Can VR and Esports Coexist?
Based on data from Polaris Market Research, the virtual reality market size wasĀ valued at $13.58 billion in 2023, and market researchers anticipate further growthĀ reaching $62.39 billion by 2032. Today, VR continues to revolutionize the gamingĀ and entertainment industries and is also extensively used in instructional trainingĀ for professionals in fields like engineering, mechanics, aviation, and other
industrial sectors.
Out of the industries impacted by virtual reality, however, experts are stillĀ debating the technology's potential in the esports industry. Built aroundĀ competitive PC or console gaming, esports seems like the kind of industry whereĀ virtual reality gaming would thrive. In this post, we'll take a closer look at whetherĀ 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 andĀ esports can coexist is how familiar people are with VR titles. Unfortunately, manyĀ virtual reality esports titles aren't as well known as conventional PC and consolesĀ 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,Ā VAIL VR, which recently expanded to Quest via App Lab. Initially developed forĀ 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.Ā Players and fans keep up with the official Call of Duty League every year, whereĀ city-based teams like Toronto Ultra or OpTiC Texas compete against each otherĀ throughout the season for sizable winnings and championship titles. As withĀ traditional sports, fans also take time to bet on the tournaments. The reputableĀ betting platform Thunderpick facilitates Call of Duty betting via built-in livestreamĀ and in-play cryptocurrency betting to place bets in real time. Betting lines onĀ Thunderpick vary from traditional odds like Match and Map Winner toĀ Under/Over, which users can stack into combo bets for higher earnings. As such,Ā a future where VAIL VR and other competitive multiplayer virtual reality titlesĀ become an established esports presence can add layers to the esports viewingĀ experience, transforming how viewers will spectate, bet on, and even attendĀ esports tournaments.
The VR Esports Spectator Experience
Speaking of elevating the esports viewing experience, VR developers have alsoĀ invested in using the technology to transform how esports games are playedĀ andĀ how fans and spectators can view them. In 2023, Counter-Strike, despite notĀ having an official VR port, became the first significant esports title at the VirtexĀ Stadium. Founded in 2020, Virtex redefines the esports fan experience, allowingĀ fans to spectate Counter-Strike games as if they are on the maps alongsideĀ playing teams. This provides a revolutionary first-person perspective to viewingĀ esports games and boosts immersion.
Using their desktop computers and compatible VR headsets, Counter-StrikeĀ esports fans can enter the Virtex Stadium, currently in closed beta, to watch liveĀ gameplays recreated in 3D. Aside from a new way of viewing the game, fans canĀ also customize their avatars to meet other fans in the lobby. Of course, ifĀ watching Counter-Strike games from within the map isn't for you, you also haveĀ the option to sit on the virtual stadium seats to watch gameplay in full view. VirtexĀ 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.Ā Many conventional esports titles today function through official leagues that areĀ in charge of obtaining sponsorships and funding for seasonal tournaments. TheĀ aforementioned Call of Duty League is an example of this, and the officialĀ Counter-Strike esports league is called the ESL Pro League.
In the virtual reality niche specifically, team-based shooter VAIL VR recently heldĀ a major tournament in partnership with the International Virtual Reality LeagueĀ (IVRL), marking the beginning of future seasons of VR's first gaming federation.Ā This can mean more live events, improved broadcasting, and a sustainableĀ business model for organizations looking to invest in teams and players withinĀ the VR esports ecosystem. The IVRL aims to continuously grow VR esportsĀ around the world within the next decade so players worldwide can showcaseĀ their talents in competitive VR regardless of genre.
Ultimately, recent developments within the VR market and the continuedĀ proliferation of the esports industry indicate a future where VR and esportsĀ coexist is more than possible. As we go forward, it'll be important to see how VRĀ companies and developers move to make the technology even more accessibleĀ to gamers and esports enthusiasts around the world. If you're looking to hop ontoĀ some VR gaming and esports yourself, you may want to check out VR titlesĀ announced at Gamescom 2024 to get yourself warmed up, including IndianaĀ Jones-like Action Hero and virtual board game simulator All on Board!