you place your feet atop the device and "walk" by tilting forwards. You can move on four axes, and it frees up your hands to focus on other actions.
In an interview with VRFocus, 3dRudder's Executive Vice President Christophe Dissaux had this to say regarding the peripheral's future.
For the future, we are working with the console manufacturers, and we will announce later this year 3dRudder for consoles.
He goes on to specify PlayStation and, interestingly, Xbox as the consoles in question. He also gives a vague idea of when we might expect to see 3dRudder for PlayStation VR hit stores. "Nothing is confirmed yet, but it will hopefully be available by Q3."
It's certainly an interesting proposition for PSVR users. While nothing is set in stone just yet, 3dRudder seems pretty confident that their product will see compatibility with Sony's headset introduced later this year. Would you make use of such a device? Immerse yourself in the comments below.
[source vrfocus.com]
Comments (30)
I think my front room already has too many PSVR peripherals though if it was well supported and worked well I might consider it.
Decent idea, I'd certainly try it. Seems like a bit of OTT solution, though.
why am i getting flashbacks to a certain NES peripheral
..no, no, no, NO!!!
(Tony Hawk's Ride anyone?!?!)
It'd be fun to try, but that's about it.
this is the wii balance board
If this has been available for PC VR, why haven't we seen any reviews? @get2sammyb?
@FullbringIchigo
I'm drinking drudder 3 on the 3drudder!
@Xaessya
More games, less peripherals! My Aim controller is collecting hella dust
All we really want, is move controllers, that allow us to MOVE!!
Great idea, it's unfortunate that Sony didn't consider that movement was something to 'think' about. Nevermind. Movement with feet allows you to use your hands, arms and obviously fingers n thumbs on buttons to enhance movement and or do something else.
@Jon_P they did just patent those updated Move controllers that have analog sticks, so maybe?
@Yowza I know there's a rumour but nothing official, but i seriously hope so cos it's the only thing holding it back. I absolutely love VR but teleporting with move controllers kills immersion, the dualshock 4 is like being in handcuffs all game, and the aim limits you to one gun. If it's true about the new ones it will be perfect.
There's too much going on with VR peripherals right now. Too many different ways to solve problems. And who even knows if they'll be compatible with the next iterations of VR headsets?
When Sony announced that all PSVR games would be compatible with the standard controller I thought it was the smartest stance to take. I mean, what else is that light bar for, right?
Of course, Sony was full of crap and many games require 2 Moves (or are incredibly awkward without them) so now there are multiple control schemes for most games leading to not-as-good solutions.
I'll wait and see.
As is, I have no problem using a DS4 for FL, but some people will probably swear by it.
I just want to play games sitting down.
Everyone with me hit that ❤ button!
I see this on Amazon for £113, not sure I pay that much for it, I also prefer seated games using ds4, as having 7 operations on my hip makes standing for even 15-20 mins quite painful
@themcnoisy This thing is used while seated
hectic, this is why im waiting out for PSVR 2.0
Great, more room-cluttering plastic crap. No thanks.
@Quintumply Exactly, the more sit down peripherals they develop the less I have to stand up. Sit down gaming for life!
I'm still waiting to actually see that big exercise bike for the VR in stores and how much they actually charge for that (since there's only 2 games for it). Other than that, let's look at how many peripherals are made for every system, and most are only used for 1 or 2 games...then you have a big hunk of junk that collects dust (U Draw Tablet, Wii Balance Boards, Zapper Guns, Wii Speak Microphone, Rock Revolution Drum, Rock Band Items, Guitar Hero Items, DJ Hero turntable, Tony Hawk Skateboard, Dance Revolution Mats, NES Track And Field Mat, Active Life Mat, EA Sports Active adaptors, Sing Star Microphones, Scene It Buzzers, Buzz Buzzers, Skylanders Items, Disney Infinity Items, Lego Dimensions Items, Amiibos Figures...the list goes on and on). Guess what I'm trying to say is, depends on price and what games become usage for it, to actually think of something else to sit.
Looks like a neat idea, but just like someone pointed out, it's just a Wii Balance Board updated.
The more options I have to move in a game, the better. I'll definitely at least give it a try and see.
It's a nice option, especially if supports comes for PSVR in particular. But it being targeted as a seated experience kind of disinterests me. I understand the complications using it while standing, as it would need a completely different design...But I'd prefer that design personally.
That being said, anything that can give analog movement in some form to the Move Controllers is a step in the right direction, at least until new PSVR controllers are introduced, Move or otherwise.
@drd7of14 Agreed that being able to stand is better. you should check out the Motus platform from VMUV, sounds like it's a little more up your alley. Plus you can turn around at FPS game speeds.. which is really nice. www.vmuv.io
@EvanVR Sort of what I was thinking...The problem with the YMUV is that it's more like an 8 directional D-Pad akin to a DDR pad. I'm interested in something close to that size, but lifted upward that shifts with your balance.
That way it allows for a more analog direction of movement, and it has a more tactile feeling by that sudden offset of balance when backing up.
There's a game on Steam called Galaxy Race that uses a leaning mechanic (but this doesn't incorporate any extra hardware aside from). It's like a Back to the Future hoverboard type of movement system for the game.
@drd7of14 That's a good point. You may be more interested in the Virtuix Omni, or one of the full body machines that are popping up. I still prefer the Motus, as all those other options cost thousands of dollars, and are basically permanent bulky machines in your living room. My Motus is quick to put away, and the chest harness makes it much more natural than what you would expect from a pad like this. I seriously feel like i'm in the games I play on the motus, with no breaks in immersion. Just my opinion though
anything that can help move better I was thinking maybe analog sticks on the moves but what ever can help us move better asap
Sounds great it will make up for not having sticks on the move controllers.
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