London has established itself as one of the world’s hotspots for virtual reality development, with numerous companies in the city working on future developments. Many of these innovative businesses have emerged over the last four years, hoping to be at the heart of the VR boom when it happens.
The online casino industry is expected to be an early pioneer of VR, and the booming sector could help the technology to blow up. With this industry thriving in the UK, London companies may play a part in the integration of VR with iGaming.
Online casinos expected to adopt VR
Whenever new technology emerges, it needs key industries to get behind it so it can reach the masses. Many people expect online casinos to lead the push, as they famously adapt to new technology whenever it emerges. Online slot games, for example, have evolved massively over the last few years. Now, games like Spirit Wolf Wins and Frontier Fishing have advanced cut scenes and are designed to immerse players in different worlds.
VR would be the logical next step for these titles, as it would transport players to digital landscapes related to the games’ themes. NetEnt has already toyed with this concept, and it created Jack’s World VR as a prototype in 2016 when VR was first expected to boom. It allowed players to explore a fantasy setting, where some giant reels were set within the game’s landscape.
VR could also be an upgrade for table games, as it would allow players to get closer to the action and feel as if they’re in a casino. Microgaming previously made a VR roulette prototype, highlighting the potential of the technology in the casino sector.
Various innovative VR companies in London
There are countless companies in London that are hoping to help VR enter the mainstream, and it’s hard to pinpoint which one will have the biggest impact. According to the latest projections, the UK AR and VR industry will grow at a CAGR of 26.4 per cent until 2027, and this will likely be thanks to competition and collaboration between the numerous companies in London.
RiVR is one brand to watch out for in terms of integration with the online casino industry. That’s because it specialises in making photorealistic environments for immersive storytelling. Currently, the main application of its products is in training for dangerous jobs such as firefighting.
Its digital scenarios are so realistic that they can give people a sense that they are in a real world situation. From there, they can learn essential skills without risking their lives. This technology could be used way beyond training, and online casino developers may seek to incorporate it in their own games.
VR development is progressing in different ways across a variety of industries, and it hasn’t had a major impact in the online casino market yet. However, the great work that London’s VR companies are doing could get the attention of casino studios who want to up the immersive levels of their games.
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