HTC has today announced the creation of a new business in the form of Vive Studios, which has been created to build first-party virtual reality games and experiences for the HTC Vive virtual reality headset.
To date, the HTC Vive has sold over 140,000 units as of late October 2016, and is now looking to push out content to these users with the aim of taking virtual reality to the masses. This move is seen as a strategic effort to not only enhance the user experience but also to solidify HTC’s position in the burgeoning VR market.
Commitment to Innovation and Quality
Joel Breton, VP of content at HTC Vive, emphasized that the studio is committed to building titles that highlight the benefits of full 360-degree room-scale tracking. This is a significant feature that sets the HTC Vive apart from its competitors, such as the Sony PS VR and the Oculus Rift, which have more limited tracking systems. The room-scale tracking allows users to move freely within a designated space, providing a more immersive and interactive experience.
Breton pointed out that the limitations of other VR systems often restrict the user’s movement, which can detract from the overall experience. By focusing on the strengths of the HTC Vive, Vive Studios aims to create games and experiences that fully utilize the capabilities of their hardware, offering a more compelling and engaging experience for users.
New Titles and Experiences
As well as announcing the formation of Vive Studios, HTC also revealed Arcade Saga, which is currently under development by HTC’s internal studio, 2 Bears. Arcade Saga is a collection of three arcade titles that will take place in first-person 3D. The games include a shooting gallery where players are equipped with a bow and arrow, a Breakout-style game, and a VR table tennis game. These games are designed to showcase the versatility and potential of VR gaming, providing a variety of experiences that appeal to different types of players.
The shooting gallery game, for instance, leverages the precision of the Vive’s tracking system to offer a highly accurate and satisfying archery experience. The Breakout-style game reimagines the classic arcade game in a 3D space, adding new layers of strategy and excitement. Meanwhile, the VR table tennis game aims to replicate the fast-paced, competitive nature of real-life table tennis, complete with realistic physics and responsive controls.
These titles are just the beginning for Vive Studios. The company plans to continue developing a wide range of VR content, from games to educational experiences and beyond. By investing in high-quality, first-party content, HTC hopes to attract more users to the Vive platform and demonstrate the full potential of virtual reality.
Moreover, HTC’s commitment to VR extends beyond gaming. The company is also exploring applications in fields such as education, healthcare, and business. For example, VR can be used to create immersive educational experiences that make learning more engaging and effective. In healthcare, VR can be used for everything from surgical training to therapy for patients with anxiety or PTSD. In the business world, VR can facilitate remote collaboration and training, providing a more interactive and effective alternative to traditional methods.
Source: Tech Crunch
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