Can VR and Esports Coexist?
Based on data from Polaris Market Research, the virtual reality market size was valued at $13.58 billion in 2023, and market researchers anticipate further growth reaching $62.39 billion by 2032. Today, VR continues to revolutionize the gaming and entertainment industries and is also extensively used in instructional training for professionals in fields like engineering, mechanics, aviation, and other
industrial sectors.
Out of the industries impacted by virtual reality, however, experts are still debating the technology's potential in the esports industry. Built around competitive PC or console gaming, esports seems like the kind of industry where virtual reality gaming would thrive. In this post, we'll take a closer look at whether or not VR and esports can coexist, and where we are on that progress:
Virtual Reality Esports Titles
One of the first things to consider when discussing whether or not VR and esports can coexist is how familiar people are with VR titles. Unfortunately, many virtual reality esports titles aren't as well known as conventional PC and consoles are. Meanwhile, many established PC and console titles that do have VR ports aren't esports titles. There's the Call of Duty-like multiplayer first-person shooter, VAIL VR, which recently expanded to Quest via App Lab. Initially developed for PC VR headsets via Steam Early Access, the 5v5 team shooter now supports cross-play on Quest and PC VR. The game is priced at $20 on App Lab and shows off esports potential due to its straightforward team-based format. However, once VAIL VR esports does take off, players and fans will likely find the scene familiar to other esports titles in the team shooter genre, like Call of Duty.
Today, Call of Duty esports remains a prominent presence in the industry. Players and fans keep up with the official Call of Duty League every year, where city-based teams like Toronto Ultra or OpTiC Texas compete against each other throughout the season for sizable winnings and championship titles. As with traditional sports, fans also take time to bet on the tournaments. The reputable betting platform Thunderpick facilitates Call of Duty betting via built-in livestream and in-play cryptocurrency betting to place bets in real time. Betting lines on Thunderpick vary from traditional odds like Match and Map Winner to Under/Over, which users can stack into combo bets for higher earnings. As such, a future where VAIL VR and other competitive multiplayer virtual reality titles become an established esports presence can add layers to the esports viewing experience, transforming how viewers will spectate, bet on, and even attend esports tournaments.
The VR Esports Spectator Experience
Speaking of elevating the esports viewing experience, VR developers have also invested in using the technology to transform how esports games are played and how fans and spectators can view them. In 2023, Counter-Strike, despite not having an official VR port, became the first significant esports title at the Virtex Stadium. Founded in 2020, Virtex redefines the esports fan experience, allowing fans to spectate Counter-Strike games as if they are on the maps alongside playing teams. This provides a revolutionary first-person perspective to viewing esports games and boosts immersion.
Using their desktop computers and compatible VR headsets, Counter-Strike esports fans can enter the Virtex Stadium, currently in closed beta, to watch live gameplays recreated in 3D. Aside from a new way of viewing the game, fans can also customize their avatars to meet other fans in the lobby. Of course, if watching Counter-Strike games from within the map isn't for you, you also have the option to sit on the virtual stadium seats to watch gameplay in full view. Virtex Stadium also allows esports fans from around the world to connect virtually and bond over their favorite teams and players. While Virtex is the first of its kind, it'll be interesting to see similar and improved VR esports initiatives in the future as VR software and hardware continue to improve.
An Official VR Esports League
Finally, another crucial element of promoting VR esports is an official league. Many conventional esports titles today function through official leagues that are in charge of obtaining sponsorships and funding for seasonal tournaments. The aforementioned Call of Duty League is an example of this, and the official Counter-Strike esports league is called the ESL Pro League.
In the virtual reality niche specifically, team-based shooter VAIL VR recently held a major tournament in partnership with the International Virtual Reality League (IVRL), marking the beginning of future seasons of VR's first gaming federation. This can mean more live events, improved broadcasting, and a sustainable business model for organizations looking to invest in teams and players within the VR esports ecosystem. The IVRL aims to continuously grow VR esports around the world within the next decade so players worldwide can showcase their talents in competitive VR regardless of genre.
Ultimately, recent developments within the VR market and the continued proliferation of the esports industry indicate a future where VR and esports coexist is more than possible. As we go forward, it'll be important to see how VR companies and developers move to make the technology even more accessible to gamers and esports enthusiasts around the world. If you're looking to hop onto some VR gaming and esports yourself, you may want to check out VR titles announced at Gamescom 2024 to get yourself warmed up, including Indiana Jones-like Action Hero and virtual board game simulator All on Board!