Virtual Reality (VR) has fast become a popular modern technology, offering immersive experiences that overcome the limitations of traditional media. As an XR development studio, we’ve explored many different VR applications. Lets dig into the myriad of uses for VR and how they are shaping everything from entertainment to social interactions.

Entertainment
Firstly, Single Player Games, such as Beat Saber, have revolutionised the gaming landscape. By combining rhythm, movement, and music, players are transported into electrifying experiences that challenge both their physical and mental capabilities.

Conversely, Team-based Games, such as Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes provide unique opportunities for collaborative gaming experiences. In this instance, a team of individuals work together to defuse a bomb in a high-pressure scenario, each member relying on their communication and problem-solving skills to succeed. Such games not only foster teamwork but also provide an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Basic VR unlocks the playing of films and movies, in 2D, 3D and 360. But there is potential to redefine cinematic experiences. From immersive storytelling to interactive narratives, VR films transport viewers to worlds beyond imagination, allowing them to become active participants rather than passive observers. And of course, you can even watch it with your friends from wherever you are in the world.

Furthermore, VR offers the opportunity of exploration and escapism. Virtual worlds provide endless possibilities for exploration. Whether it’s visiting distant planets, ancient civilizations, or fantastical realms, VR enables users to travel without leaving their homes, expanding their horizons in ways previously unimaginable.

Sports

VR isn’t just about entertainment; it can also enhance real-world skills. Athletes can use VR simulations to improve their techniques, analyse their performances, and even prevent injuries by practising in safe, controlled environments.

Take Golf+, the official VR Golf game of the PGA Tour, which has been supported by the likes of Rory McIlroy. Golf+ allows use of realistic, virtual reproductions of real golf courses without the concern of weather or time restraints. Read more about it here.

Wellness

Relaxation and Mental Health can be supported in VR, such as through our Zen VR experience. And its not just us that have spotted this, applications such as Tripp are helping people everyday with mediation and gratitude.

VR applications such as these have proven to be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief. From tranquil environments in a fantastical forest to guided meditation sessions, VR experiences offer a sanctuary where individuals can unwind and rejuvenate their minds.

Healthcare

According to VeryWellHealth.com, VR-based exercises are aiding in a variety of therapeutic settings including supporting those with Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and more.

There are even applications beginning to treat amblyopia (or lazy eye).

With so much potential, its no surprise that VR is also used in exposure therapy to treat phobias, PTSD, and anxiety disorders by gradually exposing patients to their fears in a controlled environment.

Training and Learning

Another topic we have explored in depth as a development studio is training and learning. 

Applications of VR can be found in medical settings, safety training, as well as military. Surgeons can practice complex procedures, firefighters can hone their skills in realistic fire simulations, and military personnel can undergo immersive training exercises that prepare them for real-world scenarios. This allows recreation of hazardous or inaccessible environments for training purposes without the real-life risk, or in the case of medicine, training and preparation for complex procedures.

It has even been used to prepare for a complex separation of conjoined twins using CT, ultrasound and MRI scans to produce detailed models of the patients to identify risks ahead of surgery – read more.

Education can also take advantage of VR by making learning more engaging and interactive. Students can step into historical events, explore the human body, or embark on virtual field trips to far-off destinations, bringing their lessons to life in ways that textbooks cannot. For example, the Horizon of Khufu explores the wonders of Egypt from 4500 years back in time – who knew you could travel in both time and space in an afternoon!

Applications such as Noun Town also provide immersive environments where users can practice speaking and listening skills in real-world scenarios.

Lastly, VR simulations continue to be widely used for training pilots, drivers, and other professionals who require hands-on experience in controlled environments. As you can imagine, the cost-effectiveness is a big draw for any basic training. Read more.

Business

Generically speaking, businesses of all kinds can use VR to meet virtually and escape the limitations of traditional video conferencing. By creating virtual boardrooms, teams can collaborate seamlessly regardless of their physical locations, fostering communication and productivity.

There are also VR team-building exercises that provide a fun and interactive way for colleagues to bond and develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Those would include Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes as mentioned earlier.

Social

Similarly to Business uses, VR social platforms such as VRChat allow people to connect in virtual spaces, whether it’s attending concerts, hosting parties, or simply chatting with friends in virtual lounges. These experiences offer a sense of presence and connection that traditional social media cannot replicate.

Art

VR art tools like Tilt Brush enable artists to unleash their creativity in immersive environments, sculpting and painting in ways that were once impossible. You may have seen Tilt Brush on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in the US. An ‘Artists In Residence’ program has even been formed to showcase popular artist’s new work using the tool.

Virtual galleries also provide a platform for artists to showcase their work to a global audience, transcending the limitations of physical exhibitions. Even the National Gallery offers virtual tours!

Engineering and Design

VR allows engineers and designers to create and test product prototypes in virtual environments, saving time and resources in the development process. It can also support the testing of performance of vehicles, machines, or structures in various conditions, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Architects and interior designers can use VR to visualise their designs in 3D space, allowing clients to explore virtual prototypes and make informed decisions before construction begins. You may have even seen this in action on the “Your Home Made Perfect” BBC show.

Simulation and Role-Playing

VR experiences can help individuals develop empathy and understanding by placing them in the shoes of others, such as experiencing life with a disability or understanding different perspectives in conflict resolution. You can see this in action in the Unseen 360 VR experience where you are given insight of a modern day slave, hearing their thoughts and seeing the conditions they live in everyday.

In conclusion, the uses of VR are vast and diverse, spanning entertainment, wellness, training, healthcare, business, art, social interactions, engineering, simulation, and therapy. As a development studio, we’re excited to continue exploring the limitless possibilities of this transformative technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and unlocking new realms of imagination.