Alright, I saw a short article on this over at ENWorld. My reaction to the promo video linked there was literally "WTF?"
So I moved on to the company's actual website at AltVR.com It appears that this is an actually licensed "something" for Dungeon & Dragons 5e.
I'm head scratching at the moment. How this is more like playing at a "real" table instead of using Roll20 or the like is beyond me. I guess we need virtual avatars to more virtual pieces.
Layers upon layers of virtual reality...
Yeah...Lets make something that is basically simple and complicate it entirely!
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to type all the acronyms needed to express my disbelief that this official and licensed!
This is actually great fun, I'm having a blast experimenting with it and I'm looking forward to running my first proper game this week.
ReplyDeleteBear in mind that VR is still in it's infancy. We're still waiting for the proper commercial/mainstream release of the first headsets so this is an evolving technology.
Experiencing the environment in 3D with a VR headset (and spatial audio) is totally different from watching this short video. Head movement is totally natural, the audio quality is excellent +AltspaceVR have done a pretty good job of providing a functioning table top tool with within a VR environment. In terms of features it's quite primitive, especially compared to something like Roll20 but is has a lot of potential. It's good to see WOTC involved too, though personally I'll be running some old school D&D in there if I can find enough players!
So, in addition to requiring purchasing the software you need a $500 VR headset??
DeleteThat seems to be unattainable for most gamers that are on a budget...kind of ridiculous!
I think for the time being it's aimed at VR enthusiasts, a fair percentage of whom also game. As I said, it's emerging tech. Not long ago a smart phone was out of reach of most folk, now they are much more affordable.
DeleteThe software we're talking about here is free btw.
DeleteCan I runnit on my desktop?
ReplyDeleteYup, you won't get the same immersion, it feels more 'clunky' but it's possible to run it. Check out the AltspaceVR client
DeleteI'm not really the audience for this because:
ReplyDelete1) I strongly prefer to game in person and
2) I would rather chew a jumbo roll of tinfoil than play 5e in ANY venue.
Still, good luck to the creators, I guess. At least they're not Gareth Skarka or Ken Whitman.
Sounds a lot like this old "World of World of Warcraft" spoof by The Onion: http://www.theonion.com/video/warcraft-sequel-lets-gamers-play-a-character-playi-14240
ReplyDeleteMy first game went pretty well http://oldschoolgaming.tumblr.com/post/133988679368/dd-in-vr
ReplyDelete