Skyrim VR Demo

[brendanvb]

Yet another little look at the (potential) gaming future: Virtual Reality:

Skyrim VR demo shows off treadmill and motion controls

Like the Virtuix Omni, Cyberith is taking steps towards virtual reality with its omnidirectional treadmill, the Virualizer. Cyberith released a video showcasing their machine’s abilities in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Using the Oculus Rift for visuals, the Virtualizer's treadmill and harness combination serve as the directional pad.

Equipped with a Wiimote, Wii Nunchuck, and an Oculus Rift, demonstrator Tuncay Cakmak literally runs around Skyrim to terrorise citizens and take on a dragon.

Currently, the Virtualizer is not available for purchase, but the Kickstarted competitor, the Virtuix Omni, has opened for preorders for their machine at $499. This price does not include the Oculus Rift, which is priced at $300 just for the development kit. Needless to say, virtual reality is going to be expensive.

Would you be interested in purchasing one of these machines?

Can you imagine playing games like this one day? Do you think this is the future or would it simply be a passing fad like the Wii?

[Tydmors]

I think this will be a great way to play a game, as long as it has quick travel, imagine walking across Tamriel to get from one Town to the next. DAMN!!

[brendanvb]

I think this will be a great way to play a game, as long as it has quick travel, imagine walking across Tamriel to get from one Town to the next. DAMN!!

Good solution to the couch potato gamers

[Iam3G]

I think this will be a great way to play a game, as long as it has quick travel, imagine walking across Tamriel to get from one Town to the next. DAMN!!

Good solution to the couch potato gamers

Good way to keep in shape, no?

[addam]

I think this is more of a fad. Maybe it'll do well with some fitness games, but with the amount of running and walking around I do in games, I'd have to take a water break every 10 minutes I think the Oculus Rift by itself makes a lot more sense, because you're already constantly looking around while playing games, but running is quite a tiring activity by itself, never mind trying to dodge arrows and attacks!

[brendanvb]

I think this is more of a fad. Maybe it'll do well with some fitness games, but with the amount of running and walking around I do in games, I'd have to take a water break every 10 minutes I think the Oculus Rift by itself makes a lot more sense, because you're already constantly looking around while playing games, but running is quite a tiring activity by itself, never mind trying to dodge arrows and attacks!

Yeah I'd be happy with a VR headset only, keeping the controller for movements in my hands, so that you still get the feeling of being in the world but can sit on one place while playing.

[addam]

Yeah I'd be happy with a VR headset only, keeping the controller for movements in my hands, so that you still get the feeling of being in the world but can sit on one place while playing.

The whole running thing will probably work well with running games where people are too lazy to actually go for a run outside Although having a game that lets you run all over the world and compete in virtual marathons would be quite interesting, like those bikes that you plug into your computer and then cycle the Tour de France with!

[blaaislaai]

Pretty cool, but that is something way out of our league/ paygrade.

[Stunt]

I still find this all very impractical and without intuitive substance. This VR branch we're hanging on is but the surface of the true technology - I'm certain of it.

[brendanvb]

I still find this all very impractical and without intuitive substance. This VR branch we're hanging on is but the surface of the true technology - I'm certain of it.

It definitely is just the tip of the iceberg, but I'm very excited for any progress in this direction as the experience of feeling like you are actually in the game (via VR) is the direction I hope games branch into (while not replacing the good 'ol console and controller).