There are countless classic pastimes that have enjoyed a resurgence because of their digitalization online. Games like chess and blackjack are now hugely popular, thanks to the ease with which they were adapted for modern players.
There are certain pastimes, however, that have been unable to enjoy the same levels of success because they simply haven’t translated into digital form. When virtual reality enters the mainstream and brings about advanced levels of immersive technology, it could lead to a rise in the computerization of these offerings.
Darts
Darts is an example of a game that can’t really be adapted into a digital option that requires button presses or mouse clicks. The whole point of the pastime is for players to develop a throwing technique that results in precision. The tactile nature of holding the darts and the skill in aiming are aspects that computer games haven’t been able to replicate, but VR has the potential to do so.
Once VR is more commonly combined with haptic feedback technology, it will allow players to feel the weight and balance of the darts in their hands. Advanced motion tracking will also be able to accurately simulate the throw, meaning that the experience will be just like it is in real life. This will make darts much more accessible to people around the world, and there could be a massive surge in interest in the sport.
Craps
The online casino industry is one of the internet’s greatest success stories, with numerous gambling options enjoying a surge in popularity over the last two decades. Certain offerings like slots, roulette, and blackjack have evolved alongside the rise of the internet and other forms of technology like live streaming, and now the online gambling industry is booming around the world.
Despite the overwhelming success of these casino games, there are some titles that haven’t boomed quite as much. Craps, for example, isn’t as represented as other table games at online gambling sites. Interest in the game is clearly, growing, though, with various sites explaining how to play craps. People can bet on a natural or crap out online at various online casinos, but VR could enhance the pastime further. One of the highlights of the casino game is acting as the shooter and throwing the dice down the table, which will be possible in VR versions of the game.
Curling
Curling is another pastime that could be an incredible hit in VR. The sport has often been described as chess on ice, as it requires tactical proficiency as well as physical skill. Like with darts, VR could use haptic feedback to bring the game to life in a digital format, with players able to feel the heft of the curling stone and the slickness of the ice.
VR could offer an immersive experience in which players are able to enjoy the environmental factors of the sport such as ice temperature and texture. Once the technology becomes advanced enough, VR could even act as a training ground for professional players.
Virtual reality is set to make a whole host of new games, sports, and pastimes available to a wider range of people. As haptic technology and motion tracking improve, it will be possible for players to perform intricate, skill based tasks in VR.
