A while back, when Microsoft introduced the Xbox One X, its CEO, Phil Spencer, mentioned that the console would be compatible with Virtual Reality headsets – a novelty for their ecosystem. However, this plan was later abandoned entirely. Since then, Xbox has consistently stated that they have no intention of pursuing VR technology in the foreseeable future.
Microsoft has had an unconventional history with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). During the pandemic, CEO Satya Nadella frequently mentioned “metaverse” in his talks, suggesting a strong focus on this area. However, just as quickly as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), the hype surrounding the metaverse seems to have waned. The highly anticipated AR device, HoloLens, from Microsoft appears to be largely obsolete now.
Despite two significant competitors continuing with varying degrees of achievement, it’s worth noting that Meta, known for Facebook, is collaborating with Xbox to create a special edition Meta Quest 3S, intended to demonstrate Xbox Cloud Gaming within its system. However, Meta has faced massive losses – we’re talking billions here – in its pursuit of Virtual Reality (VR). In fact, they have lost an estimated $45 billion on VR ventures so far, a figure that seems hard to believe. To add to this, the company has gone as far as rebranding itself around the trendy concept of the “metaverse,” which experts predict may never generate profits.
In a different phrasing: Sony PlayStation, a significant competitor in the gaming industry, has not actually invested $45 billion into its headsets. These headsets, according to specifications, are impressive and rank among the best and most comfortable on the market. Nevertheless, recent developments stemming from one of the most popular VR games indicate that PlayStation VR might not have much more time left in the market.
Beat Saber is one of the rare instances where virtual reality (VR) gaming has thrived significantly. This musical VR rhythm game, which combines hacking and slashing with block-breaking mechanics, has generated hundreds of millions of dollars since its debut, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Acquired by Meta in 2019, it’s frequently included with Meta Quest headsets.
It appears that Beat Games plans to discontinue support for Beat Saber on PlayStation VR by June 2025. From this date, no additional content will be produced. However, multiplayer mode is set to shut down a few months later. Despite the game’s withdrawal from development, it will still be purchasable.
The decision to retire the game for PlayStation VR is quite a setback for the platform, leaving me pondering just how long PlayStation VR might survive in an industry that appears to have largely turned its back on virtual reality.
Reflecting on the past, I remember the dismay of some Xbox enthusiasts when Microsoft withdrew its commitment to introduce VR for Xbox One X. Today, considering the current state of VR technology, it seems like a wise decision to me. Even tech titan Apple, known for its loyal followers, flatly refused the Apple Vision Pro. Given that Apple and PlayStation struggled with this trend, there’s no justification to assume Microsoft could have succeeded either.
It’s likely that virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will continue to have a significant role in our future. Devices like the XREAL glasses, which offer a 1080p monitor-like experience, can be carried anywhere, providing an immersive visual experience on-the-go. It’s expected that the VR market will expand further, but it’s uncertain if VR gaming will contribute to its profitability in a substantial way.
Based on my personal observations, Virtual Reality (VR) gaming currently offers an uncomfortable, confined, and nausea-inducing experience for a significant portion of potential users. It seems reasonable that Xbox made the decision not to invest resources in this area. There’s hope, however, that the portable gaming market for devices like the Xbox Ally and PC handhelds may find more success.
Read More
- Masters Toronto 2025: Everything You Need to Know
- We Loved Both of These Classic Sci-Fi Films (But They’re Pretty Much the Same Movie)
- ‘The budget card to beat right now’ — Radeon RX 9060 XT reviews are in, and it looks like a win for AMD
- Forza Horizon 5 Update Available Now, Includes Several PS5-Specific Fixes
- Street Fighter 6 Game-Key Card on Switch 2 is Considered to be a Digital Copy by Capcom
- Valorant Champions 2025: Paris Set to Host Esports’ Premier Event Across Two Iconic Venues
- Gold Rate Forecast
- The Lowdown on Labubu: What to Know About the Viral Toy
- Karate Kid: Legends Hits Important Global Box Office Milestone, Showing Promise Despite 59% RT Score
- Mario Kart World Sold More Than 780,000 Physical Copies in Japan in First Three Days
2025-06-19 18:09