When VR gaming comes up in conversation, you'll usually get a mixture of responses. Perhaps the most common of those is “Yeah it looks cool, but …”. I’m guilty of it myself – hearing about a new game that sounds amazing, just to be left deflated once I learn that it's VR-based. Expensive headsets and limited software choices have made VR a bit of a marmite format for gamers since it emerged on the mass market. So is VR really a dying market, or can it be revived?

The First VR 'Headset'

The first documented use of VR occurred a lot earlier than you'd expect. In 1968 a computer scientist named Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull created a system which was able to track the wearers head position, and then render a simple wireframe 3D environment based on their simulated field of view. The catch, however, was that it was too heavy to be supported by the human neck. It was still worlds away from the modern-day VR technology we know.These days, however, Virtual Reality systems have come on leaps and bounds. You still wear a headset, but now you don’t risk permanent neck damage by wearing it. Your eyes on the other hand though …

Modern VR Gaming

In recent years more and more VR headsets and games have been released, yet variety is in scarce supply. Many of the most popular VR games tend to have the same kind of style. They tend to be cartoonish and colourful. Rec Room, for example, is a “low impact and free social sandbox” game. Players have plenty of objects to interact with, pick up, throw around and play with. Games like this will also contain simplistic mini-games which can be played solo or online.We've yet to see any AAA-rated games designed exclusively for VR, so don’t expect to see the likes of Red Dead Redemption on a headset any time soon. Some existing games have gone on to receive the VR treatment though, including games such as Fallout 4, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and even Minecraft.

An Expensive Hobby

In order to get the most streamlined experience when playing VR games, you need a number of accessories. For the VR system to even work, a camera is required to track your movements, plus various controllers for pulling triggers and tracking hand gestures accurately.If you’re playing a game that requires accuracy then, like with the Nintendo Wii, you can purchase alternative controllers that are designed to further enhance the immersion and accuracy of your gameplay. You can even get an accessory to enable you to experience the full feeling of movement whilst travelling through VR worlds, without having to leave the sofa. The 3D Rudder Board is as simple as placing your feet on the controller and tilting it in the direction you wish to go - you can control the movement and speed to enhance your gaming experience. And probably end up feeling dizzy.

Be warned though, VR gaming isn’t exactly cheap. Sony's PSVR system starter pack (which doesn’t include the Move Controllers) costs £250. Move controllers currently cost £88 for a twin pack, plus a hefty £69.99 for the aim controller and another £110 for the 3D Rudder Board. Oh, and you'll be needing the console, too. Phew.

Feeling Queasy

Other than the price a huge concern with VR gaming is the fact that there is a screen so close to the user's eyes. Growing up we were always told to sit too close to the TV or we'd risk damaging our eyes. Although VR games mean players are more active, it can't be that healthy to quite literally strap a screen to your face. The most common “side effects” reported from using a VR system include eye strain, dizziness and nausea so it’s definitely not for everybody - you certainly can’t get the long gaming hours out of it that you would a standard console system.

Looking at the Alternatives

But gaming isn't the only use for VR headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. If the gaming community can’t or won’t fully embrace it, there are other industries that could.In recent years VR has been used by some industries for training simulations. An example of this is the military (army, navy and air force to be precise). VR enables troops to practice performing dangerous tasks without the risk of death or serious injury. Other examples of industries applying the use of VR to their training include healthcare, tourism, the automotive sector, and education.Amusement parks that utilise VR technology are appearing more and more, with rollercoasters using VR headsets to add to the experience. Some venues are opting for rollercoaster simulator machines to be used alongside the VR system, completely sidestepping the expensive and sometimes dangerous, rollercoaster experience altogether.Although expensive, VR gaming is still growing in popularity. And a high purchase price shouldn't put gamers off. Instead of buying the entire system and risking knocking over your mum's favourite vase in the lounge, you can now go to VR gaming lounges and rent a system – usually for either 30 or 60 minutes. This then allows people to enjoy VR games without having cough up for something that may sit unused most of the time.Overall the use of virtual reality is still at the beginning of its journey. There is some exciting potential with the use of headsets beyond gaming, but personally, I don’t think we’ll see a VR headset in every household any time soon – unless they do something about the price!What do you think of VR? Would you be tempted to get a VR system?