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AR and VR will revolutionize the world and especially the online gaming sector. Just as science fiction comes out, we’ll soon be enjoying ourselves in this metaverse, thanks to a new interface that looks like VR and AR combined.

According to International Data Corporation, AR/VR generated revenue of $12 billion in 2020, which is expected to grow to $72.8 billion by 2024. Currently, 80% of revenue is contributed by the gaming industry.

Despite being similar technologies with names that sound almost the same, virtual reality and augmented reality are completely different. Both use cases allow gamers to experience certain things that they would not otherwise experience.

Augmented reality replicates artificial things in a real environment, while VR creates an artificial environment to inhabit. In augmented reality, 3D graphics are used to overlay computer-generated images over the user’s image of the real world. This is possible because computers use sensors and algorithms to determine the orientation of a camera.

The main differentiator between the two is that VR completely replaces or hides your real world with a highly realistic artificial environment, while AR enhances your current reality by adding a computer-generated image on top of it.

These technologies together help to create a realistic image along with sound and other sensations to provide an imaginary setting that encourages a gamer’s physical presence in the environment. In other words, they offer what you might call mixed reality, in which the real world and the virtual world merge seamlessly. When games are embedded in real-world objects, AR and VR make it possible to play in a virtual museum, theater, jungle or in a cricket stadium, for example.

Another factor contributing to the growth of VR is that unlike traditional gaming, which requires players to be physically present in the same room, VR offers unlimited opportunities to be social. This allows online gamers to connect with each other in a more natural way and build better relationships.

The Indian gaming industry has evolved from humble beginnings to break down gender and economic barriers and have crossed the age limits to offer something for everyone. India has one of the largest youth populations in the world and is soon on track to become the world’s leading gaming destination. With such a huge opportunity to capture brand awareness and consumer loyalty, the online video game industry in India is ripe for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.

According to research, Asia-Pacific currently dominates the global VR gaming market with a 40% share of global revenue and is expected to continue to do so for the next 5-7 years.

As internet penetration and accessibility are the growth drivers of mobile gaming, the rollout of 5G technology will further accelerate the adoption of AR/VR with its virtually non-existent latency and high bandwidth.

Mobile devices with 5G support will provide a strong boost to young people from second and third cities in India who are already pursuing full-time gaming careers. Faster downloads would mean faster delivery of existing experiences with the ability to deliver more complex, larger and more immersive worlds to gamers. The online industry is already looking forward to cloud gaming and the impact of 5G on this technology. While cloud gaming technology is still in its infancy, it still has huge potential to democratize gaming and bring it to the masses. The advent of 5G brings a better cloud gaming experience to gamers using edge computing, allowing gamers without high-end gaming systems or hardware to also play the latest AAA games.

An increase in the community of gamers across India is enabling game developers and storytellers to work on more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.

Briefly:

The potential to use AR and VR to deliver differentiated customer experiences is huge. In the near future, AR and VR will gradually transform the marketing landscape from a luxury to a necessity for gaming companies. Just as keyboards and screens have changed the way we interacted with computers, this new interface will be a transformative step towards a revolution in online gaming.

This article is written by Naveen Goswami, Head of Innovation, Witzeal Technologies

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