15.5.2.5 A limited form of virtual reality gaming will become popular
Virtual reality, or VR, is a human-computer interface technology in which a person is completely immersed in a simulated environment. While completely immersive virtual reality ala “The Matrix” won’t happen by 2030, gamers shouldn’t despair. Inexpensive head mounted displays capable of producing high resolution, high frame rate, stereoscopic color imagery, while accurately tracking head movement, will become a popular accessory to game machines over the next five to ten years. An early leader in this area is Oculus VR, makers of the Oculus Rift, which raised nearly $18.5 Million in 2013 – $2.4 million through a Kickstarter campaign and $16 million in venture capital.
Head mounted displays may be paired up with omnidirectional treadmills, low friction concave surfaces (such as the Virtuix Omni), or some other device that allows one to ‘walk in place’ in any direction. Such a combined system would allow for far more immersive experiences than we have today. Just imagine the fun of exploring a Skyrim-like environment by walking through it.
Unfortunately, as good as these systems may become, the experience they provide will still be a far cry from Star Trek’s holodeck.