Virtual Reality (VR) is changing the outlook of the gaming world and one such new product is the integration of VR with physical board games. Picture yourself engaged in a game of online blackjack but not using a screen, rather looking at a round table with other people who are also playing the game.
The Evolution of Board Games
It is important to state that the use of board games is one of the most popular forms of interaction in societies across the world for centuries. From famous games like Go of the old days to modern games like Monopoly and Settlers of Catan, these games have overcome the purpose of playing and promoted communication, strategy and enjoyment.
However, how we play these games has not significantly changed, at least not in the past. There is a transition also in how board games are being played and experienced due to the emergence of VR. VR technology provides an environment that can mimic the aspect of touching and interacting with peers in board games while at the same time increasing the aspect of interactivity that cannot be brought about by traditional board games.
The Rise of VR in Gaming
Virtual Reality or VR for short, has not been new to games for it has been around for several years now. Some examples of VR currently in use include the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, and the PlayStation VR for game players to fully engage with what has to be some of the most realistic video games one could imagine.
They track each step and the interaction with the surrounding environment and use natural ways to control objects and other factors in the simulated environment. Concerning VR, to begin with, it can initially be associated with video games even though the application of the given concept is much broader. Of all those genres, board games most suit this technological advancement since they are traditional and involve group interaction.
Bringing Board Games to Life in VR
Well, it is necessary to figure out how the addition of VR improves the gameplay of the traditional board game. It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and explore how this technology is changing our favorite tabletop games.
Enhanced Immersion
Another strength of using VR is that it allows for the creation of an engaging environment for its users. When people are playing chess, it can be compared to actual real life when the person is as big as the chess board and moves the chessman with his hands.
Those could be described as an active version of Clue where one can investigate a digital mansion, talk to suspects, and collect hints. Such scenarios become feasible with VR – they suck you into the game like nothing else can.
Social Interaction
Board games are inherently social and VR does not eliminate this aspect because multiple players can immerse in the same game at once. In the case of a VR board game, a person can observe how other participants look and behave, engage in live conversations, and read nonverbal cues. This kind of interaction is so much more immersive than the usual multiplayer games where communication is often textual or, at best, through voice chat.
Realistic Mechanics
The physical game mechanics may be accurately translated to VR. It is possible to shake the dice, mix the cards, and move pieces on the board as it is done in the real world. This attention to detail does make the experience feel more like a traditional board game, which is a positive since this adds the benefits of VR to a board game-type experience.
Expanding the Boundaries
Unlike its real-life counterparts, VR board games do not have physical limitations. It allows game designers to come up with conditions and circumstances that are unimaginable in real life. Picture yourself in Risk where you are a general of an army on an unknown planet or Ticket to Ride where train tracks are not between different states but through fairy lands. The possibilities are virtually infinite, determined solely by the creativity of the artists.
Popular VR Board Games
Some VR board games have already gained popularity and give people a taste of this exciting experience, such as Onward, Keep Talking, Nobody Explodes, and others.
Catan VR
The fans of the famous game Settlers of Catan will find Catan VR quite familiar and exciting. There exist real-time features that allow forming settlements, barter resources, and even clash with other players in a 3D space. The game stays true to the strategy of the first original version while enhancing the ranking.
Chess Ultra VR
Chess Ultra VR, based on a traditional chess game, has enhanced the graphics features plus a real touch-feel on the board. You can play alone against the computer or other players.
Tabletop Simulator
Tabletop Simulator will prove useful when playing all sorts of board games as it is compatible with VR and easy to use. They are available in such popular names as Monopoly, Poker, and others chosen by the online community. Because the game is playable on a wide range of devices, it is a popular option for individuals who enjoy board games and want to discover them from a different perspective.
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