Xbox Co-Creator Slams VR: Is the Hype Finally Over?

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Summary

  • Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley dislikes VR due to lack of appeal, method of play, and user experience.
  • Xbox hasn’t pursued VR like PlayStation, but Microsoft is partnering with Meta for a VR headset.
  • Despite lacking a killer app, VR is gaining popularity with successful titles, Meta headsets, and potential growth.

Seamus Blackley, one of the co-creators of Xbox, openly expresses his disapproval towards virtual reality (VR) and doesn’t shy away from voicing his opinions about the current state of VR technology. Despite being out of the Xbox team for more than two decades, his stance on VR seems to align with some past statements made by Xbox regarding it.

In the realm of virtual reality (VR), there’s been a split of opinions among console gaming giants about whether it’s a worthwhile pursuit. Sony has entered the VR scene with their PS VR and its upgraded version, two headsets that leverage the power of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Meta has found success with their Quest series of VR headsets, while Nintendo experimented with basic VR using the Switch Nintendo Labo. Interestingly, Microsoft’s Xbox hasn’t yet shown enthusiasm for jumping on the VR bandwagon by developing its own headset. Recently, one of the original co-creators of the Xbox shared his thoughts on this matter.

In an interview with VideoGamer Podcast (through PC Guide), Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley explains that one reason Virtual Reality (VR) hasn’t become more popular is due to the absence of a standout, compelling game or “killer app,” and also because of how the games are experienced. Blackley notes that people have high expectations for what VR can offer, but often find the headset uncomfortable and underwhelming, describing it as a heavy, strange, and disappointing device. To those passionate about virtual reality, he acknowledges that neither VR nor Augmented Reality (AR) have caught on yet, apologetically stating, “I’m sorry to say this, but it’s just the truth.

Blackley Mirrors Prior Xbox Stance, But Industry is Shifting

It appears that the question of Virtual Reality (VR) compatibility for Xbox consoles has long been a topic of interest among fans. Previously, Xbox chief Phil Spencer stated that there wasn’t much demand for VR. However, it now seems that this viewpoint may have changed, as Microsoft and Meta (formerly Facebook) are collaborating to develop a VR headset specifically tailored for Xbox gamers. Interestingly, the Xbox Cloud Gaming app allows users to play Xbox games on existing Meta headsets, even though these titles don’t offer full VR integration. Instead, players can enjoy an expansive virtual screen when using a Meta VR headset to play their favorite games.

Recently, Meta’s VR headsets have been performing well, with both the Meta Quest 2 and the upcoming Meta Quest 3S reportedly experiencing strong sales. The division responsible for designing these headsets, Meta Reality Labs, recorded its highest quarterly revenue to date in Q4 2024, reaching over $1 billion. Despite the company still running at a loss overall, it’s evident that the virtual reality sector is attracting more and more enthusiasts.

While it’s clear that Virtual Reality (VR) hasn’t quite found a blockbuster game to rival the popularity of non-VR titles, there are successful adaptations like “Resident Evil 4” and innovative full-fledged games such as “Half-Life: Alyx,” “Beat Saber,” and “VR Chat.” Whether VR can match the player base of current-gen consoles and PCs is uncertain, but the gaming industry hasn’t given up on VR just yet.

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2025-03-01 03:24