What are they?

Virtual Reality is a computer generated artificial environment that allows its users to be fully immersed while experiencing it. The VR headsets used to achieve it take over your senses to make you feel like you’re somewhere else entirely, replacing the real world with a virtual one. The headsets use 6DOF, or six degrees of freedom, motion tracking which helps them detect which direction you're facing and what movements you make in those directions. VR has applications not just in gaming and the entertainment industry but also in medicine, architecture, education, etc. 

Augmented Reality, on the other hand, uses clear visors or smart devices to layer visual, auditory and other sensory information on real world environments around you. The introduction of this technology made a big impact in the gaming industry as well as healthcare, education, defence, etc. Some common examples of AR are the game Pokemon Go and Snapchat filters.

 

The Future 

While it's still uncertain whether we’ll be able to experience the kind of advancement in VR technology and gaming as seen in Ernest Cline’s sci fi novel ‘Ready Player One’,  VR and AR technologies are progressing fast, with VR being one of the fastest growing industries in the world.

The future of these technologies will offer players more immersion, control and entertainment, which is something every gamer can look forward to.

With this growth, comes the demand for a more affordable way to experience this type of gaming by the consumers, which is why AR is gaining more and more popularity because of the lack of additional equipment required to be able to play. More and more companies are entering the VR market and are rushing to make their headsets more affordable and accessible.