Virtual gaming is going to be one of the biggest trends in the video game industry this 2022, and Sony is not one to pass up on such an opportunity.
In a blog post dated after its live announcement at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2022), Sony revealed the company’s plans for a virtual reality (VR) system that will accompany its PS5.
The PlayStation VR2 or PS VR2 is the next-gen VR system for Sony’s latest PlayStation games console. It comes with VR controllers that bring us closer to the game world through haptics, as well as features that make playing more intuitive and expansive.
Judging by the specs, we can expect this VR system to give a whole new meaning to immersiveness.
Key Features in the PlayStation 5 VR System
Notable differences between the old VR System — naturally named the PS VR — and the PS VR2 include their panel resolution and eye-tracking technology.
Coming from a resolution of 960 x 1080 per eye in the PS VR, Sony made a huge leap by building a new VR system capable of 2000 x 2040 per eye.
This drastic increase will make the 3D images and art in VR games appear sharper and potentially more lifelike compared to the graphics seen in Sony’s first-gen VR system.
As for the eye-tracking technology, a feature that isn’t present in the PSVR, the PS VR2 will be able to track the movement and position of a player’s eyes. With cameras in the headset, this mechanism enables the VR system to determine what you’re supposed to be looking at in-game.
Functioning in conjunction with this eye-tracking technology is a thing called foveated rendering.
Foveated rendering optimizes the video game’s performance by rendering crisp images of what the player sees right in front of their eyes. Everything in their peripheral view is rendered at a lower quality.
Additional PS VR2 specs you need to know about include:
- Its 4K HDR quality
- A field of view of approximately 110 degrees
- Its OLED screen, which is the same display method as that in the PS VR
Aside from these features, Sony hasn’t given any information on the weight and dimensions of their highly anticipated PlayStation VR device, something players are concerned about as it could significantly affect their gaming experience.
With regard to the price and release date of the PS VR2, Sony has made no announcements yet. But reports say the second-gen VR system will be released by the end of 2022.
Second-Gen PlayStation VR: Games to Expect
Sony has confirmed only one game for the PS VR2. And it’s currently being developed specifically for its upcoming VR system.
Horizon Call of the Mountain, a Guerrilla Games production and a VR version of its Horizon series, is set to be “one of the biggest exclusive franchises” to grace the PS VR2. It will offer players a more intimate view of the world in Horizon, the blog published on PlayStation’s official website notes.
However, TechRadar reports other VR games are also likely to be playable using the PS VR2. But keep in mind the following list is mere speculation. Sony hasn’t confirmed any of these titles yet, the TechRadar article says.
A Few VR Games Rumored to be Compatible with the PS VR2:
- Among Us VR
- Half-Life: Alyx
- Resident Evil Village
- No Man’s Sky
- Zenith: The Last City
In Summary
The PS VR2, slated to be released by the end of 2022, seems like a massive upgrade from PS VR, the first-gen VR system by Sony.
Notable features in the new PlayStation VR system include:
- A higher panel resolution
- Eye-tracking technology
- Wider field of view
- 4K HDR quality
- An OLED screen
Horizon Call of the Mountains is, so far, the only game confirmed to be playable using the PS VR2. However, a report by TechRadar lists down other potentially compatible VR games, either existing or scheduled for release soon.
So, what are you waiting for? Develop your virtual reality game ahead of everyone else. You can still speed up your VR art production by teaming up with expert 3D modeling artists for games this instant!
Build your team of excellent VR artists fast and outsource virtual reality art development to NarraSoft.
Want to work with us? Send us an email at sales@narrasoft.com or use our chat box or contact form. Let’s bring your VR game to the next level!