The era of virtual reality games is coming... you can bet on it! With the advent of the first PC-powered consumer VR headsets in 2016 (I’m looking at you, Oculus Rift!), it is only logical that virtual reality games, which are currently some sort of a type of novelty in the gaming community, will start to pick up. However, it’s always good to know what you’re getting into before you actually get into them. So, here’s a nice little introduction to virtual reality games.

Virtual reality games are computer games that can allow their players to experience the game as if the players themselves are actually in the digital in-game environment. It is not merely a 3D version of a game; much like a 3D movie... it is something more! Instead of only having a 3D effect, the game also allows you to see the in-game environment in a 360 degree manner. Yes, this means you can see as though the digitally-rendered world is all around you. It is very different from viewing a game environment on a flat LED screen, and it is a profound experience, particularly for someone who is entirely new to virtual reality.

Like normal games, virtual reality games are also categorized into groups of game genres, such as shooters, role-playing games, and more. In fact, there are already 2 fine examples of 2 different game genres which are currently residing in Virtual Reality Games Free - Jack and Tess: Finding Monsters Adventure, an adventure game, and Temple Run VR, an endless running game. However, at the moment, the types of genres available are not as extensive as your usual games. For instance, there aren’t any virtual reality match-3 games as far as I know.

Interestingly though, new types of games are popping up instead! After all, virtual reality headsets have so much more to offer to its players, and it is a pity if the games that we could play on it provide the same experience as playing the games on our computers or mobile devices. One such game is Temple Run VR. You could opt for the usual controls of swiping on the touchpad to move your virtual “avatar” in the game, but the best part is that you can change the setting to allow the game to track your head movements and change the lane your virtual “self” is running on depending on which direction you tilt your head to. It is most definitely an eye-opening experience!

All of these may seem incredible now, but I assure you that the best part of virtual reality gaming lies in the promise of the future. Present-day virtual reality games only utilize the functions provided by current virtual reality headsets, which are admittedly limited. After all, virtual reality has only recently (within these few years, that is) picked up its pace.

However, with the advance of technology and science, it is not only possible, but also probable that one day, we gamers will be able to, for example, hook up sensors-laden gloves and suit to a more high-tech version of virtual reality headset, and experience a virtual reality game that will interact with more than 1 of our body’s senses. This is something that every lifelong gamer would wait with bated breath.