Virtual Reality has gone too far in terms of technological innovations, its scope, and its purpose. The consoles were designed to foster more immersive ways to enjoy PC gaming. However, people’s minds always tend to have these new ideas that can enhance the system to its full potential. Not all changes are for the better regardless. Has VR gone too far as long as human limitations are concerned?
Violence Gets Too Real
Virtual reality gaming is scarily real, and it feels authentic. Apparently, it should be because the primary purpose is for people to experience the game to a whole new level. Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Ansel Elgort look like their sim-persona in the Allegiant Virtual Reality game? It is like living in the fiction world of the Divergent series. Well, it is still alarming because it can feel like you are holding an actual gun and firing.
To experience it through computer screens feels very different than virtually immersing into it. Some players shared how satisfying it is when they kill a lot of people in the virtual reality world. They explained how vivid it looks when they pull a trigger and see these bots jerk into lifelessness. There is blood spurting while they also try to kill the lifeless victims with a knife. It is a murderous exchange of revenge between opponents and probably not ideal for people who can’t stand violence.
Even if it is in virtual reality, sometimes the images stay in the head. Some people have pictographic memory, and they remember things in a very lucid way. If the users do not mind this kind of games at all, they may keep playing it. If the users can’t stand it, other games may suit their preferences. It is about finding what is light and fun if that is what they like.
Smelling Farts
Some VR enthusiasts find it both amusing and ridiculous how Ubisoft introduced a new console called Nosolus Rift. The device is like a virtual reality headset that users strap on their nose, and they can literally smell farts. No kidding aside, it is a real thing in the virtual reality world. They designed the device for the game called South Park: The Fractured but Whole. The game is where the hero’s power is his ass.
For some players, virtual reality has gone too far in this aspect. They claim that smell triggers memories more than any other human senses do. Smelling a fart is not something people should remember, is it? Also, for some people, there should be limitations in embarking the virtual reality world. The sense of sight is already at stake through this invention, using more of the human senses might be too much for a game.
Meanwhile, some people enjoy it mainly when they play in groups and with friends. They exchange bickers over the smell and just take it lightly as they laugh it off. For some, it is indeed the exact experience into a different level. Ubisoft steps up their game and hired specialists just to create this kind of smell. Is it something you want to try as well?
Virtual Field Trips
The sole purpose of virtual reality is to enhance gaming experiences. The developers just wanted to create something that will make games even more exciting and fun. However, that has changed over the years. After the game platform, these brands want to create different systems that will allow people to have various experiences virtually. Those systems include entering the education industry.
The goal now is to try to educate everyone while they are just sitting and relaxing at home. Some developers believe that this will be more enticing for children. They construct this image where kids can go on a field trip virtually, saying it is practical. While experience is the best teacher and even Instagrammable pictures do not beat the real thing, they claim that not everyone can go and travel places.
There is also this program that will let you travel Syria and see how the country’s people live on a daily basis. The developers believe that learning about other people’s culture and way of living is better this way. Rather than some boring lectures that are not that engaging. This is the type of experience virtual reality world wants to impart.
Health Dangers
Some users get seasick or also known as motion sickness when playing VR for the first time. The illness happens because the VR affects the connection between the eyes and the brain. In virtual reality world, users may see things far away but it is only imaginary, and that confuses the mind. That is why there is a delay of stimulus that may result in dizziness and nausea. Experts say that no one is sure yet what is the long-term effect of this VR tricking the brains of the many.
Safety Warnings
The primary sense that is affected by playing VR is the sight. Doctors say that gadgets like phones and tablets may already increase the risk of people having myopia. They are claiming that VR games may make it worse. Sciences studies even affirmed that 40 percent of the population is said to be severely nearsighted.
VR should also be played where the area is clear, and nothing may harm the players as they move around. In virtual reality world, users do not see what is happening or what is around in real scenario. It might be a problem if the players bumped onto chairs or tables. It is best to avoid accident no matter what.
Has VR gone too far and forget that health and safety are more important than excitement and fun? Is it really the matter or we are not just giving it more understating and importance? Either way, there is always a room for development and changes that aim for better living and experiences. Sooner or later, there might be ways to both be safe without compromising the enjoyment everyone can experience.
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/13/health/virtual-reality-vr-dangers-safety/index.html
https://uploadvr.com/is-it-okay-to-kill-in-vr/
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/sam-lewishargreave/has-vr-gone-too-far_b_15410100.html
https://www.cinemablend.com/games/1545139/virtual-reality-may-have-officially-gone-too-far