How the arcade will save virtual reality

In 2016, the first consumer-facing VR systems were launched by brands such as Oculus, HTC, Samsung and Google. Their success may hit a stumbling block if consumers don’t have the opportunity to try the technology before they buy, however, a fact that looks set to revive the fortunes of the games arcade.

One early pioneer in this space is Taiwanese brand HTC. In October 2016 the company opened its first Viveland site in Taipei. The venue hosts more than 20 virtual reality experiences, including familiar titles such as Project CARS and Fruit Ninja VR.

‘It is hard to access right now,’ Rikard Steiber, president of Viveport and senior vice-president of VR at HTC, told Polygon. ‘Very soon, for a few dollars, our mums are going to be able to have their first VR experience. That will accelerate the growth of VR in general, so it’s not just the hardcore gamers but for everyone.’