Published on December 3rd, 2019 | by Sunit Nandi

Want To Play Online Games In VR – Find Out How!

Until relatively recently, VR remained something that was in the realms of fantasy. However, in the past few years all of that has changed. In 2010, a VR headset prototype was developed which would eventually become the Oculus Rift. In 2012, his crowdfunding campaign raised $2.4 million to commercialize his invention and the rise of virtual reality came to fruition. Mark Zuckerberg was so impressed that he purchased the company in 2014 for a cool $2 billion. Since then, VR has gone from strength to strength with various companies producing their own headsets and a world of new apps, movies and games are being created specifically for use in a virtual world.

VR is just one of a range of technologies that has emerged into the mainstream over the past decade. Augmented reality, automation and robotics are also taking off in a big way, not to mention artificial intelligence which has found its way into everything from bank website chat bots to live dealer online casino games. However, virtual reality is the application that holds the greatest potential for keen gamers, and with one of the latest cutting-edge headsets, players can immerse themselves in a whole new world of excitement.

If you’re brand new to the world of VR, how do you get started with playing online games? Here, we take a look at what you’ll need so you can get yourself off to the best possible start with your first online virtual reality experience.

Getting Your Kit Together

The first thing you’re going to need to play online games in VR is a headset. This is a device which is, essentially, a pair of thick goggles which go over the eyes. Some of the highest quality headsets require connection to a video game console or computer, but now there are newer models like the Oculus Quest which can standalone without a physical connection to another device.

Every headset will also need to be used with some headphones to be able to have the experience of listening into the action of the game, and if you choose a pair with an integrated microphone, you’ll also be able to interact with the other players that you encounter in the virtual world as you play online.

You’ll also need hand controllers to translate your movements in the real world into the application or game you’re using. While it’s possible to use a keyboard or a traditional gaming controller, these don’t offer the same kind of immersive experience that you could expect with a specialized controller.

VR devices all have an app store where you’re able to browse through the various apps and games and choose the ones to download that you like the best. Some stores can be accessed via the device while others require you to browse on your computer.

Choosing Your Headset

There are lots of different VR headsets to pick from, and choosing one may not be the easiest thing to do.

The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are two of the most premium options. Both require a PC connection and can handle the most advanced VR PC games. Meanwhile, the PlayStation VR (PSVR) system connects to the PlayStation console and, while the specs aren’t quite as good, the experience is still very impressive. The Gear VR is a smartphone based system which uses Oculus technology in order to deliver a surprisingly good experience. This is a more affordable option but it will require an up to date Samsung phone. There are cheaper versions too like the Cardboard and Daydream, as well as the recently released Oculus Quest which is a standalone headset that requires no connection to a PC or console. You need to choose the one that’s right for you.

Making Space

Although you don’t need to have a large space to play in virtual reality, it’s always more fun if you have more space to move about in. Some devices like the Oculus Rift are mainly used while sitting, however others like the HTC Vive allow players to move around in a space measuring as much as 15 x 15 feet.

Although it’s nice to be able to have plenty of room to move around in, in your virtual world, if you’ve just got a small space in your living room or bedroom, that’s ok too. The movement requirements vary depending on which game you’re playing. For example flight or racing games require you to stay seated, while first person shooters and adventure games allow you to jump, duck and move about. You need to be aware of where obstacles, hazards and walls are though – you don’t want to accidentally hurt yourself while you’re immersed in a virtual environment.

The HTC Vive comes with its own Chaperone system which detects the space that you’re in and shows you a virtual wall inside your headset where your real walls are located so you won’t crash.

Launching Your First Online Game

Once you’ve chosen your first online VR game, it’s time to start playing. Just put on your headset, load your game up, grab your controllers firmly in both hands, settle yourself into your playing space and then get ready to have some serious fun! You’re sure to be amazed by the quality of virtual reality experiences on offer today from the latest headsets, and there’s one thing for sure, you’re not going to want to go back to ordinary gaming!

Tags: online games, virtual reality, vr

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.