[JohnnyJohnny]

Since this has a tangential connection to SGIs, just thought I'd start this thread for those who might be, were, or are considering gaming in VR.

I've been using a Samsung Odyssey Plus in Windows Mixed Reality and Steam VR for about a year now, and have been quite happy with it. The headset  has Zeiss corrective lenses, I've replaced the face "cushion" with one from VR Cover, and have added an over-the-head strap. As is common with WMR-based systems, the controllers are not that great, but I haven't had too many problems with them. That being said, it's likely that I'll be upgrading sometime this year.

Right now I'm mostly playing Fallout 4 VR, Beat Saber, and Downward Spiral, though I've got a library of about 20 games in Steam. One of my all-time favourite VR game has been Moss. If anyone wants to connect on Steam, my userID is 'Hexonxonx'.

Back in the day (i.e. early 90's) I wrote my Bachelor's honour thesis on sociological implications of VR, expanding on Jaron Lanier's ideas into the areas of business, industrial design, and group relationships. I also dabbled in the hardware side, modding a Nintendo Power Glove to connect to my PC (a blistering fast 486 dx33) via serial cable. A few years later I started playing in Virtual Reality Markup Language (VRML), though I never got the chance to build or use a true VR headset. I was hoping to eventually publish a VRML-based website run on an Indy while working at EveryWare Development Corp, an Apple and SGI software developer, however that never happened. 

I'm really happy to see where VR is going, ignoring the people saying that "VR is dead." I guess that considering my age, I'm a lot more patient with the development of new technology. VR is moving forward and improving each year, with great new games being released all the time (big titles as well as from independent developers). 

Interested to hear about games and experiences from others.

[Raion]

I've played in VR chat, though without VR headsets. Probably because I lack enough time behind them I get motion sick easily.

I think it's a cool tech, but I would not want it to replace traditional games or movies.

[uunix]

This year for Christmas we have bought a 'family' PS4 Pro and VR kit. I say 'family' so my son doesn't think he can take it over (which he probably will anyway).

I opened up the box the other week to ensure it was all working, and I've never really played with VR, closest I got was a hat that followed the motion of your head but you still had to look at the screen, that was many years back though, and possibly not VR in it's current meaning.

Any how, I put the headset on, and I have to say I was.. "WOW.. WTF..." it was/is absolutely awesome. It's a real game changer in my eyes, and it's just like you have left your house.

There is this demo where by you travel deep under sea, and you feel like you can reach out and touch the fish. That demo was really nice, only to be spoilt by a fscking huge shark trying to eat me! That was not a nice experience I have to say.

I think Sony are bringing a new PS out next year, so possibly worth waiting, but we have been using a PS3 for the last 10 years, so not like we are trend setters or anything like that.

Certainly recommend VR... mind you I also suspect you may look a muppet as you duck and take cover to those watching from the outside lol.

[Irinikus]

This year for Christmas we have bought a 'family' PS4 Pro and VR kit. I say 'family' so my son doesn't think he can take it over (which he probably will anyway).

I opened up the box the other week to ensure it was all working, and I've never really played with VR, closest I got was a hat that followed the motion of your head but you still had to look at the screen, that was many years back though, and possibly not VR in it's current meaning.

Any how, I put the headset on, and I have to say I was.. "WOW.. WTF..." it was/is absolutely awesome. It's a real game changer in my eyes, and it's just like you have left  your house.

There is this demo where by you travel deep under sea, and you feel like you can reach out and touch the fish. That demo was really nice, only to be spoilt by a fscking huge shark trying to eat me! That was not a nice experience I have to say.

I think Sony are bringing a new PS out next year, so possibly worth waiting, but we have been using a PS3 for the last 10 years, so not like we are trend setters or anything like that.

Certainly recommend VR... mind you I also suspect you may look a muppet as you duck and take cover to those watching from the outside lol.

Very nice!!! The PS4Pro's a huge upgrade on the PS3, performance-wise. I personally don't use VR yet, but may invest in it in the future. VR makes allot more sense being coupled to a console than a computer, in my opinion, and consoles are now for the first time becoming capable enough to properly drive VR.

As far as the PS5 goes, I wouldn't waste my time with the first release, rather wait for the Pro. So you've done the right thing in buying the PS4Pro! (If the PS4Pro vs the PS4 is anything to go by anyway, as the PS4Pro literally has double the performance of the PS4!)

[uunix]

I hear good things about the Occulas[?] and PC combination, so as to what is best combinations I don't know. Personally I'm a PC gamer and struggle with console controllers.

Saying that, I'm hoping to buy the combat flight sim Aces 7.. which is a bit cheesy, and I'm doubly hoping that my hotas F16 cougar setup works.. if it does.. oh gosh.. it will be bloody awesome!

But really chap, you as a military pilot.. you could get your ass out those cargo transporters and shoot down some Ruskies..

[Irinikus]

I hear good things about the Occulas[?] and PC combination, so as to what is best combinations I don't know. Personally I'm a PC gamer and struggle with console controllers.

Saying that, I'm hoping to buy the combat flight sim Aces 7.. which is a bit cheesy, and I'm doubly hoping that my hotas F16 cougar setup works.. if it does.. oh gosh.. it will be bloody awesome!

But really chap, you as a military pilot.. you could get your ass out those cargo transporters and shoot down some Ruskies..

I'm am/was a PC gamer myself, I just really don't find myself playing any games these days, as messing around with old hardware such as SGI keeps me rather busy!  I agree that the controllers for consoles represent a rather big problem, as they just don't match up to a mouse and keyboard! Seeing that consoles are now becoming so powerful, it would almost be a no-brainer to ship them with mice and keyboards as a standard, as this would definitely help to attract hardcore gamers into the console gaming community.

Gaming rigs have always exited me, but looking at the way forward, I would rather use an Apple machine as my personal computer, and a very powerful console for gaming!

The PS4Pro has really impressed me performance-wise, as I have compared Fallout 76 running on it, to my gaming rig, equipped with a Titan X. Yes the performance on the Titan X is a bit better, but certainly not better enough to warrant the difference in price between these two setups. I also hate Windows with a capital H, so I don't want to build up another Windows machine again, if I can help it!

As far as military flying goes, rather than fighters, I would fly bombers if I could. My favourite aircraft is the B1B Lancer, so if I was in the USAF, that's what I'd be flying!

As far as my actual Military flying career has gone, I've been lucky enough to hold senior flying positions in both the Helicopter and Transport lines. (Most pilots only get to fly in one line)

I did allot of operational flying up in Central Africa, while I was in the Helicopter line, so I've had a bit of fun in my time. It's now time for me to fly things such as Falcon Jets and Boeing business Jets. (And experience some comfort and inflight service for once!) If they don't force me to go and fly C130's!

The only reason why I left the Helicopter line, was to avoid spending years at the Helicopter Flying School, located in Bloemfontein (The place where J. R. R. Tolkien, who wrote The Lord Of The Rings was born), as if South Africa had to have an asshole, Bloemfontein would definitely be it! (I lost absolutely nothing in Bloemfontein, as I'm an English-speaking Capetonian!)

I really miss the Choppers though!!!

[Jacques]

Would love to do some VR but my eyes won't allow it. For some reason I cannot focus on both eyepieces, so I have to close one eye...which kinda looses the effect of VR. :/

[Trippynet]

I do like the effect of VR, tried a PS4 headset a couple of years back and it was very impressive. However, I often like to game a bit in the evening (PC, not consoles) whilst unwinding with a beer - I get the feeling it'd be knocked over quite quickly

[uunix]

I do like the effect of VR, tried a PS4 headset a couple of years back and it was very impressive. However, I often like to game a bit in the evening (PC, not consoles) whilst unwinding with a beer - I get the feeling it'd be knocked over quite quickly

Drinking a beer is problematic whilst playing VR.. problem 1 is actually drinking a beer with the headset on.. and problem 2 is finding the drink if you put it down ..

[JohnnyJohnny]

Would love to do some VR but my eyes won't allow it. For some reason I cannot focus on both eyepieces, so I have to close one eye...which kinda looses the effect of VR. :/

Is that because you used an older headset without IPD adjustment? Some VR headsets use software IPD, while others (like my Samsung) have hardware IPD that physically moves the lenses - much better implementation IMO.

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I do like the effect of VR, tried a PS4 headset a couple of years back and it was very impressive. However, I often like to game a bit in the evening (PC, not consoles) whilst unwinding with a beer - I get the feeling it'd be knocked over quite quickly

Drinking a beer is problematic whilst playing VR.. problem 1 is actually drinking a beer with the headset on.. and problem 2 is finding the drink if you put it down ..

Drinking is definitely problematic unless you use a headset that flips up (some do), or always use a straw. 

Finding things is not too bad, as WMR has a "flashlight" feature that allows you to see through the cameras to the physical area in front of you. Kind of funny when talking to someone, as you can see them but they only see a black headset facing them.