VR technology is more mainstream than ever, with virtual reality games available for console and PC and new options being released all the time. The VR revolution may not have been as quick as some have predicted, but this could partially be down to the cost of the headsets and the fact they aren’t as convenient as mobile gaming, for instance.
Certain genres of games have become linked with VR platforms, and some genres and themes are definitely ideal for playing in this immersive way. In this guide, we explore games currently on the market as well as some genres that may explode as VR tech becomes more mainstream among gamers.
Casino Games
Imagine being able to play a game of poker wearing your headset and seeing other players around this imaginary table. The technology could lend itself to other forms of casino gaming, too, and even some slot games.
It will be interesting to see if this takes off in the industry. For a lot of people, the idea that they can enjoy a hand of poker or can play online blackjack for real money even while they are on the go is very appealing, so VR might not be best for all casino games and gamers.
You’re not likely to put a VR headset on while you play in a waiting room or public transport, and for blackjack, you don’t really need this, but some casino games like poker or roulette may feel more immersive with VR or AR functionality.
Simulation/Sandbox Games
Again, like casino games, this will work better with some games than others. A lot of simple simulation games and sandbox games will be improved if you have the option to view them through a VR headset.
Minecraft is one game that has already become very popular in its VR format. Games like Job Simulator and Cooking Simulator are other examples of games that can be fun to properly immerse yourself inside.
A lot of these games are fun options you may only play through once or twice rather than spending hours of your life immersed in them. For VR gaming, that is exactly what a lot of people are looking for, and the fun of a game like Job Simulator can be even more quirky and comedic in VR.
If you’re playing a complex simulator with lots of different metrics to control, VR isn’t really suitable at the moment as it can be hard to control, but simple simulation and sandbox games can work very well using a headset.
Exploration Games
Though “exploration” games isn’t really a genre, we’ve included this on our list as plenty of different games fit this description.
The recent growth in the gaming industry has seen a lot of games that allow for endless exploration. No Man’s Sky is a great example, and it is a game that you could play for your whole life and still find new things. The developers explained that there are 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 full worlds available to find in the game. That is a huge number most of us can’t even get our heads around.
No Man’s Sky has been very popular among VR gamers for that exact reason, and there is a lot behind the exploration that feels that extra bit more thrilling if you are playing with a VR headset.
It can almost feel like you’re the astronaut seeing these new planets for the first time yourself, with the option to look around just like you would if you were truly there. There’s no TV screen ruining the illusion!
It is fair to expect a lot of other exploration games to continue to dominate the VR gaming industry; people love the feeling of discovery when gaming and VR seem to enhance this experience.
Horror Games
It is pretty obvious why this is one of the most common game genres that can be played on VR. A lot of the biggest titles released on the platform have been horror games.
It is either something that you will love or hate, but if you are the kind of person who likes to get a bit of scare when you are gaming, horror games could be an option.
Games include Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul, Resident Evil VII Biohazard and
Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted, these horror games all include some serious jump scares and plenty of creepy moments. Seeing and hearing them using a VR headset can get the heart racing, which is something that a lot of gamers are looking for when they choose a horror title.
Conclusion
The genres that we have picked out are just some of the examples of those that could work for VR gaming. People who like to play VR games will almost always play games on their phones and other consoles, too. VR is just one option to enjoy the games out there, and casino games on your mobile or sports games on consoles will always be popular, too.
Certain genres are tailor-made for a VR or AR experience.
