Prototype headset tracks player movements; Virtual Reality revival 'certainly possible'
The forgotten fad of virtual reality gaming may be set for a surprise revival, with Sony confirming to Develop that it is experimenting on the technology within its studios.
Mick Hocking, senior director at Sony Worldwide Studios, said that a prototype device used to test virtual reality also displays high-end 3D.
“We've got a new head mounted display [in development] that we showed at Consumer Electronics Show,” Hocking said in a newly published interview with Develop.
He said the prototype device (pictured below) has twin-OLED screens – one for each eye – to eliminate information crossover issues.
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Now further developments have led Sony to incorporate head-tracking into the device, paving the way for a virtual reality experience.
The tech is being experimented on with a number of games including first-person shooters, but there appears to be no solid product launch plans for now.
“At the moment it’s just a head-mounted display; the head isn’t being tracked – but that’s something we’re doing R&D on,” Hocking said.
“I have to say, what we’ve done in the R&D projects has just been fantastic. We’re working with a couple of games at Sony that are experimenting with virtual reality type experiences.”
Hocking’s comments come ahead of his Develop Conference keynote on Sony’s 3D strategy.
PlayStation 3 already has more than 30 games available in 3D, Hocking said.
The prototype head-mounted display is just one of Sony’s options in incorporating 3D tech across its hardware catalogue.
“One of the cool things we’ve just announced is our new PlayStation monitor,” Hocking added.
“This is not only a great HD, 2D and 3D monitor, but it also supports a unique feature that lets two players play head-to-head gaming, full-screen on the same screen without each other seeing the other’s screen.
“This is going to be great feature that many developers are really excited about.”
Virtual Reality games rose and fell in popularity during the early nineties.
The concept is to cover a player’s eyes with a head-set-display that could also track and represent player movements in realtime.
The most popular example in the west was the Virtuality line of arcade machines, produced by Virtuality Group.
Nintendo attempted to bring virtual reality-like experiences in the home with the Virtual Boy system, which ultimately failed to make an impact.
Few developments in virtual reality game technology have occurred since.
But asked whether he thought virtual reality gaming is due a revival, Hocking said: “yeah it could be, it certainly seems possible, and these head-mounted displays incorporate 3D tech. It’s very, very cool. And obviously it’s a fantastic way to experience 3D because both images are being directly fed into each eye.”
To read Mick Hocking's interview in full go here.
[Image sources: Gawker, Tech News World, New Launches, IGN]
I totally want a head tracking VR headset with PS4.
Yes! Release HD remakes of the .hack games and then make a new, online one for this!
the problem in though that in the old days the helmets gave the user neck strain and aye strain. sickness was another problem. If they manage to fix this then all credit to them!
Spending millions on inventing head tracking technology? Why not use a gyroscope? Sony already put one in their Move controllers. Just put one in the glasses!
@Brandude cause if your playing and your friend pushs your head with a gyroscope. Shit would hit the fan.
this one has head tracking, it's doable.
Take a very close look folks ... same old poor resolution and field of view ... basically same technology that scuppered VR in the mid-to-late 90s. As with the old W Industries/ Virtuality systems, not to mention systems like the VFX, iGlasses and others, these Sony devices will die as quick a death, I bet you.
@Prof Bob Stone,
same way as you think 3D will die??
but now is 70% of the TV market?!
hater..
I will not pay 800 bucks for a head set that will not do head tracking. When we put together everything from play seats with force feed back steering and the fact that grand torismo already has a crude form of head tracking WHY would they not incoperate head tracking in this virtual system WHAT A WASTE. Sony wake up Head tracking is the selling point here.
I hope it's something that makes your feel as though your really in the game, take a shooting game like call of duty, i want to feel as though I'm the one pulling the trigger.
All they've done with this headset is put the tv on our heads, we need motion control. It needs to track our head, it needs to track our walking or running, and it needs to track our arms. That would make for a true virtual reality game or at least an FPS
I thought virtual Reality was suppose to be as if you were actually in the game not it being like your were sitting very close to a 3D TV
I have been reading a manga called 1/2 prince and I would like to see a game like that, where everything is through the mind. Not sure about you but my house is not big enough for me to be running and jumping and diving because am trying not to get shot or running for a touchdown. Anyway it will be nice but I won't be buying this helmet, I want it to do more
As far as I am aware, 1/2 prince was the same 'visual' scope, although the 'sleep' playing seems to infer otherwise doesn't it?
As far as what is considered virtual reality though. If you can see, hear, touch something, does that make it real? No one has a vision of more than 140 degrees. Having a screen that encompasses this, would completely dissipate the sense of the 'real' world. Any gamer knows that when they are absorbed into a good game, they are not necessarily aware of their surroundings, as proven by nagging mothers, wives and husbands and on the odd occasion sisters. If you turn your head and you see something else around instead of your sofa, then that is virtual reality. You don't have to move in real life to move in VR.
Headtracking is indeed a key point. Although the head device does not need to track arms and legs, other devices should and could do this.
Though control gaming is possible but in its infancy, due to the random nature of dreaming however, I believe that 1/2 prince is a vast way off, except for so called 'Dream controllers' however even those that can control their own dreams still work within parameters that change quickly.
Again back to Who Me, have you tried Yureka, as I think I've just mixed them up XD. Yureka is also a great MMO manga.
Head tracking has been around for a few years already, Track IR works perfect with 6 axis of motion and only costs around $160 . Alot of us FSX and Arma gamers have been using them and they work flawlessly. It would be very easy for them to fit this technology or licence their technology.
sounds like a break through gameplay mechanic, but i can see some potential issues that could occur...and anyone else who saw or played .hack// knows what i'm talking about... but even with that (low) risk it seems totally worth it
Shut up and take my money!
I like how you referred to Yureka in this post, I have always wanted the gaming technology to eventually move that way, and it would definitely be a break through to be able to actually put the gamer in the game.
Sounds intriguing! However, I believe games that tap into thought will become bigger than physical virtual reality. By this I mean games where you are actually in the game. Much more is possible within the mind. One is not subject to earthly limitations, such as buying more equipment for different games, buying new devices, new modifications, etc.
Once somebody masters virtual reality technology and we have the computers that can run that technology without significant slowdown, every other game will pale in comparison. Imagine a game like Eve or Everquest where you are completely immersed in the world rather than looking at a monitor. I'm almost hoping this doesn't get developed in my lifetime, because I'll probably do nothing but play around in the virtual world all day. Why not climb Everest in VR if it looks real without the risk of death? Or how about hang gliding? Or playing fantasy role playing games where you're throwing fireballs out of your hand and dodging incoming arrows? I mean, there is just so much untapped potential for bringing everybody together into one gaming world with unlimited possibilities but also carries a great risk of alienating us from the real world.
As Jay said true virtual reality could develop into an obsession for anyone with the time and money to play. But don't forget manufacturers also have to see the potential harm a game can cause to their customers therefore they would have to install fail-safes to stop people from neglecting their health and personal issues. To cover their asses of course from potential lawsuits made against them. Unless you go on the subject of hackers and computer geniuses who make it their business to find loop holes to bypass the rules then it could get messy. :)
A person could become insane, and believe the truly ARE in the world of, let's say, Avatar. On top of that is the cost. A fully working virtual reality game would cost MILLIONS. If there is an affordable 'In your head' VR system made while I'm still alive, however, I'm buying it!
well i would love to know the date of when it'll will come out if the game is like 1/2 prince, yureka, .hack, sword art online, Gamerz Heaven, and some others. but i think they is more of a chance that a shooting game will come out first for everyone too play.
What i hope for is something like Sword art online.. esspecially getting trapped in a game, however what i desire is to have a system that can be used by acessing the mind through nerves and controls your whole body in a VR game. I hope this happens in my lifetime :D
I hope that when they have created some VR Gadgets, they would also create some VRMMORPGs. I know that some FPS would come out earlier rather RPGs. BUT HECK, VR Role-Playing Games would be a hit! Hope this won't fail humanity. LOL
If you ever seen sword art online thats how i would want it or atleast a chair that track body movement instead of being limited to what the dynamics of the game provides
I would like to talk to some one developing a virtual 3-D games. I have a new way to use them.
Its amazing Sony's come up with such a great idea. If they could enhance player development while making a completely imercible game, power to them! Sign me up for the beta test ^^
I wish that I could experience the same experience of the characters in the anime Sword Art Online in the near future
this type of VR is the wrong type you are still in the mind set of the 90's we have moved on we don't wanna see the reality we wanna be there many anime have shown this such as sword art online and accel world both show the true VR of the future to truly be there within your mind make this a reality and you wont make millions you will make billions for the technology wont only be for gaming but for everything within our daily lives
Okay, I know it's a long shot, and dangerous, but it would be amazing if they could make a game like Sword Art Online. I'm not much of a MMORPG player, but if there was a game like SAO, I would die happy. :P Or even a remake of The World:R2. :D
If you know the part of SAO it has laser on their brains to see virtual and connected in 1 place?
I Agree! Sword art online is an epic! I would really save enough money just to buy that game! wohooooo!!!!
SOA type of game would be awesome! Sign me up as well :D
waiting pewd playing this new game :D
