Virtual Reality Hubs Expected To Become Gaming Centers Of The Future
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I have some great memories from time spent when I was a kid, going to arcade venues in town. But those businesses decided to close their doors many years ago, as a variety of new entertainment options came to market for kids. Now they could opt to stay at home and play in exciting new ways, rather than head down to the arcade with friends.
There still might be a few machines around, where you can still find some games stationed in restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and movie theaters etc. However, today you will find that the majority of kids are going to be playing their games on their own phones, computers, and home systems.
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But arcades might be making a comeback...
virtual reality technology is helping to bring back arcade venues and it's been suggested that virtual reality hubs could become arcades of the future.
You can find people using this tech to do things like offer kids a virtual school field trip, training new employees, help people to confront their fears, bringing some new excitement to senior citizens who are confined to care homes etc, there is a lot of room for growth with this technology.
It's expected that this market will continue to grow very quickly; it's expected to surpass $13 billion by 2020.
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The arcade venues that offer virtual reality gaming, provide those who can't yet afford their own system with the opportunity to experience it for themselves. And you can find these VR centers in many countries around the world today.
Just a couple of years ago, back in 2016, this market was valued around $2 billion, so you can see there has been some significant growth. And some have suggested that this industry could still see growth of about 54 percent every year, and might easily far surpass the $13 billion mark, reaching upwards of $26 billion by 2022.
But will the declining price for VR tech prompt people to stay at home and play rather than go to an arcade-type of venue to experience it?
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Some folks who have been frequenting the VR arcades admit that they also have a computer at home and smartphone etc, but that they can't afford a VR headset at the moment. The cost is what is driving them to go to the arcade to have the experience, so when it becomes cheaper those arcade venues might see a decline in traffic.
To try and make things more exciting, VR venues are looking to make the experience more appealing, and in one circumstance that meant introducing and planning a Minecraft VR tournament for kids to take part in.
The more that they can create these sort of group experiences, the more likely they are to see success with their business. There really is a lot of potential for this market space to grow, seeing as there is endless potential for what you can do with this technology in the sort of experiences that you can create.
Pics:
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Sources:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171110005291/en/Global-Virtual-Reality-Market---Expected-Reach
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/02/14/1348008/0/en/2016-Virtual-Reality-VR-Market-Size-Revenue-to-Grow-by-USD-26-89-Billion-in-2022.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/tech/game-set-fire
http://blog.al.com/press-releases/2018/02/research_virtual_reality_vr_ma.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/10/vr-arcades-are-gaming-centers-of-the-future.html
http://www.financeswire.com/global-virtual-reality-market-is-supposed-to-reach-us-33-billion-by-2022/
https://www.whatech.com/market-research/it/437990-virtual-reality-vr-hits-the-mainstream-and-could-surpass-us-40-billion-market-by-2020
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I can definitely see this happening ! People still like to have places to go out to , so instead of going to a movie they will do this ! way more fun I think ! it would be a great date thing to do or a great way to spend time with friends! I have not been to a movies for many years , but this I would go out and do !! thanks for sharing upped and resteemed !!
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For arcades to be viable they need to either have games not available at home (ie VR is too expensive) or be located somewhere that people don’t have access to home systems. There are still many arcades in tourist towns, often in the coast. These capture people who can’t go home to play as they are on holiday. I think the cost of VR will fall too quickly and Home systems may be common, possibly this year. The oculus go is due to be released this year with a price of approx £200 and very reasonable games. This is just the beginning.
VRs are very cool. I tried one at the mall and I was very happy I tried it. I never had a chance to buy one though because I find it very expensive at that time. I also am afraid that my nephews nmight destroy it once they borrow it from me.
Anywhow, arcade games are really making a comeback. I wonder when would brick games make a comeback. I also am looking forward to the older type of tamagotchi.
I'd like to try a VR game, but the idea of helping out senior citizens to give them an adventure while they are actually stuck at home is even more appealing to me. I believe that should be more of a priority, but I know gaming will be because it will make the most money.
Gaming will drive the revolution but it will have massive benefits in areas such as you describe.
We have an amusement arcade next to the fairground and beach, its always very busy. Lots of children hang out there.
I would be awaiting for the comeback of the arcades. Being an 80s kid, this is exciting.
Great post...
Thabk for sharing friend...
some platforms its cool others it kinda gimmicky. like on pinball arcade on steam you can get VR so can look around where ball is now that's cool.
some things its still a gimmick. give a neural implant chip in my brain brings me back to my 18 year old self playing in a role playing game how cool would that be. especially if you were in a coma for 10 years..just be living inside the game in your mind.
Arcades were so popular when i was a kid they wouldn't let minors in during school hours in order to prevent truancy
I loved the arcades and how we used to have to go to Blockbusters to to rent a movie or two, or go to the movies every cheap Tuesday and go to play some pool etc. Those were the best times, now having everything at home and not have to leave our homes, I think it is really destroying our humanity.
I don't really know if I really like this virtual reality technology and I don't think I will, but I have never tried it, but I am open minded to try new things and see what it is and how they work.
I see some really good things about it, that can actually help people which is great. But this is just my opinion.