Anyone who might think that Virtual Reality (VR) technology was specifically developed for the gaming industry is sadly mistaken. Yes, VR technology plays a huge role in the lives of video gamers. However, VR was around long before video game developers got hold of it. In fact, there are a lot of industries that have been involved in VR for years as well as today.
In an effort to explain just how other industries are using VR technology, we thought it would be prudent to discuss nine (9) industries that have embraced VR as a means for advancing their goods and services. We’ll leave the video gaming discussion aside because most Europeans (kids and adults) are quite aware of how VR enhances the video gaming experience.
1. Online iGaming Industry
In the last couple of years, a couple of top online gaming software developers (Microgaming and Netent) have been advancing the ability of UK online gamblers to experience online gaming in a world of Virtual Reality. They have successfully done this in two ways.
First came the creation of the VR online casino. Equipped with their favorite VR goggles and a gaming bankroll in hand, UK online gamblers now have the ability to stroll through 3D VR casinos where the gaming action is realistic, fast, and furious. The experience includes the ability to handle gambling chips and coins while interacting with dealers and other players.
Second, creative software developers have actually figured out how to create video slots that look and feel like video games. The only real difference between participating in an interactive video game and an interactive video slot is the latter adventure is done with real cash. Imagine that. UK online gamblers now have the ability to step into a video slot and become an active part of a bonus feature that could lead to thousands of dollars.
If there is any negative side to this, it would be the addictive nature of the VR gaming experience. This addictive nature issue has likely been driving some UK online gamblers to join the GamStop self-exclusion scheme. Doing that has led to some UK gamblers trying to find many international online casinos that accept UK players as a way to beat GamStop after changing their minds.
2. Real Estate
Long gone are the days when prospective homebuyers needed to travel to look at homes of interest. VR technology has now made it possible for sales and real estate agents to give a VR tour of a home or commercial property from literally thousands of miles. For homebuyers, the VR experience includes the ability to get a sense of space and color, which should aid in the purchasing decision. The time and money savings can then be poured into the purchase of the home.
3. Education
Researchers have figured out that kids learn faster and retain more information from live learning. Online video learning doesn’t offer the same kind of effectiveness. What the VR classroom does is bring students closer to the look and feel of a live classroom while enjoying the comforts of home.
By the way, VR makes it possible for students to take amazing virtual field trips without having to bring a note from home.
4. Entertainment
While video gaming would fall in this category, there are other ways that VR has given software developers other ways to keep people entertained.
In the not-so-distant future, VR movies will allow home movie goers to become a part of the action. VR technology also gives people the opportunity to visit tourist attractions without having to pay amusement park prices, which seem to increase every month. Did you ever think you could ride a roller coaster or zipline at Six Flags without paying the price of admission?
5. Architecture
There was a time architects would have to edit plan after plan before they could get a customer to accept a final rendering. VR technology now allows architects to present design features that can be changed in real time while the architect and their customers interact. For homeowners, this new process saves lots of time and money. For architects, the time savings allows them to serve more customers at the same time or over time.
6. Learning and Development
Using the same VR concept used for the classroom, companies are using VR technology as a means of training employees and connecting departments and subsidiaries within the same organization. It’s the ability to see what is being taught in multiple dimensions that is allowing employees to do their jobs faster, more efficiently, and more effectively.
7. Tourism
It costs a lot of money for a family to take a vacation that includes flying and a hotel. The last thing anyone wants to encounter is a vacation destiny that doesn’t deliver what was promised.
VR technology has changed the way people and families plan their vacations. In the span of an hour or two, vacation planners can take virtual tours of multiple vacation destinations and get a better sense of what the experience will deliver. When you know your vacation experience is going to deliver as promised, it makes the whole traveling experience a lot more enjoyable.
8. Art Design
When a clothing designer creates a new design, they really want and need a way to see how their designs will play in the real world. They need a sense of the aesthetics of their designs before they submit the final designs to manufacturers. VR technology software platforms allow them to outfit virtual models so they can see how their designs will play out in the real world of fashion before any money is spent on manufacturing.
9. Sports
For decades, millions of spectators sat on the sidelines watching their favorite athletes participate in their favorite sports. They sat on the sidelines because they couldn’t afford the needed investment (equipment and facilities) to become a participant. VR sports allow people to actually play sports like tennis, bowling, baseball, and golf at home with a minimum of effort and financial investment.
