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Virtual and augmented reality technology found its way into the online casino scene years ago, but like in other forms of entertainment, it’s yet to really take off. With that said, the market is reliably growing, and it’s only a matter of time before more mainstream efforts arrive for consumers.
While many online casino games could make strong fits for AR and VR, poker shows perhaps the most potential. Looking at the current state of the market and the possibilities these technologies imply, we can make solid predictions about what might come next, and why they're so likely to succeed.
The core components of modern online poker that lend it so well are these points of flexibility and low hardware demands. These major limiting factors prevent AR and VR from working easily in many video games, which was often the main target for this new viewing tech.
"Oculus Quest II" (CC BY 2.0) by max.prandstaetter
Online poker wasn't just convenient, it also offered significant departures from the traditional game. By not limiting players by their proximity to others, online poker players could practice their skills whenever they wanted, never having to organize groups of travel to events. No face-to-face interaction also meant that online poker was more mathematical, where more humanistic elements became less relevant.
Moving to VR would end these traditional forms of online poker onto a new stage. It would still be convenient, and it would still be more mathematical, but it would also be more potentially engaging through virtualized environments and animated 3D face-to-face contact.
AR potential would go in the other direction. Through a camera setup, it would be possible to stream real players into a player’s direct environment, essentially mirroring play at a distance. This would combine the convenience of online play with the human aspects of physical play, opening up profound potential in remote games and worldwide tournaments.
"Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg" (CC BY 2.0) by Maurizio Pesce
Though the technology for AR and VR approaches already exists, it’s likely to be at least another decade before it reaches mainstream implementation. The barriers to entry are simply too large for many companies to bet on an unproved market, but this will undoubtedly change with time. Make no mistake, AR and VR poker will eventually become killer apps that reshape the way we play the game online, it’s just a matter of when.
While many online casino games could make strong fits for AR and VR, poker shows perhaps the most potential. Looking at the current state of the market and the possibilities these technologies imply, we can make solid predictions about what might come next, and why they're so likely to succeed.
The Modern Online Poker Market Today
Online poker created a revelation in the popularity of the game. Modern websites offering games like Mississippi Stud Online provide access from practically anywhere with an internet connection, with only minor system demands. Whether playing on smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, the full game experience is immediately available without compromise, lending itself perfectly to newer platforms.The core components of modern online poker that lend it so well are these points of flexibility and low hardware demands. These major limiting factors prevent AR and VR from working easily in many video games, which was often the main target for this new viewing tech.
"Oculus Quest II" (CC BY 2.0) by max.prandstaetter
The Strengths of Online Poker in AR and VR
Both AR and VR show significant potential in VR and AR implementation, with each leveraging one side of an already successful market. The potential in VR leans into the spread of traditional online poker. This first reached the world wide web in the late 90s and quickly became an international phenomenon.Online poker wasn't just convenient, it also offered significant departures from the traditional game. By not limiting players by their proximity to others, online poker players could practice their skills whenever they wanted, never having to organize groups of travel to events. No face-to-face interaction also meant that online poker was more mathematical, where more humanistic elements became less relevant.
Moving to VR would end these traditional forms of online poker onto a new stage. It would still be convenient, and it would still be more mathematical, but it would also be more potentially engaging through virtualized environments and animated 3D face-to-face contact.
AR potential would go in the other direction. Through a camera setup, it would be possible to stream real players into a player’s direct environment, essentially mirroring play at a distance. This would combine the convenience of online play with the human aspects of physical play, opening up profound potential in remote games and worldwide tournaments.
"Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg" (CC BY 2.0) by Maurizio Pesce
Though the technology for AR and VR approaches already exists, it’s likely to be at least another decade before it reaches mainstream implementation. The barriers to entry are simply too large for many companies to bet on an unproved market, but this will undoubtedly change with time. Make no mistake, AR and VR poker will eventually become killer apps that reshape the way we play the game online, it’s just a matter of when.
