How AR and VR are Changing Mainstream Industries

February 24, 2023

Not long ago, writers like William Gibson (Neuromancer) and directors like the Wachowskis (The Matrix) dreamt up digital worlds and virtual realities. When the public first witnessed these works of fiction, they believed they were looking at the far future. No one expected that by 2023, we would have functional VR or AR headsets. Indeed, only a few thought that the technology would be close to becoming a household staple.

VR and AR: What are they and how do they differ?

People often need clarification on the differences between virtual and augmented reality. The two are similar, though not the same. Virtual reality describes an entirely digital world. Players can visit this world through a headset or a pair of goggles. When wearing the VR set, the user gets to experience an entirely computer-generated world where they can partake in different experiences and see new things as if they are genuinely there.

Augmented reality is a bit different. Like VR, players also need goggles or a headset. However, unlike VR, the world of AR is not entirely computer-generated. Instead, virtual images are overlaid on top of the real world. So, users can experience the real world with a little extra flair. So, how have VR and AR impacted different mainstream industries?

The Gambling Industry

Already, the gambling industry has experienced massive changes thanks to technology. iGaming has allowed gamblers to play their favorite games from their own home. Online casinos let gamblers play poker, blackjack, slots, and roulette—all of the classics of land-based establishments. On top of that, the iGaming industry has introduced new games like fishing games. The genre is relatively new, so you might need a tutorial on how to play fish tables online, but in essence, the concept is simple. The player’s goal is to capture as much different-valued fish as possible and, in doing so, accumulate a lot more cash.

So, how has VR augmented the iGaming industry? Put, game developers are attempting to create a VR casino experience. Should they succeed, this new form of iGaming will combine the atmosphere and camaraderie of brick-and-mortar casinos with the convenience and availability of online gambling. The trouble is VR headsets are relatively expensive. Still, many expect that these gadgets will become a lot more affordable in the future. And once that happens, VR casinos may become just as successful in practice as they are theoretically.

The Travel and Tourism Industry

Many of us want to see as much of the world as possible. However, sometimes this could be more feasible. Whether it be time restrictions, money troubles, or something else entirely, not all of us can see as much of the world as we want. For those who can’t physically travel where they want, VR can come quite in handy.

Quite a few notable tourist destinations have begun offering virtual reality tours. These tours have become huge successes, with the most famous being the VR tour of the Louvre in France, the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland VR tour, and quite a few others.

Oculus, the company behind one of the most successful VR headsets, the Oculus Rift, released the most popular VR experiences of 2020. The absolute favorite was National Geographic’s virtual reality tour of different parts of the world.

The Sports Industry

For sports fans, there is no experience more thrilling than being in the stands and watching the game. Of course, every fan can’t catch every single game in person. However, if virtual reality developers had their way, fans would never miss a game again. By putting on a VR headset, fans could experience the game as if they were truly there. They could take up any position in the bleachers and enjoy a great game of football, soccer, or whatever other sport interests them.

Best of all, VR will not just benefit fans. Players can reap the benefits of virtual reality as well. Engineers are working on ways players could place a headset and train in virtual reality while experiencing real-life benefits. On top of that, through virtual reality, players can simulate different games and get a better feel of the opposing team’s tactics, plays, and movements. 

Naturally, these developments might improve performance on both sides, thus creating a more interesting game for players. And with one of the most iconic players supposedly retiring from the NFL, better tactics and plays might be important.

Last Words

Virtual reality is on the cusp of being perfected. Many experts are predicting that the future of VR is very close at hand. Finally, the films that we grew up with might become a reality. Unlike those films, virtual reality will only improve our lives and make them a lot more exciting and interesting.