While many considered 2016 to be the year that virtual reality (VR) entered the mainstream within the 3d rendering services arena, there were more than a few teething issues as this technology broke into the marketplace. One of the primary issues was a lack of evolved hardware, as many developers rushed in order to compete with leading players such as Sony and Microsoft.

There were also a number of brands that breached the market with affordable headsets that delivered extremely simplified versions of virtual and augmented reality. Take Merge VR, for example, which sold headsets for approximately $130 and created entry level products in a bid to keep larger brands at bay.

A New Year, A New Start for VR: What Will 2017 Bring? 

The last six months have seen technological advancement grip the marketplace as headsets become more evolved and the technology benefits from a far greater sense of focus.

With this in mind, 2017 promises to be a truly seminal year for VR, so let’s take a look at some of the key trends that we should expect: –

Virtual Reality Will Find a True Outlet in Games

Every innovation or evolving technology requires an outlet and an application that enables it grow and develop a market. VR has found this in the field of console and online gaming, which is part of the reason why the technology will be able to grow substantially during the next 12 months and beyond.

We have already seen augmented reality add a tactile dimension to online games such as Minecraft, and 2017 will see entirely new, virtual realms created to support new titles for players to enjoy. First-person shooters are bound to emerge during the next year, while virtual casino titles and old-school RPG games may also be re-imagined in the 3d virtual age.

As demand grows, VR-focused games will gradually begin to superseded traditional titles and formats.

The Proliferation of 360-degree 3D Content

In case you hadn’t noticed we have already seen a number of 360-degree videos emerge online, but this represents the very tip of the iceberg in terms of the types of content that can be created using VR. After all, most of the videos that we currently see are created by technology firms with advanced 3D software and considerable expertise, but they are likely to become commonplace in 2017 as they continue to penetrate the mainstream.

In this respect the in 2017 we may see 360-degree video content become the new selfie, as firms put up with lower quality graphics and 3d imagery in order to access such an immersive communication medium.

The Rise of Mobile and Portable VR

 

 

Even the leading, formative VR headsets (such the Oculus Rift and HTC’s Vive) tether users to some form of hardware. Regardless of whether this is a desktop computer or a console, it is important to note that this creates a sense of restriction that is alien in a world of mobile technology. 

VR will break free from these constraints in 2017, however, as increasingly sophisticated mobile technology (and graphical capability) create a refreshingly portable, virtual 3D rendering experience. This first emerged in the form of VR backpacks, which are gaming-ready and desktop-grade packages that empower players to enjoy genuine freedom of movement. In the near future, however, we will see this type of technology incorporated into mobile software across both Android and iOS platforms.

At 3d rendering services we are extremely excited about the potential applications for 3D virtual reality in 2017, particularly as 360-degree content becomes increasingly accessible and mainstream online.

If you want to understand more about this market and how it can help your business flourish, why not contact 3drenderingservices.co.uk and speak to one of our knowledgeable team today.