IS OCULUS GO A REAL WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLISHERS?

The wireless VR future started with the new mobile VR headset Oculus Go’s debut worldwide. Running on the Android platform, this all-in-one device has the potential to win a massive fan base – not only Android’s global market share* of 85.9% but Apple’s fans as well.

The feature of Oculus Go is that it is entirely independent and doesn’t require any additional hardware — while previous versions required either a computer or a mobile phone to be connected. The headset tracks head rotation (even though not in full motion), and it uses a remote control for pointing.

And compared to previous VR devices, Oculus Go is quite affordable. Even Mark Zuckerberg called it “the easiest way to get into VR.” The lightweight standalone virtual reality headset costs only $199. It doesn’t require anything extra — no brand-specific smartphones, no computers to connect to, no cables — absolutely nothing that could limit the player from fully immersing into the game.

Oculus Go is compatible with the same Oculus Mobile SDK and Unity/Unreal integrations that power Oculus applications on Samsung Gear VR. While most Gear VR apps will run unmodified on Oculus Go, compatibility issues exist and must be dealt with. Oculus Go’s choice of game mechanics is limited since it does not have a 2D phone display and only has one controller, so the content has to be reworked or entirely built from scratch.

New Opportunities in Game Development Landscape

To make use of this very first truly mobile VR technology, game publishers and developers have to tap into the world of VR games compatible with the highly promising new device. They now can reach new audiences who were previously shy of VR because it required some serious investment.

This opens a whole new world of opportunities. Here are just a few reasons you should start developing a game for Oculus Go right now to get ahead of other talented game developers who are busy creating updates to their previously launched titles.

• The device’s platform is specifically designed for virtual reality and Oculus Go is designed to be an entry point for the VR-curious which means it’s a good point to hook them up with your title at the very beginning of their VR journey
• The device’s 538 ppi 2560 x 1440 WQHD graphics together with 72Hz refresh mode provide a more smooth VR gaming experience and showcase your art to the fullest
• The adjustments to the games created for Gear VR are pretty minimal. Moreover, is simpler to develop for it because it removes the need to test on different phones.

With access to new audiences, hungry for VR experiences, and so far low competition in the store, Oculus Go opens up new opportunities for publishers and developers and brings VR from niche entertainment to the mass market, so it’s the perfect time to take your game experience to a whole new level.

*Android – Statics and Facts https://www.statista.com/topics/876/android/